New York Giants make unwanted history in ugly loss to Commanders

The New York Giants made NFL history on Sunday, but it’s not the kind of record John Mara’s floundering franchise wants to be associated with.

In a 21-18 loss to the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium, the Giants score three touchdowns while holding their opponents out of the endzone. Despite that, New York failed to break the 20-point mark and ultimately limped home in defeat.

Congratulations, Giants. They are the first-ever team to accomplish such an embarrassing feat.

The #Giants became the first team in NFL history to score 3+ TD, allow no TD — and lose in regulation.

Incredible.

— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) September 15, 2024

“Incredible” is one way of putting it. These sorts of records are like something out of the Joe Judge era. As many things change, so many stay the same.

The Giants found themselves in this situation — making this sort of unwanted history — as the direct result of poor personnel management. For the second consecutive week, they entered the game with fewer than 53 men on the active roster, and without a backup plan for the injured players that were trotted out onto the field.

Kicker Graham Gano, who was added to the injury report on Saturday, left the game after the opening kickoff. With their security blanket (Jude McAtamney) passed over for elevation, the Giants were forced to play four-down ball and attempt a two-point conversion after every touchdown.

Punter Jamie Gillan, with backup quarterback Drew Lock holding, missed their only point after attempt and then the Giants failed to convert on either of their conversion attempts. Field goals were also ruled out as a possibility.

That was the difference in the game — and the difference between humiliating history and a 1-1 record to start the season.