The Giants converted just one third down in 10 attempts and one fourth down in four tries. They also struggled in the red zone, scoring a touchdown on one of three drives inside the 20. The Giants have a 20 percent touchdown rate in the red zone this season.
“I missed football.” – left tackle Andrew Thomas said after playing for the first time since he suffered a season-ending foot injury on Oct. 13, 2024
Thomas took on more in practice each week but was ultimately ruled out for the first two games of the season. Leading up to Week 3, Thomas practiced three days in a row for the first time in his rehab process and was listed as questionable on the final injury report. He ended up starting but was on snap limit for the game (he played 28). Rookie Marcus Mbow, a fifth-round pick, relieved him late in the first half and played the remaining 38 snaps.
Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. suffered a shoulder injury with 1:34 left in the first quarter and was initially listed as questionable to return. He was later downgraded to out for the remainder of the game. The Giants began the night with a heavy dose of the second-year running back, who touched the ball on the first five plays from scrimmage (four carries and one reception).
Speaking of early injuries, the Giants were thrown a curveball right before the opening kickoff. Kicker Graham Gano injured his groin during final warmups while the defensive starters were being introduced in the home opener. The veteran could not kick in the first half and was relegated to “a certain distance” in the second half.
The Giants’ opening possession stalled at the Chiefs 28 with punter Jamie Gillan warming up on the kicking net instead of Gano. Daboll kept the offense on the field for fourth-and-three at the Chiefs 28. Wilson dropped back to pass, but it was batted down near the line of scrimmage by linebacker Nick Bolton for a turnover on downs.
Following Skattebo’s touchdown, the left-footed Gillan had his first extra point attempt blocked by defensive end Ashton Gillotte. Special teams ace Gunner Olszewski assumed holding duties for Gillan, the usual holder for Gano.
The Giants did not attempt another field goal or PAT until 10:12 left in the fourth quarter, when Gano made his first appearance of the game and made a 25-yard field goal to cut the deficit to seven points at the time.
- TE Chris Manhertz
- LT Andrew Thomas
- LG Jon Runyan
- C John Michael Schmitz
- RG Greg Van Roten
- RT Jermaine Eluemunor
- TE Theo Johnson
- WR Malik Nabers
- WR Wan’Dale Robinson
- QB Russell Wilson
- RB Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- OLB Brian Burns
- DL Dexter Lawrence
- DL Roy Robertson-Harris
- OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux
- ILB Bobby Okereke
- OLB Abdul Carter
- CB Cor’Dale Flott
- CB Paulson Adebo
- CB Dru Phillips
- S Tyler Nubin
- S Jevón Holland
KC: WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder), CB Kristian Fulton (ankle), TE Jared Wiley, RB Elijah Mitchell, DE Michael Danna (quad), C Hunter Nourzad
NYG: LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf), LB Darius Muasau (concussion/eye), DL Chauncey Golston (ankle), OL Evan Neal, TE Thomas Fidone II, DL Rakeem Nuñez-Roches Sr. (foot), QB Jameis Winston (3rd QB)
WHAT THE LOSS MEANS FOR THE GIANTS
The Giants will look for their first win of the season against one of the league’s final six unbeaten teams. The Chargers, who will be the second AFC West team to travel to MetLife Stadium in as many weeks, improved to 3-0 on Sunday with a 23-20 victory over the Denver Broncos.
