The New York Giants offense bounced back in a big way in Week 2, scoring 37 points. Russell Wilson silenced all calls for a quarterback change, Malik Nabers played like the elite receiver he is, and the run game was productive, recording 84 yards at four yards per carry. With all of that, New York still lost the game in overtime, surrendering 40 points to the Dallas Cowboys.
Now, after the offense spent a week under the microscope, it’s the defense’s turn to carry the blame. That’s especially disappointing since New York’s defensive line is supposed to be the best unit on the team. However, the pass rush had a solid game against Dallas. The defensive line could definitely be even better and more consistent, but the unit wasn’t the Giants’ biggest issue on Sunday; the secondary was.
Giants secondary could be an issue for the team moving forward
New York only recorded three sacks, but the defense was pressuring Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and getting the ball out of his hands fast. Still, he completed 38-of-52 passes for 361 yards and two touchdowns to just one interception. That’s a stat line the secondary has to answer for, because Prescott carved the unit up whenever Dallas needed a score.
The secondary looking like so big of a weakness is really disappointing since the franchise addressed the unit in the offseason. The Giants knew the defensive backfield was an issue for them, so they signed guys like Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo. Unfortunately, those acquisitions haven’t paid off yet.
That could change with more time on task, but the unit isn’t off to the best start. If the secondary continues to underwhelm, the Giants could have a hard time winning games. Unless the defensive line elevates to complete game-wrecking status, New York’s secondary will have to improve for the Giants to win games, or the team will find itself in a lot of shootouts like the one on Sunday.
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