The New York Giants continued a lengthy run of season-opening futility on Sunday, losing to the Denver Broncos, 27-13, at MetLife Stadium. The Giants (0-1) have lost eight of their last nine season openers, beginning the season 0-2 or worse in each of those eight seasons.
The game turned late in the first half. With the Giants leading, 7-3, Denver had fourth-and-2 at the Giants 49-yard line with :48 seconds left in the half.
Teddy Bridgewater completed a 14-yard pass to Courtland Sutton. Three plays later, Denver scored on a 2-yard pass to Tim Patrick with :08 left in the half for a 10-7 lead.
Denver took the opening kickoff of the second half and went 75 yards in 16 plays, taking 8:12 off the clock for a 17-7 lead. The Broncos converted four third downs and scored the touchdown on fourth down on a 4-yard Teddy Bridgewater to Albert Okwuegbunam paas.
Daniel Jones then fumbled at the Denver 13-yard line after scrambling for 9 yards, killing a possession that had begun at the Giants’ 25-yard line.
Every concern the Giants carried into this season came bubbling to the surface. A lackluster offense, even with upgraded weapons. A smart defense that lacked an edge rusher to get it off the field. The return of Saquon Barkley was no antidote.
The Guy Report 