The New York Giants endured a string of misfortunes, leading to a narrow 21-18 defeat against the Washington Commanders during Week 2. The game, characterized by a series of setbacks for the Giants, highlighted their struggle in the kicking department, which ultimately impacted their performance on the field.
A Series of Unfortunate Events
The trouble began almost immediately for the Giants when kicker Graham Gano suffered a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff. Without a backup kicker on the roster, the Giants were forced into uncharted territory. The responsibility of kicking fell to punter Jamie Gillan, who unfortunately missed the team’s first point after touchdown (P.A.T.). The situation didn’t improve, as the Giants resorted to going for two-point conversions following their subsequent touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones was tasked with attempting two of these two-point conversions, both of which ended in incomplete passes.
Commanders Capitalize
While the Giants struggled with their kicking game, the Washington Commanders capitalized on every opportunity. Washington's kicker set a franchise record by making seven field goals, consistently adding points to the scoreboard and underscoring the significance of a reliable special teams unit.
A Swift Solution
Recognizing the urgent need for a dependable kicker, the Giants moved quickly to sign veteran kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions' practice squad by Wednesday. At 30 years old, Joseph brings a depth of experience to the Giants’ roster. Though he initially missed securing a spot with the Green Bay Packers, Joseph's career includes valuable stints with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, the Tennessee Titans in 2019, and the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023.
Joseph's Proven Track Record
Joseph's tenure with the Vikings is particularly notable, especially in 2022 when he demonstrated his clutch performance by making five game-winning field goals. Among these, his standout 61-yard game-winner during Week 16 against the Giants themselves remains the longest made field goal in Vikings history. This impressive feat illustrates the kind of stability and reliability the Giants hope Joseph will provide to their special teams moving forward.
In a season where every point matters, the Giants’ recent experience underscores the critical importance of a solid kicking game. As they integrate Greg Joseph into their lineup, the team aims to turn the tide and secure more favorable outcomes in the challenging weeks ahead.