The New York Giants again fell to 0-2 after blowing a fourth quarter lead against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. After leading 14-13 with 11 minutes left, the Giants gave up 12 unanswered points to lose 25-14. Despite the Cardinals being without their starting Quarterback Carson Palmer because of a shoulder injury, and that their backup Quarterback Drew Stanton hadn’t played since 2010.
After a poor showing in last week’s lost against the Detroit Lions where he had two key interceptions, Manning improved by throwing 277 yard and two touchdowns.
Number one wide receiver Victor Cruz dropped a pass on third down late that was followed by a 71 yard punt return by Cardinals wide receiver Ted Guinn Jr. Right after that the kick returner for the Giants Quintin Demps fumbles the ball and sets up a Cardinals field goal.
After all of that Manning was driving the team down the field for a game tying drive if he made a two point conversion at the end of it, but chaos ensued like it did all game long for the Giants. Manning passes it to his running back Rashad Jennings but guess what he does? He falls to the ground untouched and fumbles it.
The Cardinals recover it and eventually add on another field goal to ice the game making it a two score game and the Giants can’t recover and lose to the Cardinals.
“They’re men. We’re all men. We had an opportunity and we let it slip. There’s no one to blame but ourselves,” Said Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin.
Post game Manning wasn’t all about blaming his team for all the miscues he made as a leader but took some of the blame and said it was a team effort in losing not one person. “I think we’re a better team than last year and I think we’ll keep grinding,” said Manning. “We made improvements this week. We made strides.”
The Giants ultimately shot themselves in the foot with the 9 penalties, 5 drop passes, two fumbles, four turnovers and the defense didn’t cause any Cardinals turnovers. “We take the lead, 14-13, and from then on, it’s like watching I don’t know what,” said Coughlin. “From there, it was a nightmare.”
Even though they are 0-2, the Giants are staying positive. “We will get better,” said Safety Antrel Rolle. “I have all the faith in the world in this team that we will get it right. I believe in my team. I believe in what we’re creating here as an organization.”
“We’ll be all right,” added defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. “Trust me, we’ll be alright. I know my team. We’ll come together.” Giants fan hope they can correct this so they don’t repeat going 0-6 to start the season as they face Houston Texans next. The Texans had a bad season last year but they have JJ Watt, who is one of the most feared defensive linemen in the league.