The New York Giants fell to the San Francisco 49ers, 30-12, on Thursday night in a game that was even less pretty than the score indicates.
Injuries were once again the major takeaway, but not far behind that was shoddy offensive line plan and horrendous tackling by the defense. Upwards of 16 tackles were missed on the night and everyone on the team was guilty.
Buy Giants TicketsMicah McFadden was among those who missed a tackle or two. However, the second-year linebacker balanced that out with strong play and more tackles made than missed. He finished the night with a team-leading 10 tackles, nine of which were solo and four for a loss.
Retired offensive lineman and current NFL analyst, Brian Baldinger, broke down McFadden’s play and came away impressed with the speed of his recognition.
.@Giants @micah_mcfaddy had a great all – around game last night including 4 TFL. But that @CMC_22 is quicker than a……???? #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/yYAYxwshVs
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 22, 2023
“His recognition (sic) is as far as you can possibly get,” Baldinger said. “He had a good game.”
Baldinger was far less impressed with the amount of use rookie wide receiver Jalin Hyatt saw against the 49ers. A week removed from the speedster having a huge impact on the game, the Giants targeted Hyatt a grand total of zero times.
.@Giants @jalinhyatt plays 16 plays and they don’t target him 1X? After the TNT he brought to the desert last week? I am slightly confused. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/Lc1N4HtwJ0
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 22, 2023
“They don’t throw to him one time in a game when they needed a big play?” Baldinger questioned. “Seems pretty bizarre in the game plan to me.”
There were quite a few things about Thursday night’s approach that raised some eyebrows. Hyatt not seeing a single target is just one of them.
