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Special Teams Struggles Continue as Giants Say Goodbye to Veteran Kicker

Special Teams Struggles Continue as Giants Say Goodbye to Veteran Kicker
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Sunday’s gut-wrenching loss to the Broncos was more than just a scoreboard failure—it was a stark reminder of how the Giants’ special teams woes continue to haunt them. Blowing a 19-0 lead and falling 33-32 wasn’t just painful; it left a psychological scar on a team still searching for stability. Once again, the team’s kicking issues emerged at the worst possible moment.

There were sparks of hope, though. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart shone brightly, showcasing poise and determination, particularly on a late touchdown drive that almost gave the Giants a chance to reclaim the lead. Yet football is a three-phase game, and Sunday’s loss highlighted just how devastating a single missed opportunity in special teams can be.

After Dart crossed the goal line, the Giants had a chance to take the lead—but kicker Jude McAtamney missed the extra point. Not once, but twice. The first miss could be chalked up to nerves or a shaky step; the second sealed the team’s fate. History has shown this isn’t new. Veteran Graham Gano’s injury weeks ago left the Giants scrambling for reliable options in the kicking game.

The team brought in familiar names—Younghoe Koo and Lucas Havrisik—for practice. Koo, a local favorite and former Pro Bowler, never made it to the active roster. McAtamney won the gig but, after four games, had made just one successful kick. When precision mattered most, he faltered, leaving fans and teammates reeling.

Meanwhile, Havrisik, who once wore blue himself, has been flawless with the Packers this season—nailing every attempt, including a record-setting 61-yard field goal. Reliability and consistency—the exact qualities the Giants desperately need—seemed to thrive just out of reach. Watching him excel elsewhere while their own kicker struggled stings.

The Giants’ decision to bet on McAtamney over proven options like Koo or even bringing Havrisik back is now a glaring misstep. As the team sits at 1-4, the harsh reality is clear: special teams mistakes are costly, and the Giants had a solution in front of them. In the NFL, talent alone isn’t enough—it’s about using it when it matters most.

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Buffalo Bills Owner Terry Pegula Calls on the NFL to Reevaluate Results After Legend Eric Moulds Is Left Off the 2026 Hall of Fame List – And the Reason Behind Bills Mafia’s Outrage
Buffalo, New York – Today A wave of anger has erupted across Bills Mafia after the NFL released the semifinalist list for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class — and Eric Moulds, one of the greatest wide receivers in Buffalo Bills history, was nowhere to be found. For fans who witnessed Moulds carry the franchise through some of its toughest years, the decision felt not just disappointing, but deeply disrespectful. Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula was among the first to speak out, expressing sharp criticism and urging the NFL to reconsider what he believes is a glaring oversight. Pegula emphasized that the omission does not reflect the true impact Moulds had on the franchise — or on the league itself. With over 9,000 career receiving yards, three Pro Bowl selections, and countless defining moments, Moulds became the heartbeat of the Bills offense during an era when the team lacked star power elsewhere. He set franchise records, delivered elite production year after year, and remained the emotional anchor of the team through seasons filled with instability. Pegula’s frustration was clear during a press session earlier today. His words quickly spread across social media, igniting immediate support from fans and former players alike: “What he did for Buffalo and for the NFL deserves far more respect than this. He wasn’t just a player — he was part of the league’s soul. And I believe this is one of the decisions the NFL must correct immediately.” Bills Mafia echoed Pegula’s sentiment with intensity. Thousands of fans pointed out that Moulds’ statistical résumé rivals — and in many cases surpasses — several receivers who made the semifinal cut. Many analysts also noted the context: Moulds posted top-tier production despite playing for Buffalo teams that often struggled to stay competitive. Some NFL historians even argued that if Moulds had played his prime years on a bigger-market team, he might already be enshrined in Canton. To Buffalo, however, this is about more than numbers or recognition.It is about justice for a franchise icon — a player who gave everything to a city that embraced him as family. As Pegula made clear, this moment marks the beginning of a larger push. Bills Mafia is rallying, pressure is building, and the conversation around Moulds’ Hall of Fame candidacy is gaining new life. And if one thing is certain, it’s this:Buffalo is not done fighting for Eric Moulds — not even close.