Before the start of the 2023 regular season, the New York Giants agreed to an extension with their kicker Graham Gano. The 36-year-old will be on the team through the 2027 season, as the extension will begin next year. A success rate of 91.8% on field goals is the highest in the team’s history. It made sense why the team wanted to keep him for the long term. That is until we saw his play this year. It’s clear the Giants made a mistake extending Gano.
His Age
As we talked about, Gano is 36. Yes, kickers have a long life in the league compared to other positions. However, 36 is 36. That’s an old age to be in sports, regardless. He will be almost 40 years old once his contract is up. New York could have decided to let him play the rest of his contract out this year and bring him back if they are not satisfied with any other younger options in free agency or the draft.
Not the Same Guy This Season
It’s clear Gano has not been reliable this year. He had two missed field goals… In week one alone (yes one of the kicks was blocked, but the other one towards the end of the second quarter?)Last season? He missed three field goals through 17 games. Already on track to surpass last year’s total is not what you want to see from your recently extended kicker.
He’s made all of his extra-point attempts, yes. That’s the bare minimum you want from your kicker. But, he is converting just 64.7% of his field goal attempts this season. Gano is 11/17 on the season. He’s missed six field goals, which is already double from last year.
Against the Jets last Sunday, he was 1/3 on his attempts. Blame the rain all you want, this is not acceptable. If he made the other two attempts, the Giants would have walked away with the victory.
The Jets’ Will McDonald jumped over the line on this late FG attempt by Graham Gano. ST coordinator Thomas McGaughey noted he was lined up illegally (on the outside shoulder of the long snapper) on the play.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) November 2, 2023
Coach Brian Daboll was asked if he heard from the league on the play.… pic.twitter.com/CDGXNVo5eX
If he made this attempt, then the Giants would have likely walked away with the victory. Instead, the Jets were able to drive down the field and made a field goal to force overtime.
Yes, I Understand The Injury Situation
As of today, Graham Gano was placed on injured reserve. He is getting surgery on his left knee, which could be the culprit behind his terrible play this year.
However, if he was hurt, then why did the Giants continue to play him? Special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey talked about Gano being solid even if he isn’t 100% health-wise.
Well, clearly, he isn’t. The Jets game is a huge example of this.
You depend on your kicker to do his job. Whether it’s to get three points or a simple extra point, you need to be 100% no matter what. Gano felt good enough to play through the pain whenever it began, but it has clearly cost the team.
Gano spoke about not using the injury as an excuse for his poor play after the Jets game. But, you have to think about the selfishness behind it. I understand. Every player wants to be on the field and contribute as much as possible while playing through the pain. But, when your injury could potentially lose your team games, then you have to put your ego aside and get better. Gano didn’t do that. McGaughey wasn’t responsible. The training staff is also to blame. It’s a mess in East Rutherford.
Extending Gano looks like the worst idea the Giants made. They have brought in two kickers in Randy Bullock and Cade York to replace him for now. What the future holds at the kicker position will be worth monitoring. But, it’s clear the Giants made a mistake extending Graham Gano in the first place.
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Featured Image: Kathryn Riley/Getty Images
