Giants defense keeps it close, but Big Blue falls to 0-4 with 17-9 loss to the Rams
The Giants seemed destined for a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but they scraped together a solid defensive performance against one of the best teams in the NFL and gave themselves a chance at the end. Instead it ended with a 17-9 defeat and an 0-4 record.
Daniel Jones and the Giants offense struggled again, especially early in the game. They faced three fourth-and-19s on their first four drives and Jones was sacked four times within the first 20 minutes. Running back Wayne Gallman was able to break off a 26-yard run, the longest of his career, but for the most part the Giants run game was shut down by the Rams' front seven.
The Giants were only able to stay in this game because of their defense. After they gave up a touchdown on their first drive of the game, they only allowed a field goal up until halfway through the fourth quarter. Defensive tackle Austin Johnson forced a fumble on tight end Gerald Everett and later sacked Jared Goff near the goal line.
Big Blue’s defensive line performed well against the Rams' formidable run blocking. They held the Rams to just 2.5 yards per carry and were able to grab seven tackles for loss on 23 carries. Goff only averaged 6.3 yards per attempt for the entire game.
Unfortunately, the Giants defense broke at the worst possible moment, allowing Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp to score a wide open 55-yard touchdown on a broken coverage halfway through the fourth quarter. Kupp’s touchdown extended the Rams lead to 17-9 and the Giants offense couldn’t respond.
Jones and the Giants offense faced a fourth-and-11 in Rams territory with under three minutes left, but they were unable to convert for a first down. Jones' pass for Golden Tate was a bit off, just barely hitting the top of Tate’s hands.
After a quick three and out forced by the Giants defense, Jones was able to find wide receiver Darius Slayton open for a 33-yard strike as the two minute warning passed. Jones created some magic of his own, escaping a sack from multiple Rams defenders and scrambling for a first down with about 90 seconds left in the game. Jones scrambled for another first down on the Giants' final drive of the game, putting Big Blue just outside the red zone.
It was an impressive drive for the young quarterback after a quiet day. Unfortunately, Jones' heroics ended there as he threw a game-sealing interception with about 50 seconds left.
The Giants haven’t scored a touchdown in two straight games, going back to the fourth quarter against Chicago. They now sit at 0-4 with games against Cowboys, Washington Football Team and Eagles coming up.
———
©2020 New York Daily News
Visit New York Daily News at www.nydailynews.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
