Honestly, if you were watching the New York Giants this year, you probably felt that familiar sinking feeling in your stomach by about Week 2. It wasn't just that they were losing; it was the way they were losing. The final NY Giants record 2024 stands at a brutal 3-14, a number that looks even worse when you realize they finished dead last in the NFC East with a big zero in the divisional win column.
They were 0-6 against the Eagles, Cowboys, and Commanders. That hurts.
People look at 3-14 and think "complete teardown," but the reality inside MetLife Stadium was a bit more nuanced—and a lot more frustrating. It was the 100th season of Giants football, and instead of a celebration, fans got the most losses in franchise history. Surpassing the ugly 2017 and 2021 campaigns is quite the "achievement," though not the kind anyone puts on a plaque.
📖 Related: NFL Week 2 Stats: Why Most People Are Misreading the Early Data
The Daniel Jones Divorce and the QB Carousel
The biggest story of the year wasn't even the final score of the games. It was the total disintegration of the relationship between the front office and Daniel Jones. After a series of "should've been better" performances, the team didn't just bench him; they basically erased him.
By mid-season, the $160 million man was gone. Released.
Most folks expected Drew Lock to just slide in and steady the ship, but things are never that simple in East Rutherford. We saw Tommy DeVito get another shot at the "Tommy Cutlets" magic, and Lock had his moments, but the offense was basically stuck in second gear. They averaged a measly 16.1 points per game. That is 31st in the league. You can't win in the modern NFL if you can't crack 20 points, and the Giants failed that test week after week.
Why the Record Is Actually Worse Than It Looks
You might think 3-14 is the bottom. But look at the point differential. They were outscored by 142 points over the course of the season.
- Week 1 vs Vikings: A 28-6 home thumping that set the tone.
- The Munich Meltdown: Losing 20-17 to a struggling Panthers team in Germany was arguably the low point.
- The 10-Game Skid: They actually managed to lose 10 games in a row at one point, a first for this storied franchise.
There’s a misconception that the defense was the problem. Not really. Dexter Lawrence was a monster again, racking up 9 sacks from the nose tackle position, which is basically superhuman. Brian Burns, the big offseason acquisition, held his own with 8.5 sacks. But the defense spent way too much time on the field because the offense couldn't sustain a drive to save its life.
The Malik Nabers Silver Lining
If you're looking for a reason to not throw your jersey in the trash, it’s Malik Nabers. The rookie was everything advertised and then some. He finished the year with 109 catches for over 1,200 yards.
✨ Don't miss: Kyle Larson NASCAR Xfinity Series: What Most People Get Wrong
He's the real deal.
Watching him bail out sub-par quarterback play was one of the few reasons to keep the TV on on Sundays. He broke the franchise rookie reception record and proved that Joe Schoen at least knows how to pick a wideout. Alongside him, Tyrone Tracy Jr. emerged as a legitimate threat in the backfield after Saquon Barkley left for Philly. Tracy’s 839 rushing yards provided some spark, but it’s hard to run the ball when the defense knows you can’t throw it.
The Andrew Thomas Factor
Injuries are part of the game, sure. But losing Andrew Thomas to a Lisfranc injury was the "season-over" moment. The offensive line, which had actually looked improved early on, became a sieve the moment he went down.
✨ Don't miss: What Really Happened With Eddie Lacy: Why the Packers Star Disappeared
When your left tackle is out, everything breaks. The run game loses its edge. The QB gets happy feet. The playbook shrinks. It’s no coincidence that the NY Giants record 2024 spiraled right as Thomas hit the IR.
What Happens Now?
The Giants are staring at a massive crossroads. Brian Daboll is still there, but the seat is getting warm. Joe Schoen has to figure out the quarterback situation immediately because "playing for the draft" two years in a row is a death sentence in the New York market.
They have the high draft pick. They have a superstar receiver. They have a dominant interior defender. What they don't have is a leader under center or a way to win games in their own division.
Actionable Insights for the Offseason:
- Draft Strategy: The Giants must prioritize a franchise quarterback with their top-5 pick. The "bridge veteran" experiment with Drew Lock proved that you need a high-ceiling talent to compete with the likes of Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels.
- Offensive Line Depth: Relying solely on Andrew Thomas's health is a recipe for disaster. Expect them to target swing tackles and guard depth in the mid-rounds.
- Divisional Focus: 0-6 in the NFC East is unacceptable. The front office needs to build a roster specifically designed to handle the speed of the Commanders and the physical front of the Eagles.
The 2024 season was a historic disappointment, but the cap space cleared by the Daniel Jones departure gives them a "get out of jail" card. Whether they use it wisely or continue the cycle of 3-win seasons depends entirely on what they do with that draft card in April.