Things have not gone well for the New York Giants during the 2023 season. While they played their most competitive game of the season on Sunday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills, the results were still the same.
New York fell just short of a massive upset victory, losing 14-9. It was an impressive performance in many regards, as the game plan that head coach Brian Daboll and his staff put together was excellent.
The defense did their part in limiting the damage by Josh Allen and company, as defensive coordinator Wink Martindale changed his approach and dialed back the blitzes. A much-maligned offensive line, which had Justin Pugh coming off his couch to play left tackle after Josh Ezeudu got hurt, had their best performance of the season against a Bills’ defense that led the NFL in sacks coming into the game.
That performance in the trenches gave the Giants a chance to win the game despite not having starting quarterback Daniel Jones. Tyrod Taylor stepped into the lineup and did what you want from a backup; he took care of the ball and made the necessary plays to keep the team in the game.
However, there is one play Taylor surely wishes he had back. With 14 seconds remaining before halftime, Taylor checked to a run play. Saquon Barkley was stuffed and the clock ran out on the Giants, who were at the one-yard line. That cannot happen, as New York was in position to go up two scores and take a 9-0 lead into the locker room.
That play ended up costing the Giants dearly, as they were in a similar position at the final play of the game. Once again New York was at the one-yard line, courtesy of a penalty committed by Buffalo, giving them one untimed down. This time Taylor dropped back and threw a pass to tight end Darren Waller, who was unable to come down with the reception.
Replays showed what looked like a blatant holding or pass interference infraction being committed, but no flag was thrown. The Giants lost the game and Daboll didn’t mince words during a post-game presser about it.
“It came down to one yard, and we just missed it,” Daboll said via Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. “You don’t get trophies for trying,” Daboll stated bluntly, via NorthJersey.com beat reporter Art Stapleton. Adding later: “We don’t really want to hear about small strides, we want the results.”
Blame cannot solely be placed on Taylor, who made some good plays throughout the game. But, his gaffe ahead of halftime is going to be what people pay the most attention to.
It was certainly a demoralizing feeling for the Giants, who had the perfect game plan to compete with one of the best teams in the league. But, the margin for error is razor thin for Big Blue, and one mistake by a veteran quarterback played a huge part in costing them a victory.
