Giants Redefine Rock Bottom vs. Saints

Quarterback Drew Lock was unsuccessful on his first eight pass attempts, and the ground game couldn’t get going against arguably the league’s worst run defense. It was an unspectacular outing both through the air and on the ground, but New York may have outdone itself on special teams.

Kicker Graham Gano gave the Giants their first points with a field goal. But his second field goal of the afternoon was negated after undrafted guard Jake Kubas committed a personal foul. Taking three points off the board wasn’t the biggest mistake of the outing.

In the first half, receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette did his part to bring the Giants back, he took a punt to the house, but that too was called back – this one via a Greg Stroman holding call.

The blunders had head coach Brian Daboll irate, and he had every reason to be. From needless penalties to Lock turning down a first down to run parallel to the line to gain, New York played four quarters of sloppy football. For a coach fighting for his job, it very well could be the nail in the coffin.

Despite the defense holding up its end of the bargain against a mediocre New Orleans offense – made more impressive by defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and a host of starters out with injuries – Lock and the offense simply couldn’t get anything going until late in the fourth quarter.

The field goal gaffe came on the first drive of the fourth quarter. On their next drive Lock was able to deliver on fourth-and-long, setting up a 22-yard catch from Nabers.

At the one-yard line with a chance to make it a one-possession game, running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. finally scored the team’s first touchdown of the afternoon. On the ensuing conversion, Nabers hauled in a tipped pass to bring the difference down to three points.

Saints quarterback Derek Carr hurt himself on a hurdle, putting Jake Haener in position to try and seal the game. The Giants defense quickly shut the door, somehow giving the offense an opportunity to win the game. 

After a short Lock scramble and an incompletion, Lock found receiver Darius Slayton for a downfield gain and a new set of downs. It was their last of the drive -- Lock was forced out of structure on fourth down and threw a near-game-sealing interception. 

However, New York's defense stood tall again, giving the offense a final shot with just over a minute remaining. 

Tracy made another big play, catching a screen to get the Giants closer to midfield. After an incomplete Nabers target and a batted pass, their backs were once again against the wall. Lock -- like he did in Dallas -- used his legs to provide offense when his arm couldn't.

His scrambles moved the chain and on the next play, Nabers sprinted into field goal range.

Three plays later, New York's hopes relied on Gano's leg and clean execution from the field goal unit. Gano's attempt was blocked, putting an exclamation point on the Giants' 11th loss of the season.