The New York Giants had a far better performance on offense this week, but their lack of discipline resulted in a 40-37 overtime loss to their division rival Dallas Cowboys. There were penalties all over the place, bad decision-making by the offense and defense, and all-around sloppy play by the team. So many things were done incorrectly in their performance, it’s easy to assume the team punted the game away.

Don’t get it wrong, the team performed far better in many areas than last week against the Washington Commanders. This is a game they should have won when they took the lead with just over 30 seconds remaining. A breakdown of the most glaring issues could paint a picture of not just issues on the field, but also brewing chaos in the locker room.

James Hudson Should Not See the Field Again

It’s one thing to be jumpy on the line, and it’s another thing to have a fire brewing when you play. It’s a completely different thing to commit four penalties on the opening drive of the game. James Hudson somehow managed to accomplish all of the above and look completely foolish doing so in the process.

Hudson accomplished the feat during the team’s first drive of the game, becoming the first player since 2000 to earn the dubious honor, according to CBS Sports. The first penalty, being a 15-yard unnecessary roughness foul, came when he attempted to slap edge rusher James Houston in the back of the head.

Then he committed another 15-yard foul a few plays later, trying to pin defensive end Sam Williams on the ground after a 51-yard pass play to Wan’Dale Robinson. To make it worse, Hudson inexplicably jumped off the line twice and backed the Giants up even further. A drive that took up half the quarter ended with only a field goal, in part due to the veteran’s antics.

To top it all off, Hudson was pulled from the game after that and benched for rookie offensive lineman Marcus Mbow. The veteran was not only upset, but he appeared to try and get in a coach’s face. He had to be calmed down by his teammates before finally accepting a spot on the bench.

Hudson wasn’t available for reporters after the game, but it shouldn’t be a surprise if he either loses significant playing time or is cut outright after that. He’s only filling in for the injured Andrew Thomas now, but the team needs him more than ever after the veteran’s questionable display.

Where Is The Discipline?

There’s one big number to take away from the Giants’ game against the Cowboys: 14 penalties for 160 yards. Six of those came from the aforementioned first drive, including holdings against Swayze Bozeman and Darius Slayton. Then they had a delay of game to top it off on the offensive side.

A lack of discipline was apparent on the defensive side of the ball Sunday. Abdul Carter jumped offside twice, Andu Phillips contributed another unnecessary roughness penalty, and the team committed three roughing the passer penalties in the span of three quarters. Four more penalties for defensive pass interference and then they couldn’t get all the men off the field in time at the end of the second quarter.

Forget the fact that Russell Wilson had a good game, throwing for over 450 yards and three touchdowns. He also made a costly mistake in overtime by throwing an airball 40 yards deep that led to an interception and a game-ending field goal. It’s a shame, because it overshadows Malik Nabers’ great day, going for 167 yards and two touchdowns. It also overshadows Cam Skattebo’s first career touchdown.

The question is no longer what good did the team do, it’s now whether coach Brian Daboll is already losing the locker room.

Is Daboll Already Losing The Team?

It goes without saying that Daboll’s job is on the line this season after two disastrous seasons following their surprise 2022 performance. If the team’s morale and discipline is already spiraling this early in the season, there’s a chance Daboll will be gone before the season is over.

It’s a shame, given that Daboll is one of their more fiery and successful coaches over the last decade, aside from Ben McAdoo. But the team’s current strategy isn’t working. There is time to change it, but the lack of camaraderie in the locker room and the clear deficit of a vocal leader on the roster make it an uphill battle for Daboll to form a case to stay.