As the New York Giants prepare for their upcoming showdown against the Washington Commanders, the sting of last week’s loss still lingers. After a tough outing against the Vikings in the season opener, head coach Brian Daboll is focusing on resetting his team’s mindset and building a winning strategy to rebound in Week 2.
In his weekly press conference on September 11, Daboll began by acknowledging the importance of remembering 9/11, sending thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tragedy 23 years ago. He emphasized the need for perspective, recognizing the sacrifices made by first responders and military personnel. But when the conversation shifted to football, it was clear that Daboll is laser-focused on what lies ahead.
Injury Concerns Ahead of Washington Clash
The Giants will be dealing with some notable injuries as they prepare for their NFC East rival. Wide receivers Gunner Olszewski and Darius Slayton, inside linebacker Darius Muasau, and cornerback Nick McCloud are all set to miss practice this week. Slayton, still in concussion protocol, remains day-to-day, while Olszewski is expected to be out for several weeks.
While Micah McFadden is expected to step up at linebacker with Muasau out, questions linger about how the Giants will compensate for Slayton’s absence. Rookie receiver Jalin Hyatt will likely see an expanded role, and Daboll expressed confidence in the young player’s ability to step up.
Daniel Jones Looks to Bounce Back
Last week’s game saw quarterback Daniel Jones struggle mightily, raising questions about his confidence heading into this Sunday’s game against Washington. Daboll, however, is staying positive, emphasizing that setbacks are part of the game. Jones acknowledged his need for improvement during a post-game film review:
“Definitely some things to clean up and do better. Some missed opportunities. I think overall just playing quicker, being cleaner with my feet,” Jones said. “Definitely some things to clean up and I’ll look to do that.”
When asked what else stood out from the tape, Jones emphasized decisiveness.
“I think just seeing it and trusting it, being decisive and going,” he noted. “Certain decisions here and there could have done a better job. Each play you try to take something from and learn something.”
Despite the criticism, Jones remains confident in his mental toughness.
“I feel like I’ve been doubted plenty for a long time and dealt with that time and time again and done a good job with it,” Jones said. “I think my mental toughness is in a good spot and I’m not concerned about that.”
Jones also discussed the importance of staying confident amid pressure in the pocket. “In the NFL, there’s good pass rushers and defenses schemed up to affect the quarterback. Part of my job is being able to deal with that… I feel like I’ve done that throughout my career and will continue to work on that.”
Challenges of Facing Washington’s Rookie Quarterback
Washington enters this game with their own set of challenges, starting rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who made his NFL debut last week. Daboll was candid about the difficulties of preparing for a quarterback with little NFL tape, but he’s impressed by Daniels’ athleticism and playmaking ability.
“He’s a good football player,” Daboll said. “Dynamic with the ball in his hands, whether it’s as a passer or runner. But our focus is on preparing for Washington as a whole, not just one guy.”
Daboll downplayed any distractions stemming from comments he made about Daniels in the offseason when the Giants considered trading up for him during the draft. He confirmed he’s had conversations with Daniel Jones about it and reiterated that his focus remains on the present.
Malik Nabers Poised for a Breakout
With Darius Slayton’s status in doubt, rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers could be a key figure in Sunday’s game. Nabers, who played alongside Daniels at LSU, downplayed any personal rivalry, but he acknowledged that their history adds a unique dynamic to the matchup.
“We’ve got a brotherly relationship off the field,” Nabers said. “But on the field, we’re going to talk some smack.”
A Must-Win Game for the Giants
For the Giants, this Week 2 contest against Washington is critical. After last week’s tough start, the team knows they must come out strong. Daboll’s message is simple: focus on execution, trust the process, and work to improve across the board.
“We need to do everything better,” Daboll stated flatly.
Jones reiterated the need for a strong rebound. “I’m playing to win games,” he emphasized. “I’m playing to lead the team to score points and win games. And that’s always been my focus. I know I can do that.”
As the Giants aim to right the ship, all eyes will be on how they handle Washington’s defense and whether Daniel Jones and the offense can generate the scoring drives needed to secure their first win of the season. The Giants’ faithful will hope that the lessons learned from Week 1 will lead to a sharper, more resilient performance on Sunday.
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