The incredible thing about all the terrible things already crammed into this Giants season is that it is only half over. They are 1-7 and still have eight games to go.
How in the world are the players going to keep interested and engaged, coming off a 51-17 thrashing by the Rams?
“See, that’s the point, it’s not hard,’’ cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie said. “It’s in me. We’re in the NFL — we’re privileged to be here. You’ve got to be self-motivated at this point. If you can’t get up to play, it’s their job on the line. So, go down there and continue to do what you do, we’re all going to be home watching someone else play.’’
It is open season on coach Ben McAdoo, but that is not where the focus of the blame should rest Rodgers-Cromartie said.
“No, you can’t put that on the coaches,’’ he said. “Not the way we’re playing. That’s the defense. Ask any of us, we’ve blown coverages, people wide open, you can’t fire no coach for that. Fire a player, or something’s got to give.’’
Rookie Avery Moss made his first NFL start and was active, with six tackles, two quarterback hits and one batted Jared Goff pass. Moss played better once he switched sides and did not have to go against LT Andrew Whitworth. … LB Keenan Robinson was slowed by a quad injury sustained in the game. That left the Giants with rookies Calvin Munson and Curtis Grant at linebacker. … The Giants have allowed a touchdown to a tight end in all eight games. Tyler Higbee’s scoring grab in the first quarter was the ninth TD by a tight end against the Giants this season.
McAdoo said he wanted to replace Eli Manning with Geno Smith earlier than he did — with 2:53 remaining — but did not get the chance.
“I planned on taking him out with over nine minutes left, but we didn’t get the ball back,’’ McAdoo said. Smith got the call ahead of rookie Davis Webb because Webb was inactive.
Looking ahead to the final eight games, McAdoo said, “We’ll take a look and see if there’s any players we can give reps to that have a chance to be a part of our future.’’
Asked if that includes the quarterback position, McAdoo said “That includes everybody.’’
WR Tavarres King’s 5-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter was his first NFL scoring reception. … Rodgers-Cromartie, who knows a thing or two about suspensions, said Janoris Jenkins stayed in town while serving his suspension and said “definitely’’ when asked if he expected Jenkins back with the team this week. … The Giants hoped CB Donte Deayon would be able to play after tweaking his ankle this past week. It did not work out and he was inactive, leaving the defense depleted at cornerback with the suspension of Jenkins. Tim Scott, signed off the practice squad, made his NFL debut.