What’s Gone Wrong for the New York Giants in 2024?

The New York Giants entered the 2024 NFL season with hopes of building on last year’s promise. Armed with young talent, a respected coaching staff, and a fanbase eager for success, expectations were high. Unfortunately, as the season unfolded, the Giants have stumbled through a series of challenges that have left them languishing in the standings. Here’s a breakdown of what has gone wrong for the Giants in 2024.

1. Quarterback Struggles

The most glaring issue has been the inconsistency at quarterback. Daniel Jones, fresh off a hefty contract extension, has been unable to recapture his form from previous seasons. His decision-making has regressed, leading to costly turnovers in critical moments. Compounding the issue, injuries have limited his availability, forcing the Giants to rely on backups who lack the experience or skill to compete at a high level. The revolving door at quarterback has disrupted the offense’s rhythm and confidence.

2. Offensive Line Woes

The offensive line has been a significant liability. Despite offseason investments in both the draft and free agency, the unit has struggled to protect the quarterback or establish a consistent running game. Injuries to key players, including left tackle Andrew Thomas, have exacerbated the situation. Opposing defenses have exploited these weaknesses, consistently pressuring the Giants’ quarterbacks and stifling their offensive output.

3. Ineffective Play Calling

While head coach Brian Daboll was lauded for his creative offensive schemes last season, the 2024 campaign has seen a noticeable drop in ingenuity. The play-calling has often been predictable, with a reliance on short passes and ineffective runs that fail to stretch opposing defenses. Critics have pointed out the lack of adjustments during games, leaving the Giants one-dimensional and easy to defend.

4. Defensive Regression

The Giants’ defense, a bright spot in recent years, has also taken a step back. The pass rush has been inconsistent, with Kayvon Thibodeaux and the rest of the front seven failing to generate sustained pressure. In the secondary, missed assignments and blown coverages have become common, leading to big plays and demoralizing touchdowns. The lack of turnovers created by the defense has further compounded the team’s struggles.

5. Loss of Key Players

The departures of Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney during the offseason have left significant voids in the Giants’ roster. Barkley’s absence has deprived the offense of its most dynamic playmaker, putting additional pressure on an already struggling Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, McKinney’s leadership and playmaking ability in the secondary have been sorely missed, contributing to the defensive unit’s regression.

6. Leadership and Morale Issues

Reports of frustration within the locker room have surfaced, with players reportedly questioning the coaching staff’s decisions and the team’s overall direction. The mounting losses have taken a toll on morale, and the lack of veteran leadership has left the team struggling to rally in tough situations. This internal discord has spilled onto the field, where the team often appears unmotivated and disorganized.

7. Tough Schedule

To make matters worse, the Giants have faced one of the toughest schedules in the league this season. Matchups against powerhouse teams like the Eagles, 49ers, and Cowboys have exposed the Giants’ deficiencies. Close losses in winnable games have further highlighted the team’s inability to close out contests.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 season winds down, the Giants face hard questions about their future. Daniel Jones’ long-term viability as the franchise quarterback is under scrutiny, and the front office must evaluate whether changes are needed at key positions—including on the coaching staff. The team’s young core offers hope, but significant adjustments will be required to turn promise into success.

For now, the Giants must focus on finishing the season strong, developing their younger players, and laying the groundwork for a brighter 2025. Fans can only hope that the lessons learned this year will fuel a turnaround in the seasons to come.