It’s only the first game and likely won’t define their season, yet the Giants’ 36-31 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on the road could have long-term ramifications.
Turnovers was the prevailing theme as they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, handing the Cowboys a crucial division victory on the road this past Sunday night. The most costly and glaring imprints were two fumbles by second-year running back David Wilson.
The Giants’ miscues derailed their opportunity to gain a coveted win and generate momentum moving towards week two. Instead, they have considerable concerns regarding their running game and are 0-1 facing the daunting challenge of hosting the Denver Broncos and the lethal Peyton Manning this Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
The Broncos began the season as the favorites to emerge as AFC champions and immediately established their bona fides by crushing the defending Super Bowl title holders, the Baltimore Ravens, 49-27, led by Manning’s NFL record-tying seven touchdown passes.
In the fluid world of the National Football League, it is imperative that players briefly reflect and quickly focus on the next game. Safety Antrel Rolle, a newly minted team captain, summarized the sentiments of the Giants’ collective one day after the self-inflicted set back. “Obviously, we’re disappointed.We never want to start off a season like that,” said Rolle. “Especially against a division opponent in the Dallas Cowboys. Everyone saw the game, so it’s not unseen, what took place last night. Too many turnovers in a lot of situations, but at the same time, we still fought our way back and were almost able to win the game at the end.
“It just seemed like everything that could have gone wrong,went wrong,” Rolle accurately assessed. “Every bounce, every tipped ball, everything, but we’re fighters, we’re champions and we’re going to learn how to rise above that.”
Much attention this week has been on Wilson, the explosive but fumble-prone, running back who was evidently dejected after being benched and replaced by Da’Rel Scott following his second giveaway in the third quarter.
“All you can do is just let him know that you support him,” said guard Chris Snee.“We all have stuff that we can look at ourselves and correct now.”
