The New York Giants dropped a frustrating 16-13 decision in Week 16, and once again, the same issues surfaced. This game felt winnable, yet it slipped away in familiar fashion. It was another long afternoon that highlighted where this team is right now and why the rebuild still feels incomplete.
A Rough Day for Jaxson Dart
This was easily the toughest start of Jaxson Dart’s young career. From the opening drive, he looked uncomfortable. The rhythm never came. Pressure showed up early, and it stayed consistent throughout the game. The pocket collapsed far too often, forcing Dart to rush throws and abandon reads. That is not a recipe for success for any quarterback, especially a rookie still learning NFL speed.
No, the Giants are not moving on from Dart
Let’s clear this up immediately. The Giants are not going to move away from Jaxson Dart because of one rough outing. Rookie quarterbacks struggle. That is part of the process. Growth is rarely linear, and setbacks are expected. The organization cannot afford to panic again at the most important position on the field. Dart needs time, coaching, and protection before any real evaluation can be made.
Offensive Line Issues Resurface Again
The offensive line had a rough day, especially in pass protection. Injuries played a major role. At one point, the Giants were missing three starters, and they lost two more during the game. That level of attrition is hard to overcome, but depth matters in the NFL. The Vikings consistently won at the line of scrimmage, and it completely disrupted the offense when it mattered most. Until this unit stabilizes, no quarterback will truly have a chance to succeed.
Darius Slayton Lets Another One Get Away
Late in the game, with momentum hanging in the balance, Darius Slayton dropped another crucial pass. Unfortunately, I write this every week. At $12 million per season, expectations are higher. Production should match the contract. Right now, it does not. That decision falls on Joe Schoen, and it deserves scrutiny. These are the types of plays that separate winning teams from teams stuck near the bottom of the standings.
Defensive Bright Spots in a Lost Season
In a season filled with frustration, Brian Burns continues to be a bright spot. He added two more sacks and forced a fumble, pushing his season total to 15. Burns shows up every week, plays with urgency, and finishes plays. Even when everything else feels broken, his effort never wavers.
Abdul Carter Is Turning the Corner
Abdul Carter recorded his third straight sack, which is encouraging. Yes, the offsides penalty cannot happen, but the overall trajectory is positive. He looks more engaged and more locked in. Late-season development still matters, and Carter trending upward is something worth noting.
Kicker Competition Might Be Real
One quiet positive came from Ben Sauls, who delivered a solid debut. Two field goals. One extra point. No mistakes. That performance earns him another look next week. At this stage, consistency is key, and Sauls did his job without creating added stress.
Mike Kafka Is Running Out of Answers
Mike Kafka is now 0-5 as the Giants interim head coach. The effort is there, but the results are not. The team still struggles with situational football, discipline, and execution. Right now, it does not look like a long-term solution. The Giants need direction and accountability, and those elements are still missing.
Eyes on the 2026 NFL Draft
At 2-13, the Giants are firmly in the race for the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. That is the reality, whether anyone likes it or not. Every remaining game now impacts draft position more than standings. The margin for error is gone, and the front office must get this next decision right.
There are pieces here that can matter long term, including Burns, Carter, and Dart. But until the basics improve and mistakes stop defining games, the results will not change.
Another week passed. Another loss added. And another reminder that the Giants still have a long road ahead.
Rep The Team No Matter What!
Even through the ups and downs, we bleed blue. And if you’re gearing up for a fresh season, there’s no better way than with the just-released Jaxson Dart New York Giants jersey, flying off the shelves! It’s the hottest gear in the building right now, and the perfect way to show your faith in Big Blue’s future.
Ready for Redemption? Grab Tickets Now!
The past is behind us. A new season is coming, and hope is alive. Want to be there when the Giants start writing a new chapter? Head to StubHub to grab your tickets for the home opener at MetLife Stadium!
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