The Giants' Tough Loss and Kicking Woes Continue
In a series of unfortunate football events, the New York Giants fell to the Washington Commanders with a narrow 21-18 loss during Week 2. The game saw the Giants grappling with both strategic and personnel challenges, leading to their second defeat of the season.
The troubles began early when their reliable kicker, Graham Gano, sustained a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff. The injury left the Giants in a precarious position as they did not have a backup kicker for the game. In an unusual turn of events, punter Jamie Gillan was tasked with attempting the team's first point after touchdown (P.A.T.), which he missed.
Following this initial setback, the Giants opted for two-point conversions after each of their subsequent touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones spearheaded these attempts, though both conversions culminated in incomplete passes. Despite their offensive efforts, the Giants' special teams shortcomings were glaringly evident. Meanwhile, Washington's kicker set a franchise record by making seven field goals.
Greg Joseph Joins the Giants
Seeking to address their kicking conundrum, the Giants signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions' practice squad on Wednesday. At 30 years old, Joseph brings significant experience to the Giants, having previously played for several teams in the NFL. His journey in the league has been anything but straightforward.
Joseph initially struggled to find his footing, failing to secure a spot with the Green Bay Packers early in his career. However, he soon found opportunities with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, followed by a stint with the Tennessee Titans in 2019, and most recently, the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023.
During his time with the Vikings, Joseph demonstrated his clutch kicking ability, notably making five game-winning field goals in 2022. He etched his name into the Vikings' history books with a 61-yard game-winner in Week 16 against the Giants, which stands as the longest made field goal in Vikings history.
Looking to the Future
With the addition of Joseph, the Giants are hopeful that their special teams will find the stability it sorely lacked in their recent performance against the Commanders. While it remains to be seen how Joseph will integrate with his new team, his proven track record of game-winning kicks offers a glimmer of hope.
As the Giants move forward in the season, the narrative surrounding their kicking game will be one to watch. With Gano's status uncertain and Joseph's recent signing, the team faces critical decisions in ensuring they have a reliable option for crucial field goals and points after touchdowns.
The loss to the Commanders and the ensuing roster adjustments underscore the volatile nature of the NFL, where teams must continually adapt to injuries and unforeseen challenges. For the Giants, the resilience and adaptability of both their players and coaching staff will be pivotal as they aim to turn their season around.