6 takeaways from Giants’ Week 16 loss to Ravens
The New York Giants fell to the Baltimore Ravens, 27-13, on Sunday dropping to 5-10 on the season. And yet somehow, they are still alive in the NFC East hunt.
Here are six takeaways from the Week 16 game.
The Giants didn't give up
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
After falling behind 20-3 in a one-sided first half, the Giants went toe-to-toe with Baltimore in the second half, outscoring them, 10-7. The Ravens have been unstoppable of late and have practically unbeatable in December with Lamar Jackson under center since 2018. You could see they wanted to put the Giants away but couldn't get it done. The Giants played with some pride which is an indication of Joe Judge's leadership.
Somehow the season is not over
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
It's hard to believe, I know. Most players on 5-10 teams would normally be cleaning out their lockers and planning vacations and extensions on their mansions. The Giants are preparing for a meaningful Week 17 game thanks to a perfect storm of collapses in the NFC East this year.
Giants keep hitting new lows
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
The loss sealed another double-digit loss season, their fourth straight. That breaks the franchise record of three (1978-80), the end of what we fondly call the "wilderness years." That's a record we never thought would be broken. Not even Dave Gettleman can talk his way out of this one. What a disaster.
Ineptitude abound
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
The Giants ran just three plays in the first quarter, a very ugly three-and-out. The Elias Sports Bureau reported that it was their lowest total in at least 40 years. Their offense is a mess right now. For the third consecutive week, they rushed for under 100 yards after rushing for over 100 yards in eight of the nine previous games. They were also lame on third downs, converting just one of 10 attempts. They were also one-for-three on fourth downs and in the red zone.
What happens if the Giants make the playoffs?
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
This team has so much wrong with it (mainly on offense) that making the playoffs would be like fool's gold. They stink and need to figure out how to fix this offense. They're averaging just 12.4 points per game since their Week 11 bye and have only scored over 30 points once this season. Jason Garrett should be allowed to pursue a new job unfettered. Considering they've used their No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft on offense the past four years, this is disturbing.
The season will come down to the last minute
AP Photo/Gail Burton
If the Giants defeat the Cowboys on Sunday, they will have to wait until late Sunday night to find out their fate since the Washington Football Team will be in Philadelphia facing off with the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. That is so 2020. None of the four NFC East teams belongs in the postseason this year, and here they are gobbling up the primetime spotlight to close out the NFL playoff picture.
