The New York Giants' season seems to have hit rock bottom, but just when you thought things couldn’t get worse, they’ve found a way. Dropping their seventh straight game in a tough 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, the team now faces another devastating blow: an injury to Dexter Lawrence, arguably their most dominant defensive player this season.
A Crushing Blow to the Defense
Dexter Lawrence, the Giants’ All-Pro lineman and defensive powerhouse, dislocated his left elbow during the game at AT&T Stadium. The injury happened in the third quarter, forcing him to leave the field immediately. “I think I just dislocated my elbow!” Lawrence told linebacker Bobby Okereke after the play, clearly aware of the severity of the situation.
While Lawrence initially had the elbow popped back in on the sidelines, he couldn’t continue and eventually walked to the locker room with a trainer. Postgame, he had his elbow heavily wrapped and supported in a sling, adding another layer of concern for Giants fans.
To determine the full extent of the injury, Lawrence is set to undergo an MRI in the coming days. Unfortunately, the medical staff hasn’t provided any clear timeline for his return, leaving the team in limbo. Losing a player who leads the team with nine sacks is a massive setback for a defense already struggling to find its footing.
Quarterback Woes Continue
The Giants’ offensive struggles are no less concerning. Quarterback Tommy DeVito, who has been battling a forearm injury, missed the Thanksgiving matchup against the Cowboys. The silver lining? An MRI earlier in the week showed no structural damage, according to head coach Brian Daboll. DeVito expressed optimism about his recovery, saying, “Structurally, everything was good. Just could not be ready for Thursday. I feel pretty good—better than I did [Wednesday]. If it was a Sunday, I think I would’ve been able to play.”
With 10 days until their next game against the New Orleans Saints, the Giants hope DeVito will be ready to take the field. Daboll also seemed to suggest DeVito could likely reclaim the starting spot if cleared to play, although he stopped short of making any official announcements.
The Drew Lock Experiment
In DeVito’s absence, Drew Lock stepped in as the starting quarterback. While he had some flashes of competence—completing 21 of 32 passes for 178 yards and adding a rushing touchdown—his performance was marred by costly mistakes. Lock threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown and lost a fumble, contributing directly to the team’s mounting woes.
Daboll, while acknowledging some positive moments, made it clear the turnovers were unacceptable. “We just got done playing here. We have a few days to go back and watch this game,” he said. “Thought Drew did some good stuff and then two big turnovers… Can’t have those turnovers.”
Adding insult to injury, Lock endured a brutal beating throughout the game. The Cowboys' defense hit him 14 times and sacked him six times, leaving the Giants’ offensive line exposed and vulnerable.
Offensive Struggles Persist
For a team desperate to find any semblance of offensive rhythm, scoring 20 points against the Cowboys marked only the fourth time this season they’ve reached that mark. However, those numbers don’t tell the full story. The Giants managed just 247 yards of total offense, much of which came in garbage time late in the fourth quarter.
Every yard seemed to come under relentless pressure. The offensive line failed to protect its quarterback, forcing plays to break down repeatedly. While Lock led the team with 57 rushing yards, it’s hardly a sustainable formula for success.
A Season Spiraling Out of Control
The Giants’ quarterback carousel has only added to their disarray. Just 11 days ago, the team benched Daniel Jones in favor of Tommy DeVito. Since then, Jones has been cut, and both DeVito and Lock have started games. Incredibly, the Giants have now started three different quarterbacks in their last three games, none of which have resulted in a win.
The last time the Giants tasted victory was on October 6 in Seattle. Since then, it’s been a long, painful stretch of losses, compounded by injuries and inconsistent performances on both sides of the ball.
Some Hope on the Horizon?
If there’s any silver lining, it’s the 10-day gap before their next game against the Saints. This extended break could allow injured players like Lawrence and DeVito to recover, giving the team a fighting chance to regroup and salvage what’s left of their season.
Still, the road ahead is anything but easy. The Giants must find answers quickly, whether that’s improving their offensive line, cutting down on turnovers, or finding stability at the quarterback position.
Key Takeaways from the Giants’ Ongoing Struggles:
- Dexter Lawrence’s injury: A massive blow to the defense; his return timeline remains uncertain.
- Quarterback chaos: Three different starters in three games with no clear solution in sight.
- Offensive line issues: Persistent struggles to protect the quarterback have resulted in sacks and turnovers.
- Optimism for Tommy DeVito: His forearm injury isn’t structural, and he could return against the Saints.
- A chance to regroup: The upcoming break offers time for injured players to heal and the team to reset.
With the season quickly slipping away, the Giants face an uphill battle to turn things around. Whether they can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the clock is ticking, and changes are desperately needed.
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