The Giants were looking to get into the end zone and pad their 6–0 lead just before halftime against the Bills on Sunday night, but a highly questionable play call resulted in the clock expiring with the ball on the one-yard line.
With no timeouts left, quarterback Tyrod Taylor bizarrely handed the ball to Saquon Barkley on first and goal with just 14 seconds left on the game clock on what appeared to be an option play.
Head coach Brian Daboll appeared both irate and confused on the sideline, which suggests the handoff to Barkley was not the play he was anticipating.
Buffalo’s defenders made sure to pile on Barkley in order to slow down New York’s attempt to get back to the line and spike the ball. By the time the Giants were back at the line of scrimmage, the clock had expired.
NFL fans were in utter disbelief over the catastrophic play call and execution from New York, and they had plenty to say on social media after one of the worst ends to a half of the ‘23 NFL season.
Brian Daboll was going bonkers on the sideline. pic.twitter.com/cWzMCRBBAv https://t.co/SuP4rFGuF3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 16, 2023
What an epic fail by the Giants at the end of the first half. Brian Daboll incensed talking to Tyrod Taylor as they come off the field. To come out of there with no points inexcusable.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) October 16, 2023
Giants lead 6-0 at halftime.
I seriously don't get it, like you have time for at least two cracks at the end zone if you throw the ball here, but you run it up the middle, giving yourself at best one crack and jeopardizing your chance of getting any points instead?????? https://t.co/dHelfWadYP
— jimmy butler eat world (@warneagle) October 16, 2023
For those saying it's on Tyrod: Either he should not have the freedom to audible to a run in that situation, or he should be been instructed not to audible into a run by the head coach.
— Chris Raybon (@ChrisRaybon) October 16, 2023
Tyrod should know that, but Daboll should make sure he knows it.
Both at fault.
Daboll understandably beside himself after that sequence. Looked like Tyrod tapped his chest indicating that mistake was on him.
— Dan Duggan (@DDuggan21) October 16, 2023
How do NFL teams have worse understanding of clock management than literally any person who plays Madden
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) October 16, 2023
Looked like Tyrod Taylor checked to a run at the line of scrimmage. There's no way you can check to a run in that spot.
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) October 16, 2023
Here's the thing; Tyrod Taylor shouldn't have the option to run any sort of draw up the middle, audible, option, or not. That ball *has* to be thrown into the end zone in that situation, if you aren't going to Tush-Push it.
— Matt Lombardo 🏈 (@MattLombardoNFL) October 16, 2023
Just pathetic situational awareness from top to bottom
As the second half began, NBC's Melissa Stark shared with viewers that Daboll didn't want to talk about the play and couldn't focus enough for a quick halftime interview.
