The New York Giants' offense stumbled out of the gate in their 2025 season opener, suffering a 21-6 loss to the Washington Commanders. The game highlighted a familiar set of struggles that plagued the team last season, leaving players and coaches searching for answers.

Offensive Struggles Continue

Wide receiver Malik Nabers described the game tape as "sick to my stomach," reflecting the team's frustration. The Giants failed to score a touchdown, managing only 231 total yards of offense. Penalties, false starts, and slow huddle exits further compounded their woes.

Coach Brian Daboll acknowledged the shortcomings, stating, "Offensively where we're at isn't where we want to be." The Giants were stuffed twice inside the 10-yard line, failing to convert red zone opportunities into points.

Key Areas for Improvement

1. Spreading the Ball: Nabers emphasized the need to involve more players. "We have to spread the ball around to every guy," he said. Last season, the offense relied heavily on Nabers, leading to unsustainable results. Despite signing Darius Slayton to a $12 million-per-year deal, he was targeted only once in Week 1.
2. Quarterback Play: Russell Wilson struggled, completing just 2-of-12 passes for 26 yards under pressure. His 25.5 QBR was among the worst in the league. Wilson admitted, "I didn't play good enough," but remains focused on improvement.
3. Offensive Line Performance: The Giants' offensive line was a major issue, allowing pressure on 36% of Wilson's dropbacks. Left tackle Andrew Thomas's return from injury could help, but the interior line must improve its run-blocking efficiency.
4. Red Zone Efficiency: The Giants failed to score on two red zone trips, a recurring problem from last season. Attention to detail, as highlighted by Slayton, will be crucial.

Looking Ahead to Week 2

The Giants face a critical Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. A loss would mark their seventh 0-2 start in nine years, a scenario that has historically led to missing the playoffs.

Daboll and his staff are focusing on the little things: precise routes, better timing, and minimizing penalties. As Nabers put it, "We have to be on the same page more."

The clock is ticking for the Giants to address these issues. With the Dallas Cowboys boasting a formidable defense, the Giants must execute flawlessly to avoid another disappointing start to their season.