The Giants slowly unraveled in a 29-10 loss to the Tennessee Titans yesterday. They managed to keep last season’s rushing champ Chris Johnson under relatively good wraps and still found a way to lose, as key members repeatedly lost their cool.
Johnson was “held” to 125 yards, while dual-threat quarterback Vince Young only had 124 total yards. All Tennessee had to do was sit back and enjoy its opponent’s self destruction.
The biggest Giant screw-up came on a Kareem McKenzie personal foul, following a missed 43-yard field goal by Lawrence Tynes midway through the fourth quarter that could have cut the deficit to 19-13. Instead, the Titans parlayed into a 22-yard field goal to essentially salt away the game.
“I spoke to Kareem on the field and again right after the game,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “I know he was trying to make plays … but talk about us beating ourselves.”
Coughlin wasn’t happy with the overall focus, as the team was called for five personal fouls — four by the offensive line.
“The biggest disappointment was penalties, and I hold myself personally responsible for that,” said Coughlin. “We’re all very disappointed and realize we beat ourselves.”
It’s the second consecutive blowout loss for the Giants, who stunk it up against the Colts, 38-14. The week that followed was filled with radio rants by the likes of Antrel Rolle, who was yanked after a personal foul yesterday, and reported trade demands by running back Brandon Jacobs, who had just 17 yards.
“The way in which we play in between the lines is my responsibility, and I’m taking full responsibility for that,” Coughlin said. “This is a game that we should have won, we didn’t win.”
