In an unprecedented game marking their 100th season, the New York Giants set an unfortunate NFL milestone. The Giants became the first team in league history to score three touchdowns, allow no touchdowns, and still lose in regulation. This remarkable anomaly occurred during their 21-18 defeat to the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
A Painful Historic First
The game will be remembered not only for the historic oddity but also for the series of unfortunate events that led to the Giants' downfall. After punter Jamie Gillan missed an extra point attempt following their first touchdown, the Giants found themselves scrambling for alternatives. To compound their woes, kicker Graham Gano injured his right hamstring while chasing down Washington Commanders’ running back Austin Ekeler during the opening kickoff. Gano had been on the injury report pre-game with a right groin injury, further complicating the Giants' special teams strategy.
With no backup kicker available on the active roster, the Giants were forced to resort to makeshift solutions. Following Gillan's missed extra point, the team attempted two-point conversions after their subsequent touchdowns. Both attempts failed, and the Giants were left with 18 points from three touchdowns, all without any additional extra points.
The Commanders' Steadiness Seals the Game
While the Giants struggled with their special teams, the Washington Commanders took advantage of their scoring opportunities differently. Despite being 0-for-6 in the red zone and 0-for-3 in goal-to-go situations, the Commanders turned to kicker Austin Seibert, who delivered with exceptional precision. Seibert converted on seven field goals, accounting for all of the Commanders' 21 points.
Washington scored on all seven possessions, save for a kneel-down to conclude the first half. This consistent execution kept the Commanders within striking distance throughout the game. The culmination of their efforts came as time expired, with Seibert nailing a 30-yard field goal to secure the narrow three-point victory.
Looking Back for Parallels
The last instance of a somewhat similar occurrence dates back to 1989. During an overtime tilt, the Los Angeles Rams lost to the Minnesota Vikings, even though they, too, had limited the opposing team from scoring any touchdowns. However, unlike that historic matchup, the Giants' ordeal ended in regulation time, underlining their unique plight.
Injury Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Injuries significantly hampered the Giants. Gano’s early exit due to his hamstring injury left the Giants deprived of their key kicker. His absence was palpably felt throughout the game. The missed extra points and the failure of two-point conversions highlighted the absence of a reliable kicking option. These lapses cost the Giants dearly in a game where every point was critical. Gillan's initial missed extra point set a cascading effect of missed opportunities that ultimately determined the game’s result.
Despite the best efforts of their defense and the offensive drives that led to three touchdowns, the Giants could not overcome the absence of a functional special team’s unit. It is a stark reminder of how critical every player’s role is in the highly synchronized choreography of football, where even one missing piece can unravel the entire game plan.
The Giants' historical loss to the Washington Commanders will remain a stark illustration of how professional football's unpredictable nature can produce both moments of glory and heartache. As they reflect on this season's campaign, the Giants will undoubtedly look to build resilience and depth across all positions to avoid future pitfalls that could stem from the unexpected sidelining of key players.