The result felt painfully familiar, but the path there was anything but conventional.
The New York Giants suffered their ninth consecutive loss Sunday, falling 16–13 to the Minnesota Vikings in a game defined by defensive grit, offensive dysfunction, and missed opportunities that continue to define New York’s 2025 season.
Despite holding Minnesota without an offensive touchdown for long stretches and generating a defensive score just before halftime, the Giants’ offense produced a season-low 141 total yards and 13 net passing yards, ultimately unable to complement a strong defensive effort.
A Defensive Spark, Again — But Not Enough
For much of the afternoon, the Giants’ defense did more than enough to win.
Edge rusher Brian Burns was relentless, recording two sacks, the second of which changed the entire complexion of the game. Burns strip-sacked Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy late in the second quarter, and safety Tyler Nubin scooped and scored, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 13–10 heading into halftime.
The play not only injected life into MetLife Stadium, it also knocked McCarthy out of the game with a right hand injury. He did not return, leaving Minnesota to turn to Max Brosmer for the second half.
Burns’ sack total now sits at 15 on the season, tying him with franchise legends Michael Strahan and Lawrence Taylor for the seventh-most sacks in a single season in Giants history.
“He don’t stop,” defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II said of Burns. “His motor is always going. We talk a lot about being consistent and attacking every play.”
Lawrence himself continued to disrupt, even if the stat sheet didn’t show a sack.
“I got to him,” Lawrence said bluntly. “Sometimes you don’t get the number, but I affected him. I can’t let numbers hinder my play.”
Historic Struggles Through the Air
While the defense kept New York alive, the offense never found traction — particularly through the air.
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart finished 7-of-13 for 33 yards, with the Giants netting just 13 passing yards after five sacks. The Giants did not record a completed pass until under two minutes remained in the first half.
It marked the first time Dart had ever been part of a game with such limited passing output.
“No, I haven’t,” Dart said when asked if he’d ever experienced anything like it. “Nothing close.”
The game plan leaned heavily on the run early — the Giants attempted just four passes in the first half — as the coaching staff attempted to neutralize Minnesota’s aggressive, blitz-heavy approach.
“They did a good job,” Dart said. “Cover zero, extra rushers, especially on third and fourth down. You just try to stay composed.”
Still, Dart took responsibility for moments he wished he could have back.
“Early on, decision-wise, check-wise, I feel like I could have done a little bit more,” he said. “But you’ve got to go back and watch the tape.”
Offensive Line Chaos Compounds the Issue
The challenge was magnified by yet another reshuffled offensive line.
Left guard Jon Runyan Jr. was ruled out before kickoff due to the birth of his child. Then left tackle Andrew Thomas exited in the second quarter with a hamstring injury, forcing rookie Marcus Mbow into action. Center John Michael Schmitz Jr. later left with a hand injury.
“Communication is huge against a defense like that,” Thomas said. “We were prepared — we just didn’t execute well enough.”
Thomas acknowledged the frustration of another long losing streak.
“It sucks,” he said. “There’s no other way to say it. We’re paid to win in this league, and we’re not right now.”
Penalties, Missed Chances, and a Familiar Ending
The Giants had moments to seize control but couldn’t capitalize. A 96-yard interception return touchdown by Jevón Holland was wiped out by an offsides penalty on rookie Abdul Carter. New York and Minnesota combined for 22 penalties, many of them momentum killers.
Despite tying the game 13–13 on a 39-yard field goal by rookie kicker Ben Sauls — making his NFL debut — the Giants couldn’t get the ball back with enough time to respond after Minnesota drained the clock late.
“We just didn’t play good enough complimentary football,” Dart said. “The defense played an amazing game.”
The Weight of It All
Perhaps most telling were Dart’s words when asked about the broader picture — a third straight season with a prolonged losing streak.
“It’s just not how you plan it out,” he said quietly. “It’s definitely been difficult.”
That sentiment echoed through the locker room.
The Giants are now 2–13, with road trips to Las Vegas and a home finale against Dallas remaining. The questions are no longer just about scheme or execution — but about resilience, development, and how a young quarterback processes weeks like this.
“I’m just trying not to let it happen again,” Dart said.
For the Giants, that has become the hardest task of all.
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