Primetime has become losing time for the New York Giants and quarterback Daniel Jones.
The third-year quarterback is the first passer in NFL history to start his career 0-7 in Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night games — the dubious honor hitting a new level in a Nov. 1 primetime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
This Monday, the Giants help close out the NFL’s Week 11 slate with another difficult test as they travel down south to face Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that the Giants are heavy underdogs, regardless of their inability to win primetime games in recent years.
“I really haven’t thought about it,” Jones said while giving a politician’s answer. “I didn’t realize it until recently, but we’re preparing for this week. Each game is different. Each game is a different opportunity, so we’ll look to prepare for this one.”
Jones, who is 11-25 in 36 career starts as Giants quarterback, is putting together a much better season this year compared to his sophomore slump campaign of 2020. Through nine games, he’s completed 64.8% of his passes for 2,059 yards, eight touchdowns (he had 11 all of last year), and five interceptions.
More importantly, his Giants have won two of their last three games and are remarkably in the thick of the NFC playoff picture despite their 3-6 record. They are one of eight teams that are within two games of the seventh and final playoff spot in the conference behind the 5-5 Carolina Panthers.
While the Buccaneers are looking to get back on track after two straight losses — including a Week 10 upset to the Washington Football Team — the Giants’ sputtering offense does have an opportunity to have a big night.
Tampa Bay’s defense is shorthanded as cornerbacks Richard Sherman, Carlton Davis, and Sean Murphy-Bunting are on injured reserve. Defensive linemen Vita Vea and Jason Pierre-Paul are also out. The Buccaneers have allowed 65 points in their last two games, at least suggesting the promise that Jones could have a solid night.
