Setting the Stage
The New York Giants will finally return home this weekend, playing their first regular-season game at MetLife Stadium in 2025. But the stakes are heavy. Both the Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs enter Week 3 with identical 0-2 records, making this matchup as much about resilience as it is about execution.
Head Coach Brian Daboll addressed the media on Wednesday, emphasizing consistency, urgency, and a clean slate. “You try to be as consistent as you can, win or lose,” Daboll said. “There are things you do well and want to continue, and there are things you need to evaluate and fix. Once Wednesday hits, it’s full steam ahead.”
Giants Injury Picture
The Giants’ Week 3 injury report highlights several key players in various stages of recovery:
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Out/Did Not Practice:
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LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) – day-to-day.
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ILB Darius Muasau (concussion/eye) – remains in protocol.
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DL Chauncey Golston (ankle) – being backed off early in the week.
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Limited Participation:
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WR Wan’Dale Robinson (foot) – coming off an explosive Week 2.
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WR Darius Slayton (groin/calf).
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T Andrew Thomas (foot) – trending upward, expected to see more snaps.
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C John Michael Schmitz (toe), G Jon Runyan Jr. (back).
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Full Participation:
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RB Cam Skattebo (ankle).
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DL Roy Robertson-Harris (knee).
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Daboll was particularly encouraged by Andrew Thomas’ progress, saying the standout tackle would “take a good amount of reps” in practice this week.
Daboll on Facing the Chiefs
Daboll spoke at length about Kansas City’s core, starting with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
“He’s as good a quarterback as there is in the league,” Daboll said of Mahomes. “Instinctive, accurate, a leader. One of the best to ever do it.”
Kelce remains Mahomes’ go-to weapon, while Kansas City’s defense, led by Chris Jones inside and Trent McDuffie in the secondary, poses unique challenges. Daboll noted the complexity of Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive schemes: “They’re kind of a spin-the-dial defense. A number of fronts, a number of coverages, a number of pressures.”
The Giants’ offensive line, already under scrutiny for penalties and inconsistency, will face a stiff test from Kansas City’s front, including George Karlaftis and linebacker Nick Bolton.
Giants’ Areas of Emphasis
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Cutting Down Penalties
Daboll made it clear: pre- and post-snap penalties are non-negotiable. “The communication that happens as a play caller, whether it’s quarterback, linebacker, coordinator…that has to be proper,” he said. “It’s the pre- and post-snap penalties that really get you.” -
Finding Explosive Plays
Wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson was singled out for his versatility and ability to flip the field. Daboll praised his Week 2 performance: “There’s no substitute for explosive plays in this league. They generate points, skip third downs, and change outcomes.” -
Defensive Growth
The rotation at cornerback between Deonte Banks and Cor’Dale Flott will continue, with Daboll insisting both have earned playing time.
The Coaching Chess Match
This game also marks a reunion of sorts, with Daboll once again facing off against Spagnuolo. The Chiefs’ defensive coordinator has a history of success against Russell Wilson, going back to Wilson’s Seattle days and continuing through Denver and Pittsburgh. Daboll acknowledged the familiarity: “We’ve watched all his games against Russ. Spags always has his guys ready.”
What’s at Stake
Both teams are under pressure:
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For the Giants, this is about avoiding an 0-3 hole in Daboll’s third season, and proving their offensive line can protect Russell Wilson long enough to allow the passing game to click.
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For the Chiefs, this is about restoring order in the AFC after back-to-back early losses. With Mahomes and Kelce healthy, they remain dangerous despite the slow start.
Daboll summed it up best: “We’ve had two close games against good teams. Now we need a good week of practice. It’ll be good to get home for the first one.”
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