In a crucial moment against the Cleveland Browns, newly signed New York Giants kicker Joseph missed wide on his only field-goal attempt. The 48-yard miss came with just 3 minutes left in the game, a kick that could have secured the Giants’ victory. The miss raised questions about the team’s decision to bring Joseph in to replace the injured Graham Gano.
Having just been signed from the Detroit Lions’ practice squad, Joseph’s miss highlighted the importance of having a reliable kicker in the NFL. With a short week ahead, as the Giants face the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday night, there may not be enough time to make a change at kicker.
Prior to signing Joseph, the Giants had worked out four kickers, including Randy Bullock, who had previously filled in for an injured Gano. Bullock, who remains unsigned at 34 years old, made an impression on the Giants during his brief tenure with the team last season.
In addition to the kicking situation, the Giants are also dealing with injuries in their secondary. With questions surrounding the cornerback position, the absence of players like Nick McCloud and Dru Phillips has put pressure on the young Tae Banks, the team’s first-round pick in 2023. Depth became a concern as Isaiah Simmons and Art Green were called upon to fill in for injured players during the game against the Browns.
As the Giants navigate these challenges, they will need to address the kicking situation and fortify their secondary in order to compete in a tough NFC East division. With injuries mounting and uncertainty at key positions, the team must find a way to overcome adversity and stay competitive in the weeks ahead.
