Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 14, 2024 6:59 pm GMT
With the New York Giants facing a crucial matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the team has decided to stick with its current placekicker, Greg Joseph. This decision comes just days after Joseph struggled in a win against the Cleveland Browns, missing a key field goal attempt that could have solidified the game for the Giants. However, head coach Brian Daboll confirmed on Tuesday that Joseph will remain the starter for this Thursday night’s game.
Joseph’s Journey to the Giants
Greg Joseph, a seasoned player with seven years of experience in the NFL, was signed off the Detroit Lions’ practice squad just last week. He replaced Graham Gano, who was placed on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury. Gano’s absence created a pressing need for the Giants, who are now banking on Joseph’s experience and skills.
Joseph has a varied history in the league, having kicked for the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Minnesota Vikings. During his time with the Vikings, he was notably accurate, boasting a career record of 62 out of 63 successful field goal attempts (96.9%) from within 40 yards. However, his performance beyond that distance has shown more inconsistency:
- 40-49 yards: 22 out of 31 attempts (70.9%)
- 50 yards and beyond: 16 out of 28 attempts (57.1%)
These statistics reveal both Joseph’s potential and the areas where he needs improvement.
Coaching Confidence
Daboll’s initial hesitation about Joseph’s role for the upcoming game showed the pressure the coach faces in maintaining team performance. On Monday, he did not offer a firm commitment regarding Joseph’s placekicking role for the game against the Cowboys. However, after further consideration, he affirmed Joseph would remain in the lineup, a decision that signifies trust in the veteran kicker’s abilities.
“It’s going to be Greg,” Daboll stated in his recent announcement. This shows the coach’s intention to build confidence in Joseph, especially after he converted all three extra-point attempts during the game against the Browns despite missing the field goal.
Looking Ahead: The Cowboys Challenge
The Giants face the Dallas Cowboys in an important divisional matchup, and having a reliable placekicker can be pivotal in such high-stakes games. Joseph’s performance could define his extended future with the Giants, particularly as they navigate through the season.
Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how Joseph performs in this game. His accuracy under pressure and ability to convert field goals are critical factors that could either bolster the Giants’ chances or lead to a reevaluation of their kicking strategy.
What to Expect During the Game
As the Giants prepare to take on the Cowboys, several key factors will play into Joseph’s performance:
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Game Conditions: Weather and field conditions could affect kicking performance. Joseph must adapt quickly to any challenges.
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Team Dynamics: The overall morale and teamwork in the Giants’ locker room are crucial. A solid performance by the team could lift Joseph’s confidence.
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Opponent’s Defense: The Cowboys’ defense will likely apply pressure on the Giants’ offense, which includes assessing Joseph’s readiness for potential game-winning field goal situations.
Joseph’s ability to handle pressure in such a high-profile game will be put to the test. Players in his position often report feeling the weight of their team’s expectations, especially in a divisional contest that could have playoff implications down the line.
Conclusion
As the Giants get ready for their showdown with the Cowboys, the spotlight will be on Greg Joseph to deliver under pressure once again. While he faced setbacks in the previous game, the team’s decision to stick with him reflects their belief in his potential to improve. The upcoming game serves as a critical moment in Joseph’s career with the Giants, and performance now could set the tone for the rest of the season. Fans are hopeful that Joseph will rise to the occasion and help the Giants secure a much-needed victory.
Stay tuned for more news about the New York Giants and how Greg Joseph is doing this season!
