Familiar issues haunt Giants in Week 1 as New York falls 21-6 to Washington Commanders in disappointing NFL season opener
The New York Giants dropped their first game of the 2025 season to the Washington Commanders 21-6 because of many of the same problems.
New York Giants fans should feel incredibly frustrated by their team’s performance in Week 1. New York dropped its season opener to the Washington Commanders 21-6, plagued by many of the same issues it hoped would be fixed this offseason.
The preseason was a beacon of hope, as the team was finally executing and playing more fundamentally sound. The Giants reverted to their old ways, playing a sloppy game in every phase.
There were no delusions of grandeur that this team would finish as one of the best teams in the NFL. However, it makes rooting for the Giants brutal as many of the same woes plague this squad.
Let’s discuss two glaring issues and one bright spot from the game.
The inability to execute
Over the past three years under Brian Daboll, the Giants have consistently struggled to execute in multiple areas. That includes issues with finishing promising drives off with touchdowns instead of field goals. It also involves the defense tackling and wrapping up ball carriers in space when they have opportunities to get off the field.
Losing to one of the best teams in the NFL by only 15 feels like a participation trophy. Several positive takeaways present opportunities to build on, unlike in the past when it felt like the team was directionless. But today’s loss is just another example of how this team’s efforts often fall short of translating into wins.
The score doesn’t reflect how much the Giants were outplayed in this game. If it weren’t for the Commanders’ own sloppiness, it could have been significantly more lopsided. The Commanders totalled 12 penalties for 89 yards.
Abandoning all hope after one week is too reactionary, but if the Giants don’t adjust quickly, it’s going to be a long year to endure.
The OL desperately needs Andrew Thomas back
Today, it actually felt like the Giants’ offense could string together steady scoring drives and generate impactful splash plays. However, every time they began to look competent, their success was stalled by brutal pressures and penalties.
Every time Russell Wilson dropped back, the pocket immediately collapsed. When he did have time, holding penalties were eventually called. The most frustrating example was the Giants’ inability to score from the 1-yard line on their first scoring drive.
They allowed eight quarterback hits and two sacks. Their run game was practically nonexistent, as they only ran for 74 yards as a team and averaged 3.2 yards per carry. That looks even worse when you realize that 44 of those yards were off Wilson running for his life and escaping the pocket.
The loss was a reminder that the Giants’ offensive line has potential but will continue to struggle without its star, Thomas. Over the last two seasons, Giants fans have grown accustomed to the stark differences between Thomas’ presence and absence on the field. He returned to practice this week but was listed as doubtful on Friday.
The timetable for Thomas’s return has been extremely unclear and frankly confusing. Some offensive bright spots do provide optimism that once he returns, the Giants’ offense can be more productive than anyone anticipated.
The pass rush is as good as advertised
On a more positive note, the pass rush unit had a promising start to the year.
Wrangling Jayden Daniels is an arduous task, considering he’s one of the most elusive quarterbacks in the NFL. Despite the challenge, the Giants’ pass rush did a tremendous job of pressuring the young superstar. They finished with three sacks and five quarterback hits on the day.
Additionally, rookie Abdul Carter unexpectedly impacted the game on special teams. Ideally, we’d like to see Carter’s ability to change the game happen on defense, but the Giants used him as a punt rusher. He’s way too athletic for the typical backup player to keep up, and that led to a blocked punt.
The Giants will need to adjust quickly if they want to avoid a 0-2 hole against the Dallas Cowboys next Sunday.
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