The New York Giants’ nightmarish 2024 season reached a new low on Sunday as they suffered a franchise-record 10th consecutive loss, falling 34-7 to the Atlanta Falcons. At 2-13, the Giants are in contention for the dubious distinction of being the worst team in the storied franchise’s 100-year history. Yet despite the mounting defeats and diminishing returns, Giants players insist they are still fighting tooth and nail to salvage something from the wreckage of this lost campaign.
Finding Motivation Amid the Misery
In a season marked by lopsided losses and dwindling competitiveness, it would be understandable for players to simply play out the string and pray for a merciful end to this football fiasco. However, Giants players say they remain driven to compete and improve, even with just two largely meaningless games remaining against the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles.
For some, like right tackle Evan Neal, it’s about individual development and proving they belong. The 7th overall pick in the 2022 draft, Neal has battled injuries and inconsistency, currently ranking just 55th out of 67 NFL tackles in pass block win rate. These final games are a chance to show growth and secure his status as a building block for the future.
Chasing Rookie Records
Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers is using the opportunity to etch his name in the Giants’ record books. With 97 receptions and 969 yards, Nabers has already surpassed Odell Beckham Jr. and Saquon Barkley for the franchise rookie catch record. While team success has been elusive, he remains laser-focused on capping his impressive debut campaign on a high note.
If I can put my name in the record books, I’m going to do it.
– Malik Nabers
Love of the Game
For veterans like wide receiver Darius Slayton, the motivation is more ethereal. Slayton, a pending free agent, says he’s savoring every chance to play the game he loves, even amid this epic struggle. From the competition to the camaraderie, he’s determined to appreciate these fleeting NFL moments, regardless of the Giants’ predicament.
Just cherishing every opportunity you have. Football, one day, will come to an end. Regardless of your predicament, you have two more opportunities to go out there and play the game you love. So gotta take advantage of it.
– Darius Slayton
Opportunity Knocks
For the abundance of young and unproven players populating the Giants’ roster, right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor views these final contests as an invaluable chance to make a name for themselves. With the team evaluating who fits into their future plans, these game reps can be the difference between carving out an NFL career or being cast aside.
- Pride and Character
- Securing Their Future
Above all else, Giants players say they’re driven by their pride and desire to represent themselves and the organization with character and effort, even in the face of constant defeat. Stars like outside linebacker Brian Burns are gutting through injuries, knowing their team needs them to have any prayer of competing.
It’s going to be a lot tougher for you to still fight in these games, but it’s really just an individual battle between everybody and showing who they are, their character, to come out here and try to play as hard as they can knowing that our season isn’t what we expected it to be.
– Brian Burns
Through the disappointment and dismay of this historically dreadful season, Giants players maintain they still have much to play for, even if the stakes are more personal than team-oriented. With jobs, reputations, and their competitive fire on the line, Big Blue is determined to battle to the bitter end and hope better days lie ahead.
