Special Teams Struggles Continue as Giants Say Goodbye to Veteran Kicker
Special Teams Struggles Continue as Giants Say Goodbye to Veteran Kicker
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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