Brian Daboll’s two decades as a coach have not altered the quickest method to lose a game.
Sunday in a defeat to the Lions, the Giants committed two interceptions and lost a fumble without creating a defensive takeaway, joining 18 other teams this season who have lost the turnover fight by a score of exactly three (whether 3-0, 4-1, 5-2, etc.) in a single game. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, these clubs are 1-18.
“We did not do enough to win that game, and you must move on swiftly, especially when you have a short week,” stated Daboll.
The Giants have a turnover margin of plus one for the season. If the season ended today, six of the seven teams with superior margins would be in the postseason. The No. 26 Chiefs (minus-3) are the lowest-ranked club with a playoff position.
What is its significance? Because the Cowboys are plus-seven in turnover margin and have 16 takeaways, ball security will be emphasized even more than usual heading into Thursday’s matchup.
“It’s difficult to win a game when you’re behind 3-0 in turnovers,” Daboll remarked. “The odds are not in your favor too much…. In our three defeats, six turnovers have directly led to 24 points. In our seven victories, we’ve committed five turnovers that contributed to six scores. Thus, turnovers are usually enormous. And we’ve got to keep working on it.”
Thursday will be without CB Adoree’ Jackson (knee) and TE Daniel Bellinger (eye). Guard Josh Ezeudu (neck), C The Giants’ two walk-throughs indicated that Jon Feliciano (neck), CB Fabian Moreau (oblique), OL Shane Lemieux (toe), and LT Andrew Thomas (illness) would not have practiced on Tuesday. Lemieux and Thomas were included to the injury report for the first time.
WR Richie James (knee), RT Tyre Phillips (neck), and RT Joe Thomas (neck) are injured. Evan Neal (knee), S Jason Pinnock (jaw) and S Dane Belton (clavicle) would have been hampered by their injuries. Belton was included after spending the most of last week on the report. James and Phillips were promoted to participant status on Monday.
“Everyone else will wait until the last second before deciding what to do,” Daboll remarked. “It is both a possibility and an impossibility. We’ll see who is in good health.”
Nick Vannett was added to the Giants’ practice squad. The Saints released Vannett in the middle of the first year of his $8 million, three-year contract this month. In 80 career games, he has recorded 86 receptions and six touchdowns.
TE Lawrence Cager was added to the practice squad on October 18 and made his debut last week, demonstrating the potential at the shorthanded position. He was added to the active roster on Tuesday.
This will be Daboll’s sixth Thanksgiving game in his NFL career. This game will pay tribute to the late head coach and commentator John Madden.
“Isn’t that a fantastic tribute?” Daboll said. “You recall, as a child, sitting in front of the television and watching games, Madden, and turducken, among other things.”