New York Giants’ lost season has some small silver linings

The New York Giants are 2-11 after 14 weeks of this 2024 NFL season and with a loss on Sunday to the Baltimore Ravens will enter into some infamous territory.

A loss would be their ninth straight, tying the franchise record for consecutive losses set in 1976 and equaled in 2003-2004 and again in 2019.

It would also be their eighth home loss of the season, a new high (or low, however you look at it). The record for consecutive home losses is 10, set between 1973-75.

The Giants are averaging 14.9 points per game. If they continue at this pace, it will be their second-lowest offensive output since the league expanded to a 16-game format in 1978. In 1979, they averaged 14.8 PPG.

So, is there any good news coming out of this depressing season? Any “silver linings?”

Yes, there are a few.

Let’s start with the bittersweet story of second-round pick Tyler Nubin. The rookie safety was leading the Giants — and all NFL rookies — in tackles (98). Unfortunately, Nubin was placed on injured reserve (IR) this week with an ankle injury and will miss the remainder of the season.

Then, of course, there is first-round pick Malik Nabers, who is in line to set some franchise records. He currently has 80 receptions with four games remaining. He is on pace to record 109 catches, which would pass the franchise record for rookies (91 – Odell Beckham Jr., Saquon Barkley) and the all-time single-season record set by Steve Smith in 2009 (107).

Fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr. ranks second among NFL rookies in rush yards (664) and fourth in scrimmage yards (880) despite the Giants using him in a rotation with Devin Singletary.

Edge rusher Brian Burns is playing up to his billing and is not done yet. He leads the team with 12 tackles for a loss and has 7.0 sacks. Burns is one of three players with seven or more sacks in each of the past six seasons. Las Vegas’ Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett of Cleveland are the others.

Inside linebackers Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden are building their resumes further this season. Okereke needs seven tackles to achieve his fourth straight 100-plus tackle season (second with the Giants).

Last week, McFadden became the fifth player in the past five seasons with five tackles for a loss in a single game. This week, he’s aiming for his fourth game in a row at home with 11-plus tackles.

And that concludes the good news. With four weeks to go, there could be more as the Giants try to end this season on an uptick.