In the face of their Sunday showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders, the Giants harbored expectations of a potential season-altering victory. The primary reason for their optimism was the return of quarterback Daniel Jones, who had missed the previous three games due to a neck injury.
Nonetheless, their high hopes were swiftly extinguished after just 21 offensive plays. Early in the second quarter, Jones sustained a knee injury that forced him to exit the game. The duration of his absence hinges on the outcome of medical examinations and scans scheduled for Monday.
Head coach Brian Daboll remarked, “He will undergo tests to determine the extent of the injury. Initial X-rays showed no issues. Tomorrow, we will conduct further tests, including MRIs. With injuries like these, one can never be certain, so we await the results to assess the situation.”
Devoid of Jones for the majority of the match, the Giants succumbed to a 30-6 defeat against the Raiders, furthering their season’s record to 2-7.
Daboll conveyed the team’s disappointment at witnessing Jones’ departure, stating, “You never want to see your players go down. Daniel had worked diligently to return, and it’s disheartening.”
Stepping in as Jones’ replacement for the second week in a row was rookie Tommy DeVito, who had filled in for Tyrod Taylor the previous week against the Jets. DeVito managed to complete 15 of 20 passes for 175 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown pass to Wan’Dale Robinson in the fourth quarter. However, he also threw two interceptions during the second quarter, which the Raiders capitalized on, amassing 10 points.
DeVito commented, “We won’t dwell on self-pity in any way. Adversities occur. The Raiders displayed great energy, playing solid football. My two turnovers, which led to points, didn’t help, especially for our defense. Offensively, we need to execute better, make plays, and I need to contribute more.”
The Raiders maintained a 7-0 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 24-0 by halftime, securing their first win under interim coach Antonio Pierce, a former Giants linebacker.
Saquon Barkley, the Giants running back, acknowledged the team’s predicament, stating, “It’s undoubtedly frustrating, but we must maintain a professional attitude, without making excuses. We still have a lengthy season ahead. Naturally, I’m not pleased with our 2-7 record amidst the ongoing challenges, but we’ll regroup, rest, and prepare for next week’s game against the Cowboys in Dallas.”
Jones was not the sole player to exit the game with an injury. Adoree Jackson suffered a concussion in the second half, and tackle Evan Neal was substituted due to a left ankle injury. The Giants were also without their leading receiver, Darren Waller, who suffered a hamstring injury, and kicker Graham Gano, who was sidelined with a knee injury, as both were placed on injured reserve.
Jones sustained his knee injury on the last play of the first quarter when his right knee buckled awkwardly while being sacked by Maxx Crosby. Although Jones initially signaled that he was fit to continue, he collapsed to the ground on the next play. Following several minutes of examination in the medical tent on the Giants’ sideline, Jones left the field for further evaluation. At the start of the third quarter, the Giants announced that Jones would not return.
DeVito assumed control and made the most of the opportunity. The Giants’ only effective drive was an 11-play, 84-yard march that spanned the third and fourth quarters and culminated with DeVito’s first career touchdown pass to Robinson. Their attempt at a 2-point conversion was unsuccessful, leaving them at a 27-6 deficit.
The Raiders secured their victory with a 17-yard end-around touchdown by Jakobi Myers, two short touchdown runs by Josh Jacobs, and three field goals by Daniel Carlson. Rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell completed 16 of 25 passes for 209 yards without any interceptions or sacks.
The Giants now await the results of Jones’ medical tests to determine their starting quarterback for future games. Should Jones remain sidelined, their options include DeVito and veteran Matt Barkley, who is on the practice squad.
Irrespective of the quarterback scenario, the team will adapt its strategies to support the selected quarterback. Daboll emphasized, “The quarterback position is crucial, so if DeVito assumes the role, we will tailor our approach to his strengths.”
DeVito, when queried about potentially becoming the Giants’ quarterback in the coming weeks, remarked, “I take it one day at a time. I am not privy to decisions made outside the current situation. I can only control what’s within my purview. I will review the game footage, improve, and take it day by day.”
This marks a promising start for the team.”