BREAKING NEWS: Giants’ Week 16 report card reveals harsh grades after tough loss to Falcons.giang

The Falcons defense scored more than the Giants offense. That is all that needs to be said.

Drew Lock threw two interceptions which the Falcons returned for touchdowns — one more touchdown than the Giants had all day.

The Giants failed to get anything going on offense as they were unable to stick to their identity of establishing the run. They rushed for 45 yards on the day while averaging a meager 3.5 yards per carry.

Things were not much better for Big Blue through the air as Lock finished with a QBR of 8.7 while throwing for 210 passing yards. Lock is far from a great quarterback but it did not help that he was hit six times and sacked three times.

The only positive is that rookies were able to add to their stats on the season. Malik Nabers brought his season totals to 97 receptions for 969 receiving yards by catching seven balls for 68 yards in Atlanta. Tyrone Tracy Jr. caught his first career touchdown to bring his season total to six scrimmage touchdowns.

The Giants’ defense faced the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft in his career debut.

Michael Penix Jr. had a solid start to his career as he ended up completing two-thirds of his passes for 202 yards and had an unfortunate interception in which Kyle Pitts practically tossed the ball to Cor’Dale Flott, who was able to return the ball for 26 yards. However, Penix Jr. was able to stay pretty comfortable in the pocket all game as the Giants rarely pressured him and did not record a sack.

In terms of the rush defense, the Giants were able to hold off a potent Falcons rushing attack as Atlanta only averaged 3.3 yards per tote. Nevertheless, Bijan Robinson still was able to rush for 94 yards and two touchdowns making it a successful day in the stat sheet despite the high volume.

The special teams unit somewhat bounced back after an array of terrible outings over the previous few weeks.

Eric Gray returned his only kickoff of the game for 37 yards. Graham Gano was able to connect on his only kick, and Jamie Gillan pinned three of his five punts inside of the 20-yard line.

However, the line did allow a Gillan punt to be partially blocked. He adjusted on the play and allowed the ball to get down the field, which was an impressive individual effort.

Brian Daboll’s time as head coach seems to be coming closer and closer to an end as the Giants continue to get blown out.

It’s a tall ask to have this Giants team win any games with the talent on the roster combined with the injuries. However, not being competitive in nearly every game, especially against a rookie quarterback is unacceptable.

The third down battle was once again lopsided as the Giants were only able to complete a third of their attempts while the Falcons were able to complete over 50 percent of theirs. New York also failed to convert on their only fourth down attempt of the game.