If you’re looking for a single play that captures the New York Giants’ season in all its chaotic, head-scratching glory, Monday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers delivered it on a silver platter.
In a moment that should have been a game-changer, Giants running back Tyron Tracy Jr. tore down the field for an electric 45-yard touchdown run, bringing the Giants back within striking distance at 23-15. Giants fans had hope, if only for a brief, fleeting second. Then came the fateful two-point conversion attempt—one that has already earned a spot in the “What were they thinking?” Hall of Fame.
The Giants lined up in an unusual shotgun formation, arranging a crew of blockers ahead of wide receiver Malik Nabers. Except, well, “blockers” might be a stretch, as they seemed utterly confused about their purpose. When quarterback Daniel Jones took the snap and threw it to Nabers, chaos ensued.
Pittsburgh’s defenders swarmed in, and the supposed wall of blockers? They just…stood there, as if the playbook had called for a statue drill instead of a game-winning strategy. Steelers defenders shut down the play in an instant, while Nabers barely had time to brace himself. The officials blew the play dead before things got any worse, and, honestly, the crowd probably needed a few seconds to process what they’d just witnessed.
And let’s just say, Daniel Jones was “not” thrilled. You could practically see the steam coming out of his helmet.
The play had disintegrated faster than a sandcastle at high tide, and Jones’s frustration was as plain as day.
Then, as if we hadn’t witnessed enough, the “Manningcast” delivered the true highlight of the night—Eli Manning’s reaction, a look of shock and bewilderment that instantly became meme material.
Watching him watch the Giants’ blunder was comedy gold, an unfiltered “are you kidding me?” moment from the former Giants quarterback.
It’s safe to say Giants fans are dealing with a tough season. Between plays like this and questionable calls, New York sports have had better years.
And while the G-Men’s season isn’t officially over, moments like this two-point disaster are making it a tough time to root for the Big Blue.
