The New York Giants are once again one of the worst teams in the NFL. After losing their 9th-straight game on Monday night, the 2019 Giants tied their franchise record for the longest losing streak. Offense and defense are both at fault here.
Both sides of the ball have underperformed in 2019. Whether that be because of a lack of talent or lack of coaching, regardless, both sides rank near the bottom of the league in terms of total yards gained and allowed. However, there is one part of the team that the Giants can take pride in.
The New York Giants’ special teams unit has been among the best in the league in 2019. Special teams coach Thomas McGaughey has done an excellent job with his unit of the team this year and should be the Giants’ top interim head coaching candidate if they do decide to fire head coach Pat Shurmur.
Special Teams Stats And Highlights
The Giants’ offense and defense are ranking in the high twenties or the bottom quarter of the league. However, the special teams unit has been quite the opposite. New York’s special teams rank in the top ten for just about every significant statistic.
Granted, Aldrick Rosas has had his struggles this year. The Giants’ third-year kicker missed a kick attempt in five straight games between Weeks 7 and 12. But he seems to be back on track, making 100% of his field goals and extra-point attempts in each of the last two games.
The Giants’ punt returners have done an excellent job this season. Golden Tate has served as the primary punt returner, but Jabrill Peppers took some snaps back there too before his season-ending injury. Whomever they’ve had back there has found success. The Giants rank 1st in the NFL with an average of 11.3 yards per punt return.
Additionally, the Giants’ kick returners have performed past expectations in 2019. The Gmen are averaging 23.7 yards per kick return, ranking 9th-best in the league.
Additionally, New York also has the top-ranked kickoff coverage in the NFL. Their kickoff coverage is allowing only 17.9 yards per return this season. Returning kicks and punts, or kicking off or punting to the other team, the Giants are excelling in every aspect of special teams.
Riley Dixon has silently emerged as one of the best punters in the NFL this season. He has arguably been the Giants’ most consistent and reliable player in 2019. Dixon even earned himself a contract extension. The Giants rank 6th in the NFL in net punting, with an average of 43.6 yards.
The New York Giants’ special teams has been among the league’s very best this season. The unit is a major bright spot for a disappointing 2-11 team. Giants fans should hope that the team’s offense and defense can rise to the special teams’ level in 2020.