The Giants.com crew members give their takeaways from Sunday night’s 22-9 loss to the Chiefs.
John Schmeelk: Andrew Thomas returned to the field on Sunday against the Chiefs. Due to his recovery from a foot injury, he was limited to 28 plays and exited the game at the end of the second quarter. But until then, the left tackle looked like himself. According to Pro Football Focus, he did not allow a pressure or get beat by a defender in pass protection. He also helped the Giants run 16 times for 75 yards in the first half and moved defenders off the line of scrimmage. If he continues to play at that level, he can help elevate the entire offense moving forward.
It is much needed. For the second time this season, the offense failed to score double-digit points and is now averaging just over 17 points per game. To win games going forward, that number is going to have to increase, and as it always does, everything begins with the offensive line. Before I get to the group as a whole, I feel the need to once again recognize another strong game from right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who allowed only one quarterback hurry, according to PFF. On the season, Eluemunor is tied for the third-fewest pressures allowed at offensive tackle with three. He is on his way to having the best season of his career.
The run game took another step in the right direction, but the pass protection, especially in the second half, still left something to be desired. According to PFF, the Chiefs blitzed on pass downs on a league-low 16.7 percent of their pass rushes on Sunday, but had the third-highest pressure rate (52.4 percent). Their 40.5 percent quick pressure rate (2.5 seconds or less) led the NFL. A big reason the Giants failed on their lone appearance in the red zone on Sunday was pressure in the quarterback’s face on third and fourth down. Those numbers will have to improve if the Giants want to take the next step as an offense.