Dec 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) celebrates after a touchdown with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) against the New York Giants in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Michael Penix Jr. leads Falcons past reeling Giants

ATLANTA–Michael Penix Jr. completed 18 of 27 passes for 202 yards in his first career start, helping the Atlanta Falcons post a 34-7 rout of the visiting New York Giants on Sunday.

Penix, who was named starter following Kirk Cousins’ benching, also threw an interception. Bijan Robinson ran 22 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns, as the Falcons (8-7) won their second straight following a four-game losing streak. Darnell Mooney had five receptions for 82 yards, while Jessie Bates III and Matthew Judon each returned interceptions for touchdowns.

For New York (2-13), Drew Lock completed 22 of 39 passes for a touchdown and two interceptions, as the Giants dropped their 10th straight game — setting a franchise record. Malik Nabers hauled in seven passes for 68 yards.

Leading 17-7, the Falcons pushed their advantage to three scores on the second play of the third quarter, as Zach Harrison deflected Lock’s pass into Judon’s hands, who returned it 27 yards for Atlanta’s second pick-six.

Following the Giants’ three-and-out, Atlanta tacked on with a 12-play, 69-yard drive, stamped with Robinson’s 2-yard rushing touchdown at the 7:14 mark of the third quarter, extending the Falcons’ advantage to 31-7.

Newly-signed kicker Riley Patterson’s 37-yard field goal capped the game’s scoring with 10:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.

After Atlanta’s opening drive ended with Patterson’s missed 43-yard field goal, each team traded punts.

The Giants then ate 8:12 of clock during a 14-play, 70-yard scoring drive, capped with Lock’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the first play of the second quarter.

Atlanta’s first scoring drive was highlighted by Penix’s 22-yard pass to Mooney on the first play, before the drive was halted at New York’s 34-yard line. Patterson then connected on a 52-yard field goal, cutting the Giants’ lead to 7-3.

The Falcons took their first lead minutes later, when Bates intercepted Lock’s pass and returned it 55 yards for Atlanta’s first touchdown with 7:56 left in the second quarter.

Following New York’s punt, Penix led a nine-play, 86-yard scoring drive that ended with Robinson’s 4-yard rushing score to extend Atlanta’s lead to 17-7.

After Kaden Elliss’ sack forced Lock’s fumble, Atlanta’s Arnold Ebiketie recovered the ball on New York’s 31. Atlanta advanced to New York’s 7-yard line, where Penix’s pass bounced off Kyle Pitts’ hands and was intercepted by Cor’Dale Flott.

–Jack Batten, Field Level Media

Dec 16, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) warms up before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. begins initiation against Giants

With their playoff hopes fading fast, the Atlanta Falcons benched $180 million quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of rookie Michael Penix Jr. ahead of a Sunday meeting with the visiting New York Giants.

Atlanta (7-7) looked to be a shoo-in six weeks ago to appear in the postseason for the first time since 2017. After a Week 9 home win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Falcons, with a 6-3 record, sat atop the NFC South with a two-game lead. With three weeks left, Atlanta is on the outside looking in as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers lead the division by a game.

Hoping Cousins would be the answer to the franchise’s playoff drought, Atlanta signed the veteran quarterback to a four-year contract in March, with $100 million guaranteed. The two sides looked to be a match, until Weeks 10-15, when Cousins averaged just 236 yards per game and totaled one touchdown pass and nine interceptions.

Following an ugly 15-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, when Cousins completed 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, a touchdown and a pick, Atlanta coach Raheem Morris announced the team was going in a different direction.

Penix, the eighth overall pick out of Washington, will start for the first time in his professional career on Sunday. The 24-year-old has completed 3 of 5 passes for 38 yards in garbage time during two losses.

“Obviously, we’ve got to play better at that position and we want to play better at that position, so that’s why we made that decision,” Morris said. “Michael’s been the number two, he’s been one snap away all year. He’s been grinding away, learning from Kirk, being around the coaches. … This definitely has some financial implications for us, but we’re always going to make football decisions in order to win football games.”

Cousins, who passed for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions this year, knows that he hasn’t lived up to expectations so far.

“There’s a standard that I have for myself and the team has for me that unfortunately I wasn’t playing up to consistently,” Cousins said. “Now you just support Michael and try to help this team be able to find a way to win these last three and get in the playoffs. That’s what it’s all about.”

The Giants certainly aren’t looking at any playoff scenarios, as they are firmly in the hunt for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. New York (2-12) holds the NFC’s worst record and is tied with the Raiders in the league basement.

Losers of a franchise-tying nine straight games, the Giants also have had their fair share of problems under center.

After releasing Daniel Jones in November, New York has plugged in Tommy DeVito, Tim Boyle and Drew Lock as it limps to the finish line. Lock (heel/elbow) missed the team’s 35-14 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week, but Giants coach Brian Daboll said the Missouri product “should be OK to start this week.”

Daboll, who is 17-30-1 over three years on the job, was asked about the possibility of owner John Mara firing him and general manager Joe Schoen at the conclusion of the season.

“I just focus on things that I can control,” Daboll said. “(John) and I have good conversations every week. We have a number of conversations about a lot of different things that I’ll keep private. … We’re just getting ready here for the Falcons.”

Atlanta placed kicker Younghoe Koo, who was 25-for-34 on field-goal attempts this year, on injured reserve Wednesday due to a hip injury. The club signed Riley Patterson off the Browns’ practice squad to replace him.

Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge (ribs), who block a punts and got his hand on another in the Monday win at Las Vegas, was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, as were tight ends Ross Dwelley (ankle) and Charlie Woerner (quad).

For New York, linebackers Brian Burns (ankle/neck), Patrick Johnson (knee) and Bobby Okereke (back) each missed the Wednesday practice. Guard Aaron Stinnie (concussion) and cornerback Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) were also out.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (2) during warm ups before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Giants QB Drew Lock in line to start vs. Falcons

New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock is on track to start on Sunday against rookie Michael Penix Jr. and the host Atlanta Falcons, head coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday.

Lock sat out the Giants’ 35-14 loss to the visiting Baltimore Ravens last Sunday due to heel and left elbow injuries.

Tommy DeVito started against the Ravens and sustained a concussion late in the second quarter.

Tim Boyle replaced DeVito and completed 12 of 24 passes for 123 yards with one touchdown and one interception in his debut with the team. Boyle had bounced between the practice squad and active roster since New York signed him in November.

The Giants (2-12) will look to snap a nine-game losing skid on Sunday when they visit the Falcons (7-7).

New York has used four different quarterbacks this season, as longtime starter Daniel Jones was benched and later released on Nov. 22.

Lock, 28, is in his first season with the Giants and is 46-for-90 passing for 414 yards, no TDs and two interceptions in five games (two starts).

The Denver Broncos selected Lock in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played three seasons for the Broncos (2019-21) before they traded him to the Seattle Seahawks in March 2022. He has passed for 5,697 yards with a 58.8 percent completion rate, 28 TDs and 25 interceptions in 33 career games (25 starts).

–Field Level Media

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen takes a drink of water before the pre-draft press conference in 2002.

Giants, Raiders lead race for No. 1 in 2025 NFL Draft

An averted comeback sent the Las Vegas Raiders to their 12th loss of the season on Monday, even with the New York Giants for the worst record in the NFL this season.

The Giants (2-12) are up on the Raiders (2-12) by mere percentage points with three weeks remaining in the race for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Schedule strength indicates more than a two-horse field for the premium placement in the 2025 draft.

The New England Patriots (3-11) are No. 1 in the NFL with two dates against the Buffalo Bills (11-3) and a Week 17 visit from the Los Angeles Chargers (8-6).

The Chicago Bears appeared to be out of the running for a repeat of the No. 1 pick but dropped to 4-10 in a blowout 30-12 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. The setback put the Bears in the top 10 of the current draft order in the shadow of the New York Jets (4-10).

But the Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns all reside a rung higher in the order with three wins with three to play.

In the franchise’s 100th season, the Giants appear to be a lock to select in the top six of the draft for the fifth time in seven years since selecting Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick in 2018.

The Raiders last picked in the top three in 2007 when they selected LSU’s JaMarcus Russell No. 1. Hall of Famers Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions) was No. 2 and Joe Thomas (Browns) third.

Here’s the current order for the 2025 NFL Draft:

1. New York Giants

2. Las Vegas Raiders

3. New England Patriots

4. Carolina Panthers

5. Tennessee Titans

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

7. Cleveland Browns

8. New York Jets

9. Chicago Bears

10. New Orleans Saints

11. Miami Dolphins

12. Cincinnati Bengals

13. Dallas Cowboys

14. Indianapolis Colts

15. San Francisco 49ers

16. Arizona Cardinals

17. Atlanta Falcons

18. Seattle Seahawks

19. Los Angeles Chargers

20. Los Angeles Rams

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

22. Washington Commanders

23. Denver Broncos

24. Houston Texans

25. Baltimore Ravens

26. Pittsburgh Steelers

27. Green Bay Packers

28. Buffalo Bills

29. Minnesota Vikings

30. Philadelphia Eagles

31. Detroit Lions

32. Kansas City Chiefs

–Field Level Media

East Rutherford, NJ -- December 15, 2024 -- GiantÕs quarterbacks Tommy DeVito, Drew Lock and Tim Boyle during pre game warm ups as the Baltimore Ravens came to MetLife Stadium to play the New York Giants.

Tommy DeVito in concussion protocol as Giants sort through QB options

The New York Giants’ quarterback situation remains in flux, with head coach Brian Daboll announcing Monday that Tommy DeVito is in concussion protocol and Drew Lock is still recovering from heel and left elbow injuries.

“… We’ll see where these guys are at each day, and Wednesday, hopefully, they’ll be ready to go,” Daboll said at his press conference.

DeVito started Sunday’s home game against the Baltimore Ravens and was injured late in the second quarter. He exited after completing 10 of 13 passes for 68 yards in the 35-14 loss in East Rutherford, N.J.

Tim Boyle, who had bounced between the practice squad and active roster since the New York signed him in November, replaced DeVito for the remainder of the game and finished 12 of 24 for 123 yards, one touchdown and one interception in his Giants debut.

Daboll was asked if Boyle could be the starter when the Giants (2-12) visit the Atlanta Falcons (6-7) on Sunday.

“Well, it depends on how these other guys are health-wise, too,” Daboll said. “Again, I thought (Boyle) made some nice throws. He was decisive with the football. He was ready to go. He was prepared. He’s worked extremely hard since he’s been here. He made the most of his opportunity, the chance he got to be in there.”

The Giants have used four different quarterbacks this season, as longtime starter Daniel Jones was benched and later released on Nov. 22. DeVito got a start but injured his forearm, and Lock started two games before hurting his heel against New Orleans on Dec. 8.

DeVito, 26, has played in three games this season (two starts) and is 31 of 44 for 257 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.

He played in nine games as an undrafted rookie last season, starting six and going 3-3 with 1,101 passing yards, eight TDs and three picks.

Lock, 28, is in his first season with the Giants and is 46-for-90 passing for 414 yards, no TDs and two interceptions in five games (two starts).

The Denver Broncos selected Lock in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He played three seasons for the Broncos (2019-21) before they traded him to the Seattle Seahawks in March 2022. He has passed for 5,697 yards with a 58.8 percent completion rate, 28 TDs and 25 interceptions in 33 career games (25 starts).

Boyle, 30, has played parts of six seasons for six teams, including Miami earlier this season. He appeared in two games with the Dolphins and one for the Giants for a combined 27-of-50 passing for 276 yards, one TD and one pick.

He has passed for 1,210 yards and five TDs against 13 interceptions in 23 games (five starts) in 23 career games (five starts).

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) carries the ball as New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock (27) pursues during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Lamar Jackson (5 TDs), Ravens hand Giants 9th straight loss

Lamar Jackson threw for 290 yards and five touchdowns, including a pair of scores to Rashod Bateman, to boost the visiting Baltimore Ravens to a 35-14 win against the skidding New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Baltimore (9-5) stayed in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt while moving one game back of AFC North-leading Pittsburgh in the win column with the Steelers in action later Sunday.

Jackson had more TDs than incompletions, finishing 21-for-25 passing before yielding to backup Josh Johnson. Jackson added 65 yards on six carries to help the Ravens outgain the Giants 445-236.

New York (2-12) tied a franchise record with its ninth consecutive loss. The Giants remained winless at home this season and still are stuck in transition at quarterback.

Back at QB after Drew Lock (heel) was injured against New Orleans last week, Tommy DeVito suffered a concussion late in the second quarter and was ruled out. DeVito was 10-for-13 passing for 68 yards while getting sacked twice.

Tim Boyle completed 12 of his 23 pass attempts for 123 yards with a touchdown and interception in relief. His 23-yard TD strike to Malik Nabers with 6:36 left capped the scoring. Nabers had 10 receptions for 82 yards.

Bateman had 80 yards on three catches, while teammate Devontez Walker’s first career reception was a 21-yard TD.

Jackson played almost flawlessly in the first half apart from a fumble deep in New York territory two plays after Justice Hill’s 59-yard opening kickoff return.

Baltimore capitalized on a short field off a punt return for its first scoring drive. Jackson punctuated the possession with a 13-yard scoring pass to Mark Andrews, who passed Jamal Lewis for most touchdowns in Ravens history with his 48th career score.

New York turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing drive, and Baltimore needed just five plays and 2:55 to visit the end zone again as Jackson connected with Bateman for a 49-yard touchdown.

Aided by four Ravens penalties, the Giants answered by producing a 13-play, 80-yard TD drive over 8:38, cashing in on Devin Singletary’s 2-yard scoring run.

The Ravens got the ball back and marched 80 yards themselves, covering the distance in 11 plays and 1:43, culminating with Bateman’s 20-yard scoring grab and a 21-7 lead.

Baltimore’s Derrick Henry rushed 14 times for 67 yards.

New York’s most recent nine-game losing streak came in 2019.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Giants QB Tommy DeVito (concussion) out vs. Ravens

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito suffered a concussion late in the second quarter and did not return to Sunday’s game against the visiting Baltimore Ravens in East Rutherford, N.J.

The Ravens’ defense applied consistent pressure against DeVito on the way to building a 21-7 halftime lead. Backup Tim Boyle took the field to take a knee on the final possession of the half.

DeVito remained in the game to complete a second-quarter touchdown drive after being driven to the turf on a roughing the passer penalty against Baltimore.

DeVito completed 10 of 13 passes for 68 yards. He was sacked twice, losing eight yards.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants co-owner John Mara (left) and New York Giants General Manager, Joe Schoen, speak with New York Giants Head Coach, Brian Daboll, at MetLife Stadium before their team hosts the New England Patriots, Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Flying-mad fans demand Giants ‘fire everyone’

New York Giants ownership got another pregame message from angry fans.

For the second Sunday in a row, a plane flew over MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., ahead of kickoff, dragging a banner asking co-owner John Mara to make a giant change in the organization.

“Mr Mara Enough — We won’t stop until you fire everyone,” the banner read.

The Giants (2-11) lost an uninspiring game last week to the New Orleans Saints, 14-11. Prior to that contest, a similar message implored Mara to “fix this dumpster fire.”

New York stood at 2-3 on Oct. 6 following a 29-20 road win over the Seattle Seahawks. They’ve since lost eight consecutive games and are winless at home.

And the odds stood against the Giants entering Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens (8-5). Per the New York Post, the 16.5-point spread favoring the Ravens was the highest in the NFL this season and the largest for a home underdog since at least 1966.

Seven games into the season, with the Giants at 2-5, Mara gave a vote of confidence to general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

“Obviously, we’re all very disappointed with where we are right now,” Mara said. “But I’m gonna say one thing: we are not making any changes this season. And I do not anticipate making any changes in the offseason, either.”

The six losses since could have changed Mara’s mind, but he hasn’t addressed the aerial messages specifically or his leadership’s future in general. It’s been a season of turmoil, which included the release of starting quarterback Daniel Jones after he was benched by Daboll,

Things won’t get any easier for the Giants after the Ravens’ visit.

New York closes the season with games against two teams — the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts — that still had a shot at the playoffs as of Week 15, and the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles.

The Week 17 meeting with the Colts is the final home game of the 2024 season.

The Giants have made the playoffs just twice since 2012 when the won the second of two Super Bowls in the Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning era. Since Coughlin’s departure following the 2015 season, the Giants have employed four head coaches and one interim coach.

The Mara family has owned the team since its founding in 1925.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt (58) during the second  half  at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Ravens on the prowl with scuffling Giants up next

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson called his team’s bye last week a “breath of fresh air.” So what if it followed a narrow home loss?

“Games have just been going crazy for us,” Jackson said. “We took a little deep breath, took a step back, relaxed.”

With an AFC wild-card berth — and maybe a crack at the AFC North title — in sight, the Ravens welcomed the chance to recharge.

Entering a Sunday meeting with the slumping New York Giants in East Rutherford, N.J., Baltimore (8-5) holds the fifth seed in the conference. The Ravens are two games behind division-leading Pittsburgh with four games to go, including a visit from the Steelers in Week 16.

“In all professional sports, especially in football, it’s a grueling season,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said, “but if you have confidence going into the playoffs, going into that stretch, then I feel like anything can happen.”

Of course, the last part of Hamilton’s comment applies no matter what point of the season it is. Noting that two of Baltimore’s losses came against the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns, teams that are a combined 5-21, Hamilton said that the Ravens can’t take the 2-11 Giants lightly.

Still, New York will aim to snap an eight-game losing streak and win at home for the first time this season amid another change at quarterback. With Drew Lock in a walking boot after sustaining a heel injury last weekend during a 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Giants will return to Tommy DeVito under center.

DeVito was south of spectacular in a Week 12 home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before leaving the contest due to a forearm injury. He was 21-for-31 for 189 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in the team’s first action following the release of former first-round pick Daniel Jones.

“You always got to be ready for whatever happens. Obviously, it’s been a little bit of a crazy situation this whole year with everything that’s gone on,” DeVito said. “So, there’s almost no surprises at this point. You just got to stay ready.”

Even with all the adversity that New York has faced, the Giants are staying positive as they get ready for Baltimore to visit.

“There’s always a bigger picture,” Giants linebacker Brian Burns said. “I’m trying to get the guys to understand there’s a bigger picture than what we got going on right now. Obviously, it’s just falling in love with the process of getting better, especially these young guys. We got a lot of young guys playing on this defense and they need to evolve.”

Although the Ravens will be without wide receiver Diontae Johnson (team-issued suspension), their offensive attack certainly commands attention from the Giants or any defensive unit.

Jackson is an NFL MVP candidate who leads the league with a 116.3 passer rating, and he ranks second with 29 touchdown passes. He has passed for 3,290 yards while rushing for 678 yards and three scores.

Baltimore running back Derrick Henry is tied for the league lead with 13 rushing touchdowns and is second with 1,407 yards on the ground.

The Ravens are looking to bounce back after a 24-19 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Dec. 1.

“Who’s gonna win in December, who’s gonna win in January, who’s gonna have an opportunity in February, that remains to be seen,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. “… It’s a long season in this league for a reason. We’re gonna try to play our best football here at the end of the season.”

Standout rookie receiver Malik Nabers was limited during the Giants’ practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito (15) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Giants QB Tommy DeVito in line to start vs. Ravens

New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito is expected to start Sunday’s game against the visiting Baltimore Ravens should Drew Lock be unable to play, head coach Brian Daboll announced Wednesday.

Per Daboll, DeVito will take first-team reps in practice on Wednesday with Lock in a walking boot due to a heel injury.

DeVito injured his forearm in New York’s 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 24. Lock replaced DeVito to finish that contest and started the next two for the Giants (2-11), who have lost eight in a row heading into their game against the Ravens (8-5) in East Rutherford, N.J.

DeVito, 26, has completed 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards in parts of two games (one start) this season.

He has completed 64.6 percent of his passes for 1,290 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions in 11 career games (seven starts) with the Giants.

–Field Level Media