
For the first time since 2021, the New York Giants start the season 0-3 after a 22-9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. Before the game even started, the Giants took a critical blow, with their kicker Graham Gano getting injured in pre-game warmups, causing him to miss the majority of the game, and he was only able to kick one 25-yard field goal.
The special teams injury was not the main reason the Giants lost — the offense, led by Russell Wilson, put on an embarrassing performance and let the game slip away.
A lack of adaptability from the coaching staff did no one any favors, but ultimately, once the Giants were without their best offensive lineman, it was only a matter of time before the clock struck midnight on Russell Wilson and his opportunity to run the offense — and he may not be the only one.
Wilson followed up his monstrous 450-yard Week 2 with disappointment. All of his weaknesses were on full display on Sunday night. Kansas City was running a constant two-high safety defense, limiting the Giants’ deep-ball opportunities.
Wilson was expected to work extensively in the intermediate game; instead, he threw nonstop checkdowns and forced multiple deep balls that resulted in turnovers.
Russell Wilson Final Stats
18/32 (56%)
160 yards (5.0 ypa)
0 TD | 2 INT | 2 sacks-0.26 EPA/play (14th %ile)
-6.7% CPOE (NGS)
35% success rate (15/43)10.0 yards aDOT
3.0 yards aDOC
2/11 on attempts of 8+ air yards pic.twitter.com/ZBnPZnmi2D— Doug Analytics (@Doug_Analytics) September 22, 2025
The time Wilson did have a one-on-one opportunity with Malik Nabers downfield, he threw a late, underthrown ball that was intercepted in the endzone. Additionally, he missed looks to Darius Slayton and forced a horrid throw to Wan’Dale Robinson.
Russell Wilson INT #2 pic.twitter.com/6m5SPGCE7q
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) September 22, 2025
The finish to the game did Wilson no favors as well. With a chance to make it a one-possession contest with a few minutes left, Wilson blundered a critical redzone drive. He threw the ball away three times in one series at the goal line, including once for intentional grounding and, to seal New York’s fate, on fourth down.
Some of his problems stemmed from the Giants’ questionable game plan, but Wilson’s execution is inexcusable.
This nightmare game has forced Brian Daboll to name Jaxson Dart the starter for Week 4, a decision that feels rushed.
Andrew Thomas, the All-Pro tackle, played for the first time since Week 6 of last season. His long-awaited return did not disappoint. He did not allow a single pressure in his limited snap count. He looked like his old self and will make a significant difference to the offense when he returns full-time. Unfortunately, when Thomas’ night was done, the offensive line could not hold up.
Andrew Thomas had the Giants highest offensive PFF grade in Week 3 (84.4).
He did not allow a pressure. pic.twitter.com/KlhrP6boEF
— Big Blue Film Room (@BigBlueFilmRoom) September 22, 2025
Rookie Marcus Mbow, who had an impressive debut last week, could not keep up this week. His lack of power was evident, as he was pushed back on multiple bull rushes and allowed numerous quarterback hits. His lackluster day, combined with the constant disappointment of the interior offensive line, set up the Chiefs’ defensive line for a big second half.
Giants Pass Blocking Numbers per PFF
Andrew Thomas: 0 Pressure
Jon Runyan: 1 Sack 1 QB Hit 4 Pressures
John Michael Schmitz: 3 pressures
Greg Van Roten: 2 Pressures
Jermaine Eluemunor: 1 Pressure
Marcus Mbow: 1 Sack 5 QB hits 1 Pressure— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) September 22, 2025
Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson had career days last week and followed it up with a combined 39 yards. Kansas City was clearly scheming against the deep pass all game, but this shouldn’t have stopped these two receivers from getting production. They are both proficient in short-yardage situations and in making defenders miss after the catch.
A week after Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson combined for 17 catches, 309 yards and 3 TDs vs. Dallas, the Chiefs held that duo to just three grabs for 39 yards last night.
What a night for the KC defense. pic.twitter.com/AKeUJLquoS
— Matt McMullen (@KCChiefs_Matt) September 22, 2025
Many of their targets downfield felt forced, and they only negatively affected the offense. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka‘s lack of effort to get easy looks for Robinson and Nabers is a key reason the offense looked stagnant.
The Giants had one of their most efficient running games of the past two years. However, their lack of volume at times was an issue. Rookie Cam Skattebo came in for the injured Tyrone Tracy Jr. in the first half and had an excellent day. Skattebo had ten carries for 60 yards and a touchdown, along with 61 receiving yards.
The Giants were successful on 12 of 24 designed rushes (50%), their best rushing success rate since Week 10 last year vs CAR and only their 7th game above 50% in the Daboll era.
The Chiefs posted 52%, the 12th time the Giants have allowed it under Daboll and the 2nd this season.— Doug Analytics (@Doug_Analytics) September 22, 2025
On paper, the Giants had a successful day running the ball, which makes choosing not to run even more of a huge mistake. Because the Chiefs were scheming against the pass, the Giants should have relied even more on Skattebo and the run game to dominate the time of possession.
A common theme in many of the Giants’ offensive problems this game is the play-calling. Kafka wasn’t able to take advantage of the Chiefs’ game plan, which focused on defending against the deep ball.
It may be time for Brian Daboll to take over play-calling once more to try to salvage the Giants’ season. If Daboll does take over the offense again, Kafka’s time as a Giants coach is over.
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