The New York Giants' Week 2 clash with the Washington Commanders proved to be a tale of setbacks and injuries, culminating in a narrow 21-18 defeat. The day started on a sour note when kicker Graham Gano sustained a hamstring injury on the opening kickoff. With no backup kicker available, the Giants were forced to improvise.
In an unexpected turn, punter Jamie Gillan attempted the team’s first point after touchdown (P.A.T.) but missed, pushing the Giants to seek alternative scoring methods. As a result, the team opted for two-point conversions following their subsequent touchdowns. Quarterback Daniel Jones tried his best to take advantage of these opportunities. Unfortunately, both two-point conversion attempts led to incomplete passes.
Washington's Record-Setting Performance
While the Giants struggled with their kicking game, the Washington Commanders showcased a stellar performance from their kicker. The Commanders’ kicker knocked through seven field goals, setting a new franchise record. This remarkable consistency provided a significant edge for Washington and was pivotal in their narrow victory over the Giants.
Giants Sign Veteran Kicker Greg Joseph
In a proactive response to their kicking woes, the Giants signed veteran kicker Greg Joseph from the Detroit Lions' practice squad on Wednesday. This acquisition aims to fill the void left by Gano's injury. Joseph, who is 30 years old, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having played for several teams throughout his career.
Joseph’s journey in the NFL has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After initially failing to secure a spot with the Green Bay Packers, Joseph made his mark with the Cleveland Browns in 2018, followed by a stint with the Tennessee Titans in 2019. Most recently, he served as the kicker for the Minnesota Vikings from 2021 to 2023. His tenure with the Vikings was highlighted by some impressive moments, including making five game-winning field goals in the 2022 season alone.
Historic Field Goal Against the Giants
One of Joseph's most memorable accomplishments with the Vikings was his 61-yard field goal in Week 16 against the Giants. This game-winning kick not only clinched the victory for the Vikings but also stands as the longest made field goal in the history of the franchise.
The New York Giants are hopeful that Joseph’s experience and proven track record in clutch situations will provide much-needed stability and reliability in their kicking game as they navigate through a challenging season. With high hopes riding on their new kicker, the team looks to bounce back stronger in the upcoming weeks.