Giants' Kicking Woes: Gano Injury, Gillan's Miss, and a New Arrival
Giants' Kicking Woes: Gano Injury, Gillan's Miss, and a New Arrival
In what can only be described as a dramatic Week 2 for the New York Giants, the team faced a series of unfortunate events culminating in a 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders. The heart of the story centers around kicker Graham Gano, who sustained a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff, leaving the Giants to navigate the game without a backup kicker.
Unexpected Challenges
The absence of a designated backup kicker proved costly. Without their primary kicker, the Giants turned to punter Jamie Gillan. Head Coach Brian Daboll gave Gillan the nod to attempt the team’s first point after touchdown (P.A.T.), a decision met with mixed results. Unfortunately, Gillan missed the P.A.T., and the Giants were forced to adapt on the fly.
Seeking to compensate, the Giants decided to go for two-point conversions following their subsequent touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones attempted two such conversions, but both resulted in incomplete passes. These missed opportunities ultimately played a crucial role in the game’s final score.
An Unprecedented Performance by Washington
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders capitalized on the Giants' misfortune. Washington’s kicker delivered a historic performance, setting a franchise record by making seven field goals. This reliable kicking was a stark contrast to the Giants' struggles and significantly influenced the outcome of the game.
A New Hope: The Signing of Greg Joseph
In response to their kicking crisis, the Giants made a swift move to bolster their roster. On Wednesday, the team signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions' practice squad. At 30 years old, Joseph brings a wealth of experience to the Giants.
Joseph's path to New York has been somewhat tumultuous. He initially failed to secure a spot with the Green Bay Packers, as both he and kicker Anders Carlson were cut after the preseason. Nevertheless, Joseph’s track record hints at potential stability for the Giants' special teams.
New York will mark Joseph's fourth NFL team during the regular season. His career includes stints with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, the Tennessee Titans in 2019, and the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023. Notably, Joseph played a pivotal role in the Vikings' success last season.
A Closer Look at Joseph's Achievements
In 2022, Joseph demonstrated his clutch kicking ability by knocking down five game-winning field goals for the Vikings. His proficiency in tight situations was indispensable for the team, contributing to Minnesota’s NFL record 11-0 performance in one-possession games that season. Perhaps most impressively, Joseph's 61-yard game-winner in Week 16 against his new team, the Giants, remains the longest made field goal in Vikings history.
As the Giants look to rebound from a challenging Week 2, all eyes will be on Greg Joseph. His arrival is anticipated to bring much-needed reliability in the team's kicking game. For now, the Giants must integrate Joseph quickly into their system, hoping his experience and proven clutch performance can translate into success on the field.
The New York Giants' journey will continue with significant adjustments ahead. The ripple effects of these changes will be keenly felt in the coming weeks, as the team aims to find their footing and secure more victories.
