EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ. – The New York Giants’ struggles continued in Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season as they suffered a 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium.
This defeat drops the Giants to a concerning 1-5 record, while the Bengals, who improved to 4-2, walked away praising New York’s defense despite their own victory.
Offensive Woes Continue for the Giants
The Giants’ inability to establish any sort of offensive rhythm was the defining narrative of the game. Quarterback Daniel Jones, who has been under fire this season for his inconsistency, continued to struggle behind a underwhelming offensive line.
The unit has been a major issue all season, and this game was no different. Jones was constantly under pressure, often scrambling to avoid sacks and unable to connect with his receivers downfield. The Bengals’ defense, led by a ferocious pass rush, forced Jones to be sacked five times.
In what has been a recurring theme, Jones could not find a consistent connection with his wide receivers, and this showed during some crucial spots in the game.
The Giants’ receiving corps, which has dealt with injuries and poor performance, once again failed to provide any meaningful spark, especially with rookie Malik Nabers missing his second game in a row from concussion protocol.
The Bengals’ defense deserves credit for their coverage, especially against a struggling Giants passing attack. But for the Giants, these offensive struggles are a clear sign that something needs to change—and soon.
Daniel Jones: Is His Time Up in New York?
The spotlight remains firmly on Daniel Jones as questions continue to mount about his future with the Giants.
Following the loss, Jones’ role as the team’s franchise quarterback appears increasingly tenuous. His stat line—12 completions on 28 attempts for 129 yards, with one interception, speaks to the broader issues plaguing the team’s offense.
Jones has been far from effective throughout the season. His inability to deliver under pressure has been a concern, but the offensive line’s inability to protect him exacerbates his struggles.
The game against Cincinnati was another example of the problems that have plagued him in recent years: lack of time to throw, minimal pocket awareness, and poor decision-making under stress.
With every passing week, fans and analysts alike are wondering how much longer the Giants can justify sticking with Jones as the leader of their offense.
According to a recent Big Blue View article, Jones is nearing a critical juncture in his tenure with the Giants.
While the team has invested heavily in him, there comes a point when it becomes necessary to reassess whether he truly has what it takes to elevate the franchise to contender status. With the season slipping away, the calls for a change may only grow louder.
Defense Continues to Pull Their Weight
Despite the offense’s lackluster performance, the Giants’ defense once again proved its mettle, holding the high-powered Bengals offense to just 17 points.
The Giants’ pass rush was relentless, putting consistent pressure on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals, fresh off an impressive offensive performance in previous weeks, were held in check by a Giants defense that refused to be overmatched.
Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow was sacked three times and finished the game with a relatively modest 189 passing yards, one touchdown, and an interception.
The Giants’ defensive front, particularly edge rushers Dexter Lawrence II and Azeez Ojulari, applied constant pressure, disrupting Burrow’s rhythm and preventing the Bengals from gaining significant traction in the passing game.
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor had nothing but praise for the Giants’ defense after the game, calling their pass rush “the real deal.” Taylor highlighted the way the Giants’ defensive line continuously collapsed the pocket, forcing Burrow into uncomfortable situations.
This defensive resilience was a silver lining for the Giants. The defensive unit kept the game within reach, especially in the first half, when they held Cincinnati to just 10 points. However, with the offense sputtering and failing to capitalize on their opportunities, it became clear that the defense could only do so much.
Special Teams and Key Plays
Another pivotal moment came late in the third quarter when the Giants managed to recover a fumble deep in Bengals territory. This set up their lone touchdown of the game, a one-yard rushing score by Tyrone Tracy. Tracy, a fourth-round pick from Purdue nabbed his first career rushing touchdown, which also happened to be their only touchdown of the game
However, the Giants’ inability to generate further offense prevented any chance of a comeback.
The Giants’ special teams, typically a strength, faltered in key moments, adding to the mounting frustrations on a day when nothing seemed to click for New York.
Bengals Capitalize on Opportunities
While the Giants’ defense put up a strong showing, the Bengals were opportunistic when it mattered. With Joe Burrow using his legs to scramble for a touchdown to put the Bengals out front 7-0 early in the 1st quarter.
The Bengals had a night on the ground as Chase Brown was able to put the game out of reach in the 4th quarter for a 30-yard touchdown.
Defensively, Cincinnati’s pass rush, led by Trey Hendrickson and BJ Hill (a former Giant), created havoc for Jones. Hubbard’s strip-sack of Jones in the second quarter was a momentum-shifting play that helped the Bengals take control of the game. That kind of defensive effort set the tone for Cincinnati and stifled any attempt by the Giants to mount a serious comeback.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Giants?
With their record now at 2-4, the Giants are quickly approaching the point where a playoff berth becomes an unrealistic expectation. The offense’s lack of identity and the ongoing struggles at quarterback have many wondering whether changes are inevitable.
Daniel Jones, while still supported by head coach Brian Daboll, is under more pressure than ever to deliver a spark. Whether the coaching staff decides to stick with Jones or explore other options, including backup Drew Lock, or the cult hero Tommy DeVito, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: time is running out for Jones to prove he is the answer for the Giants’ long-term future.
The upcoming games will be crucial for determining the direction of the franchise. With tough matchups looming against division rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, the Giants need to show significant improvement on offense if they hope to salvage their season.
For now, the Giants must address their offensive line issues, reconsider their quarterback situation, and find a way to reignite the stagnant offense. While their defense has been a bright spot, it’s clear that a one-sided team cannot succeed in the NFL. Without significant adjustments, the Giants risk falling into the basement of the NFC East.
At the End of it All…
In the 17-7 loss to the Bengals, the Giants once again showcased their defensive talent but failed to generate any offensive momentum. Daniel Jones’ future with the team remains in doubt, as the season continues to spiral downward. With a daunting schedule ahead, the Giants face a crucial stretch that could define not only the rest of this season but also the future of their quarterback and head coach.