The New York Giants faced off against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday Night Football in Week 6 of the 2023 NFL season.
It was the Giants’ fourth prime-time game of this young season.
The Giants came into the game 0-3 in prime time, 1-4 overall, and the only NFL team that had yet to run an offensive play with the lead this season.
Some of that changed on Sunday night, but the Giants still couldn’t overcome the injuries and adversity enough to pull out a win.
But it wasn’t from a lack of trying.
Final score: Bills 14, Giants 9
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final | |
| Giants | 3 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 |
| Bills | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
Keys to the game
- The game was a flag fest as things got testy early, starting up before the opening kickoff. The Giants were flagged nine times for 65 yards. Some of it hurt but the Bills had seven penalties of their own, which helped. Either way, the lack of discipline shone through again.
- The Giants were 0-5 in the red zone while Buffalo went 2-2. Good teams make the best of their opportunities.
- Quarterback Tyrod Taylor played as well as one could expect but to beat the Bills more was needed. He fell a bit short. Good but not good enough. That aside, kudos to him for his effort.
- The offensive line draws all the criticism but the defensive line is still not bringing it. They allowed 128 yards rushing and had no sacks on the evening.
It was over when...
When Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor couldn’t connect with tight end Darren Waller in the middle of the end zone with 0:00 on the clock, giving the Bills a 14-9 victory.
Taylor played well overall but his faux pax at the end of the first half where the clock ran out with the Giants on the doorstep combined with the incompletion to Waller, killed their chances of an upset.
Of course, there was more to this game, but this is what will be remembered.
Players of the game
- Linebacker Bobby Okereke was a man on fire, logging in a statement game with 11 total tackles — two for a loss — with two passes defensed and a forced fumble. He looked like a Pro Bowler out there tonight.
- Running back Saquon Barkley, still affected by a high ankle sprain, toughed it out and rushed for 93 yards on 24 carries and caught four passes. He took the mantle in this game and led like all leaders do. He walked the walked.
- Wide receiver Darius Slayton can work a sideline better than most in this league and he rolled in four passes for 69 yards.
- Wan’Dale Robinson, the second-year wideout, continues to impress. He caught all eight of his targets for 62 yards.
Injuries
Left tackle Joshua Ezeudu left the game in the first quarter with a toe injury and did not return. Justin Pugh slid over to cover at left tackle.
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson wrenched his heck in a collision with teammate Xavier McKinney in the first half and left the gem to be evaluated. He returned to the field shortly after.
What's next?
Head coach Brian Daboll will hold a Zoom call with the team’s beat writers on Monday afternoon before a few players are also made available.
Big Blue will return to practice on Wednesday ahead of a Week 7 game against the Washington Commander on Sunday, October 22 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. ET.
