One, they often did a great job on first and second down, but then could not get any pass rush on third down. Two things hurt the Giants defensively in this game. For three quarters, the defense only gave up one significant drive, but it was a big one: a 98-yarder that resulted in a touchdown. The Giants were able to pick off QB Alex Smith twice and recover a fumble. Coming into this game, the Chiefs had not turned the football over. On the flip side, the defense did play much better this week. And just when the Giants seem to be getting some momentum, an untimely penalty, dropped pass, or just coming up short of the first-down marker derails a drive. There is no rhythm to the Giants’ offense at all, and as Tom Coughlin admitted to after the game, play-calling has become like “throwing a dart at a board” because of it. All you can do is rely on the big play and that’s all the Giants’ offense has become: a hope and a prayer. If you can’t convert on third down, you can’t sustain drives. In the Kansas City game, the Giants were a dreadful 1-of-14 on third down on offense (7 percent) while the Chiefs were an excellent 9-of-16 on third down (56 percent). The Giants are dead last in the NFL in both offensive and defensive third-down efficiency. Two other key stats, and ones that showed up decisively against the Kansas City Chiefs are third-down offense and defense. In other words, the Giants have been terrible on defense, offense, and special teams. Both kickers are in a funk and the Giants have given up two punt return touchdowns. In four games, the Giants have turned the ball over an astounding 16 times. Meanwhile, the offense has scored only one touchdown in the last two games. The 146 points is an NFL-high and the Giants have given up 31 or more points in all four losses (though a significant chunk of those points are on the special teams and offense). The Giants have been outscored 146 to 61 this year. The fall from grace has been so quick and so dramatic that most Giants’ fans are simply left shaking their heads in bewilderment. Since that time, the Giants are 1-6 and have been blown out in five of those six losses. They then went 2-1 immediately after the bye with impressive blowout victories against the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. One year ago, the Giants were 6-4 heading into their bye. Two years ago, the New York Giants were NFL Champions. The Backbreaker – © USA TODAY Sports Images Kansas City Chiefs 31 – New York Giants 7
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