Many Giants fans have witnessed it. No, I am not talking about the struggles of the offense or the defense. We’re focusing on a position group that may not get the most playing time but are pivotal pieces when called upon. I’m talking about the special teams unit, and the New York Giants have a big issue with a particular position in this group. It’s safe to say the Giants have a special teams problem.
*update Cade York was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury during practice. Mason Crosby was signed and will be promoted to the active roster. All of this occurred after publishing.
Are You Going To Criticize The Punter?
Oh, of course not. Jamie Gillan has been phenomenal this year. He in the top five in voting for the Pro Bowl (do with that information as you wish). More importantly, he is second in punts landing inside the 20-yard line with 29. He’s been called upon a lot this season. Gillan has kicked it 81 times to the opposing team.
Let’s give credit to the other ten men on the punt team. When Gillan punts the ball, kick returners only average 5.6 yards per return. Whether it’s because of fair catches or just being tackled as soon as they get the ball, you have to applaud the gunners for getting down the field (Nick McCloud, I’m talking about you man!).
So, What Are You Even Yapping About?
The kicker.
Remember when the Giants re-signed Graham Gano to a three-year extension before the season started?
Yeah, well that may have been a mistake.
The 36-year-old struggled mightily this season, going 11 for 17 on the year before going down with a season-ending injury. Not a good look, considering he played hurt against the Jets and missed two pivotal field goals.
Then, New York brought free agents Randy Bullock and Cade York on board. Great move, right? Not really because why would you bring two kickers in. Well, I have the answer for you.
The Giants signed DL Timmy Horne off the Falcons' practice squad and placed K Randy Bullock on IR.
— Dan Salomone (@Dan_Salomone) December 21, 2023
?: https://t.co/L1q3GMtSYo pic.twitter.com/B1WNE4Sym4
Bullock went 5/6 before suffering a hamstring injury in the previous game against the Saints. With York not on the active roster, the Giants had to call on Gillan to kick a field goal. He made it. Of course, he did.
In all seriousness, Cade York will be now promoted to the active roster and will kick against the Philadelphia Eagles on Christmas. But, there’s a reason why he was available to sign off the market. Formerly a Cleveland Brown, he struggled this past preseason and the team decided to trade for Dustin Hopkins from the Los Angeles Chargers. With that move, they proceeded to release York.
When the starter, he went 24/32 on field goals in 2022.
Is It Time To Draft A Kicker?
It may be the right move. Joe Schoen could use one of his late-round picks in this upcoming draft on a young kicker. Harrison Mevis from the University of Missouri is one choice, as he has a solid leg. Another name to keep in mind is Alabama kicker Will Reichard, who has gone 20/23 this season and is 3/3 on kicks over 50+ yards.
When it comes down to the final moments of a game, and you’re down by two points, you need a reliable kicker. Whether it’s York or Gano coming back 100% from injury or drafting one, the Giants need to solve this glaring issue that no one is talking about.
Thanks for reading “The Giants Have A Special Teams Problem“. Make sure to visit Belly Up Sports every week and follow me on Twitter/X! Also, check out my podcast “Backup to the Backup” on Spotify and YouTube for more NFL content.
Featured Image: Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
