Sunday looked like it was the night the Giants turned things around. A comfortable lead, momentum in their favor, everything set up… then the rug got pulled out from under them. The result? A heart-breaker. A performance that will haunt this team unless someone owns it.
What Happened
The Giants raced out to a big lead over the Denver Broncos and looked poised to pull off a statement win. At one point they were up 26-8 entering the fourth quarter. Reuters+1
But then… everything unraveled. The Broncos put up a franchise-record 33 points in the fourth quarter and walked out with a 33-32 win on a last-second field goal. New York Post
Who to Blame? Let’s Get Specific
If you’re looking for the architect of the collapse, step forward: the team’s kicker, Jude McAtamney.
- McAtamney missed two extra point attempts, including one after a late Giants touchdown that would’ve given them a 27-26 lead instead of a one-point edge. New York Post+1
- Because of that missed extra point, Denver only needed a field goal to win — and they got it. The Sun
Look, you can blame X’s and O’s, you can blame the defense for giving up five touchdowns in one quarter, you can blame the offense for failing to close it out. But the kicker’s missed points flipped key leverage. That’s on him — and on special teams coaching for not getting it fixed when the game was in the palm of the Giants’ hand.
Why This Matters
- The Giants were so close to a win that could have sparked a turnaround. Instead, they’re left stunned, demoralized, and 2-5 on the season. Big Blue View
- In the NFL, you don’t lose games like this and walk away unscathed. Playoff hopes, locker room morale, fan trust — things take a hit.
- Special teams often get ignored until they’re the difference. This game proves that what seems routine (extra points) can end seasons.
Final Word
Someone has to accept responsibility. And in this case, the spotlight falls on McAtamney and the Giants’ special teams unit. The offense and defense showed promise earlier, but perfect execution covers all three phases — and Sunday they didn’t.
Let’s be clear: the kicker didn’t lose the game alone. But he made the kind of mistake that opened the door for the collapse. And the team walked through it.
