In a dispiriting turn of events, the New York Giants succumbed to the Washington Commanders in Week 2 with a score of 21-18. The game was marred by a series of misfortunes that underlined the Giants' struggles on the field.
Early Setbacks
The troubles started early for the Giants when their kicker Graham Gano sustained a hamstring injury during the opening kickoff. This injury left the Giants in a precarious position as they did not have a backup kicker for the game. The absence of Gano significantly impacted their strategy and scoring options throughout the game.
In an attempt to salvage points, punter Jamie Gillan was called upon to step into the kicker’s shoes. Unfortunately, Gillan missed the team's first point after touchdown (P.A.T.), leaving the Giants to reconsider their approach for the remainder of the game.
Two-point Conversions
Adapting to the absence of their kicker, the Giants decided to attempt two-point conversions following their next touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones took on the responsibility, but both attempts ended in incomplete passes, further dampening the Giants' scoring opportunities.
Washington's Strong Performance
On the other side of the field, Washington's kicker delivered a stellar performance, making seven field goals and setting a new franchise record. This consistency in scoring from Washington’s kicker underscored the contrast between the two teams' special teams and had a decisive impact on the outcome of the game.
New Opportunities
In response to their kicking woes, the Giants swiftly moved to bolster their roster. They signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions' practice squad on Wednesday. An experienced player, the 30-year-old Joseph has had a journeyed career in the NFL.
Joseph's professional path includes notable stints with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, the Tennessee Titans in 2019, and the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023. His time with the Vikings was particularly distinguished; in 2022 alone, Joseph made five game-winning field goals.
Notable Achievements
One memorable highlight of Joseph's career is his 61-yard game-winning field goal in Week 16 against the Giants, which remains the longest field goal in Vikings' history. This particular feat underlines his potential to deliver under pressure, something the Giants will undoubtedly look to leverage as they move forward.
Despite initially failing to secure a spot with the Green Bay Packers, Joseph's resilience and skill have found him a new opportunity in New York. The Giants are hopeful that his experience and track record will bring stability to their special teams and provide the reliability they sorely missed in their recent matchup.
As the Giants navigate this early-season adversity, the acquisition of Greg Joseph could prove pivotal in their efforts to bounce back and compete effectively in the coming weeks. Only time will tell how this seasoned kicker will impact the team's fortunes, but there's no doubt that he brings with him a wealth of experience and a knack for clutch performances.