EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Brian Daboll's reputation as an offensive guru is taking a hit with the New York Giants.
When the Giants chose the Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator to be their coach in 2022, the goal was to make Daniel Jones a much better quarterback and to revive an offense that struggled playing with little talent on the outside and some very bad lines.
They were not expecting Daboll to turn Jones into the next Josh Allen, but they were expecting him to help the No. 6 overall pick in the 2019 draft become a passer and runner who could put points on the board for New York.
Two-plus years into Daboll's tenure, scoring is still an issue. New York lost 17-7 to visiting Cincinnati on Sunday night, wasting a fine effort by the Giants' defense against one of the NFL's best offenses.
The Giants (2-4) have scored 96 points in six games, an average of 16. They have totaled 28 points in three home games. The Los Angeles Rams are the only NFC team with fewer points. They've scored 94, but they have played five games.
It's an ugly situation and it's troubling because New York made improvements in the offseason. It drafted playmaking receiver Malik Nabers with the sixth pick overall, and general manager Joe Schoen found a way to rebuild the offensive line a year after it gave up a record 85 sacks.
Nabers, who led the NFL with 35 catches after four weeks, has missed the last two games with a concussion.
Daboll even took over the offensive play-calling from coordinator Mike Kafka this season. There seems to be more movement and deception, the throws are quicker and the run game is part of the program. Points are not.
With 11 games left, the Giants have a defense led by tackle Dexter Lawrence that can keep them in games. The offense isn't doing its part.
“It’s extremely frustrating because our defense played their butts off and as an offensive player, you want to score to reward their efforts,” receiver Darius Slayton said. “We have to do a better job of finishing drives and finishing in the end zone.”
If they don't, the Giants may start looking for another guru.
What’s working
The young secondary of Deonte Banks, Cor'Dale Flott, Tyler Nubin, Jason Pinnock and Dru Phillips. Facing Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and his 1-2 punch at receiver in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they held their own. Burrow, who threw a career-high five touchdowns against Baltimore the previous week, had 208 yards passing and no TDs. Higgins had seven catches for 77 yards, while Chase caught five for 72.
What needs help
The Giants did not have one explosive play. Their longest plays were four passes by Jones of 15 yards apiece. A 56-yard catch-and-run by Slayton was nullified by an illegal lineman downfield. The only rushing threat of note was Jones, who had 11 carries for 56 yards.
Stock up
Edge rushers Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari. Burns had his best game as a Giant. The former Carolina Panther had eight tackles, a sack, two tackles for losses and two quarterback hits, including one that sent Burrow to the medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion. Burrow was cleared and returned to the game. Filling in for the injured Kayvon Thibodeaux (broken wrist), Ojulari had four tackles, two sacks, two tackles for losses and two quarterback hits. He also was part of a tackle the led to a fumble by Zach Moss.
Stock down
Greg Joseph. Kickers insist they are only as good as their last kick. Joseph missed a 47-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter with the Giants down 10-7. He also missed from 45 yards with 55 seconds to play when New York was trying to make it a one-score game. Both were wide left.
Injuries
Nabers and starting RB Devin Singletary (groin) have missed the last two games. ... P Jamie Gillan (hamstring) missed the game but veteran Matt Haack answered the call and averaged 46.8 yards on four punts with a net of 43.5. ... LT Andrew Thomas was banged up after the game. Daboll had no update on his condition Monday.
Key number
0 — The number of wins in three home games.
Next steps
Another week at home, this time getting ready for the return of star running back Saquon Barkley and his new team — the rival Philadelphia Eagles (3-2).
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Tom Canavan, The Associated Press
