New York Giants: Five Takeaways From Loss to Pittsburgh Steelers

– Poor Red Zone Production

One of the most glaring issues for the Giants on Sunday was their lack of production in the red zone. While the Steelers have had somewhat of a bend but don’t break defense, the Giants shot themselves in the foot in the red zone. If New York was able to convert in the red zone, especially early in the game, the Giants might have had a different fate in this game.

The first blunder by the Giants in the red zone came in the first quarter. On a pass intended for tight end Larry Donnell, Manning was intercepted by Lawrence Timmons. At the time, the Giants were only trailing 5-0 in the game. If the Giants turned that possession into points, they could have actually had the lead in the game early on. The interception also led to a Steelers touchdown three plays later thanks to the good field position on the return.

In the second half, the Giants came up empty once again the red zone. On a fourth and one attempt, a pass from Manning to tight end Will Tye was broken up and resulted in an incompletion. With the game being just 14-0, points on the board with a field goal could have helped swing some momentum at the time. The Giants did score a touchdown after a fumble by the Steelers on the following drive. However, it was another early red zone blunder.

Next: Giants Team Grades vs. Steelers

Even though they weren’t technically in the red zone, the Giants also had two other blunders in Steelers territory. On two fourth down attempts in Steelers territory, the Giants turned the ball over on an interception, and also on downs when Manning was sacked.

Furthermore, the offense really struggled in this game. There were plenty of possible points left on the field by the Giants that could have changed this game.