Story by
3 Takeawys From New York Giants’ Embarrassing 33-15 Loss
- Story by
- 3 Takeawys From New York Giants’ Embarrassing 33-15 Loss
As bad as the 2025 season has been for the New York Giants (2-11), it hit rock bottom on Monday night as they were thoroughly dominated and outclassed by the New England Patriots (11-2), 33-15.
The final score is not indicative of how much better the Patriots were than the Giants on Monday night. England raced out to a 17-0 lead with one minute remaining in the first quarter, and outgained New York for the game 395 to 239.
Advertisement
Drake Maye made a strong case for MVP with another strong showing, completing 24 out of 31 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns. His counterpart, Jaxson Dart , who made his return after missing the last two games with a concussion, completed 17 out of 24 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown.
It's clear Big Blue has major issues and will likely be underdogs in their final four games. But these are the three biggest takeaways for their loss in Foxborough.
Special teams were atrocious in the first half
David Butler II-Imagn Images
The biggest reason why New York trailed 30-7 at halftime was that their special teams were atrocious. On the opening kickoff, Terrell Jennings returned the ball 39 yards to the Patriots 47-yard line. Then, after New England's defense forced the Giants to punt, they allowed Marcus Jones to score on a 94-yard punt return for the first touchdown of the game.
Advertisement
Then in the second quarter with Big Blue trailing 17-7 on a play that will be replayed all week, Younghoe Koo lined up to kick a 46-yard field goal, but instead of kicking the ball, he kicked the turf, and holder Jamie Gillian was tackled by Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
The miscues didn't end there, as on the ensuing kickoff following a Drake Maye 33-yard touchdown to Kyle Williams , Gunner Olszeski fumbled the kickoff, which was recovered by Elijah Ponder . To make matters worse, the brutal hit knocked Olszeksi out of the game with a concussion.
It was as bad of a half as you will ever see from a special teams unit, and with the way New York has parted ways with coaches this year, you have to wonder if special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial's job is safe.
Abdul Carter 's benching underlines a bigger issue
David Butler II-Imagn Images
Abdul Carter didn't play the first quarter, and it was announced that this was a coach's decision as per ESPN's Laura Rutledge. Shortly thereafter, reports began to surface that the third overall pick in the draft was once again late to a team meeting.
Advertisement
This was the second time in the three games since Mike Kafka was named interim head coach that Carter has been benched to start a game due to being late. The first time occurred on November 16th when he was benched on the opening drive in the Giants' 27-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers .
Carter would enter the game in the second quarter and record his first full sack, and was credited with four tackles. But people have to speculate on whether his lack of maturity is the reason why he's having an underwhelming rookie season.
The former Penn State edge rusher was the favorite coming into the year to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year. But through 13 games, he has just 17 solo tackles and a sack and a half. It's far too early to call him a bust as he can rebound in year two and start living up to expectations. However, no matter what happens in the final four games of the season, his rookie campaign has been a huge disappointment.
More changes could be coming during the bye week
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
The 2-11 Giants will now enter their bye week, and it's clear the frustrations of the season are taking its toll on the team. Brian Burns was seen sitting on the bench as the rest of the team walked into the tunnel during halftime. In addition, despite Dart being back behind center, the offense lacked the energy that we've been accustomed to seeing when Dart's been in the lineup.
Advertisement
Despite the changes at head coach and now with their interim defensive coordinator, Charlie Bullen, nothing is sparking the players, and the team has now lost seven straight and faces the possibility of breaking the franchise record for losses in a season at 14, which they set in 2024.
This could prompt CEO, president, and co-owner John Mara to make some more changes within the organization before the team's Week 15 matchup at home against the Washington Commanders .
Related: 2025 NFL Report Card: Grading All 32 NFL Teams Before Week 14
Related Headlines
