The New York Giants’ season of frustration hit a new low on Sunday as they suffered a humiliating 30-7 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. In a game marked by poor execution, missed opportunities, and lingering questions about the team’s direction, the Giants fell to 3-8 and left fans wondering if head coach Brian Daboll’s seat is beginning to warm.
A Lackluster Performance from Start to Finish
The Giants’ offense, led by quarterback Tommy DeVito in his first start of the season, failed to find rhythm for most of the game. DeVito posted a respectable stat line, completing 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards and adding 32 rushing yards, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a Buccaneers defense that relentlessly pressured him, tallying four sacks and nine quarterback hits.
“I thought Tommy did some good things out there,” Daboll said in his postgame press conference. “But as a team, we didn’t execute, and that starts with me.”
The Giants’ lone score came in the fourth quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by Devin Singletary, long after the game had slipped out of reach.
Defensive Woes Continue
On the other side of the ball, the Giants’ defense looked uncharacteristically “soft,” a term Daboll used repeatedly during his heated media session. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield shredded the unit, throwing for 294 yards while the Bucs piled up 450 total yards and four rushing touchdowns by four different players.
“We missed tackles, didn’t cover well, and didn’t contain Baker in the pocket,” Daboll said. “That’s soft to me.”
The Giants have now gone ten straight games without an interception, tying an NFL record. Additionally, their once-dominant pass rush has vanished, recording just one sack over the last three games after leading the league with 35 through their first eight.
Key Contributors and Missed Opportunities
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers set a new NFL record with 67 catches in his first nine games but was notably absent in the first half, not receiving a single target. He finished with six receptions for 66 yards. Wan’Dale Robinson added five catches for 47 yards, while Tyrone Tracy led the team in rushing with 42 yards but lost a costly fumble inside the Tampa Bay 5-yard line.
“We’re tired of losing,” Nabers said postgame. “This season is not what it should be, and it’s frustrating.”
Daboll Under Pressure
After a 2022 season that saw Daboll win NFL Coach of the Year, the Giants have regressed significantly. Their inability to score—averaging just 14.8 points per game, the lowest mark in over 25 years—has been a glaring issue. Daboll’s decision to bench Daniel Jones earlier this week in favor of DeVito raised eyebrows, and Sunday’s debacle only intensified the scrutiny.
Asked if he regretted the move, Daboll was terse: “We’re moved on here. We didn’t do a good enough job today, and that starts with me.”
When pressed about whether the team has bought into his program, Daboll defended his players’ effort but admitted execution has been lacking.
“I don’t see a lack of effort or selfishness,” Daboll said. “We just have to execute better. It’s the little things, and those little things keep popping up.”
Is Daboll on the Hot Seat?
The Giants’ remaining schedule offers little reprieve, with matchups against playoff-contending teams looming. Daboll’s ability to steer the team through these troubled waters will determine his fate. While he retains support from some players, frustration is clearly mounting within the locker room.
“If Malik (Nabers) is saying he’s tired of losing, I get it. I’m tired of losing too,” Daboll said. “But I’m here to lead, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
The Giants’ ownership has historically been patient, but another uninspired performance like Sunday’s could force John Mara and Steve Tisch to reconsider their commitment to Daboll’s long-term vision.
For now, the Giants are left to pick up the pieces on a short week before facing another daunting opponent. Whether Daboll can rally this team or whether this is the beginning of the end for his tenure remains to be seen.
Final Stats and Takeaways
Giants Offense: 189 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, 1 turnover
Giants Defense: Allowed 450 total yards, 294 passing yards, and 4 rushing touchdowns
Key Milestones: Malik Nabers set an NFL rookie record for receptions in his first nine games (67).
Injury Report: LT Jermaine Eluemunor (quad), OLB Azeez Ojulari (toe)
Next up, the Giants face the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Whether they can rebound from this low point—or if more sweeping changes are on the horizon—will be the story to watch.
Featured Articles
Featured Writers
