The Giants.com crew members give their final takeaways from Week 11 and break down the 27-20 loss to the Packers.
John Schmeelk: The Giants had a familiar result on Sunday after a week of changes. It is going to be up to the players to make a difference in the form of a big play late when the game is on the line.
It happened again on Sunday when the defense had the Packers in a compromised position, third-and-10 on the Giants 30-yard line, with under five minutes to play and trailing by a point. If the defense can get a stop in that situation and force a field goal, the Giants will get the ball back with a much easier chance for the Giants to tie or win the game. There's also a chance the Packers miss the field goal, or fail on a fourth-down conversion.
The Giants sent five rushers. Dexter Lawrence is double-teamed. Brian Burns is chipped. As Burns said after the game, the other three rushers, Abdul Carter, Darius Alexander and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles all have one-on-one matchups, but none of them won. Jordan Love holds the ball until Burns finally works his way past two blockers, something his top-tier effort has allowed him to do all year, and throws it deep down the left sideline. Cor'Dale Flott has excellent coverage on rookie Savion Williams but is unable to knock the ball away resulting in a first down. The Packers scored three plays later and won the game.
But it wasn't just that play. The Giants struggled in many must-have-it situations. The Packers converted seven of 100 third downs despite the defense varying between blitzing, coverage, man, and zone. The Packers scored touchdowns on all four of their trips to the red zone, while the Giants were just three of five, including a turnover on downs and an interception in the fourth quarter.
The Giants have been in most of their games this season, but they can never seem to make a play when they truly need it. That problem has to be solved if the Giants are going to start winning these close games.
View photos from the Week 11 matchup between the Giants and Packers.
RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
WR Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13), RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
K Jamie Gillan (12)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13), RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
S Jevón Holland (8)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
WR Dalen Cambre (83)
S Dane Belton (24)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (33)
OLB Brian Burns (0), LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (33)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29), RB Devin Singletary (26)
DT Roy Robertson-Harris (95)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
S Jevón Holland (8), DL D.J. Davidson (98)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
DT Roy Robertson-Harris (95)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29), RB Devin Singletary (26)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
WR Dalen Cambre (83)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
LB Neville Hewitt (47), WR Dalen Cambre (83)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82), RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58), CB Cor'Dale Flott (28)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28), S Jevón Holland (8)
WR Beaux Collins (81)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28), S Jevón Holland (8)
QB Jameis Winston (19), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
CB Cor'Dale Flott (28), S Jevón Holland (8)
DT Roy Robertson-Harris (95)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82), RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82), RB Devin Singletary (26)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82), RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Devin Singletary (26), DT Elijah Chatman (94)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
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QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Devin Singletary (26), DT Elijah Chatman (94)
RB Devin Singletary (26), DT Elijah Chatman (94)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
OLB Tomon Fox (45)
OLB Abdul Carter (51)
S Dane Belton (24)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
C John Michael Schmitz Jr. (61)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
S Dane Belton (24)
RB Dante Miller (25)
CB Deonte Banks (2)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
TE Chris Manhertz (85)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
CB Dru Phillips (22)
TE Daniel Bellinger (82)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
RB Devin Singletary (26)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
OLB Brian Burns (0)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
WR Jalin Hyatt (13)
S Dane Belton (24)
DT Darius Alexander (91)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
CB Nic Jones (31)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
TE Theo Johnson (84)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (33)
DT Elijah Chatman (94)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
DL Dexter Lawrence II (97)
DT Elijah Chatman (94)
ILB Bobby Okereke (58)
DT Roy Robertson-Harris (95)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
T Andrew Thomas (78)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
WR Isaiah Hodgins (89)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
QB Jameis Winston (19)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (29)
Dan Salomone: From dealing with a late lineup change shortly before kickoff to throwing the red challenge flag, Mike Kafka got the full gameday experience as a head coach for the first time since he took over on an interim basis. One (whirlwind) week later, he enters more unfamiliar territory. The former offensive coordinator, who is still calling plays, will review the film of all three phases, make the corrections, and prepare for the next opponent.
Kafka said last week that he won't make a change just for the sake of it. So, when he does tweak something, it is noteworthy. One of them was naming tight ends coach Tim Kelly as offensive coordinator in what is expected to be his only staff change. The other was moving the players' day off from Tuesday to Monday.
"I think it gives the coaches a little bit of front-end time in terms of getting prepped," Kafka told the media Monday morning. "Then they see [the players] tomorrow. It kind of takes the emotion out of the game, allows guys to kind of evaluate it and see it with clear eyes, and allows the coaches to do the same. Then it gives us an opportunity to then flip the page and move on to the next opponent. Just a little bit different routine, different schedule that I've had in the past. I just thought it was a good fit."
Normalcy might never be the right word for an interim head coach, but Kafka was given a seven-game runway to run the team. The routine starts to take shape now.
"I'm excited for this week of prep," Kafka said. "The coaches are excited about it. We just watched the tape with some good fresh ideas, so this will be a couple of good work days here. We'll get the players in tomorrow, and we'll set that plan in motion."
Then it will be wheels up to Detroit – and then New England – before the late bye week.
View photos of interim head coach Mike Kafka, a former quarterback who is in his ninth season coaching in the NFL.
Penn State Northwestern during the quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Interim Head Coach Mike Kafka
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka talks to reporters before NFL football practice in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Interim Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Head coach Mike Kafka
National team head coach Mike Kafka of the New York Giants during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, during the second half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
West's Myles Murphy (8), of North Carolina, douses head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, during the second half of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
West head coach Mike Kafka, left, of the New York Giants, stands on stage with defensive MVP Jarius Monroe, of Tulane, following the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, participates in the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Ed Stolze, from left, of the Imperial Sirs, West's Frank Gore Jr., of Southern Miss, NFL Network reporter Jane Slater, West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, West's Jarius Monroe, of Tulane and Matt Sturlaugson, Shriners Childrens Board of Directors, EWSB Committee Chairman, participate in the award ceremony after the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
West head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, walks onto the field following by players at the end of the East West Shrine Bowl NCAA college football game in Frisco, Texas, Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka speaks during a news conference at the NFL football owners' spring meetings Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. Kafka is participating in the league's coach accelerator program. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
New York Giants assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka walks along the sideline before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Cleveland. The Giants defeated the Browns 21-15. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
National team head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, runs through drills with players during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka, center, of the New York Giants talks with quarterbacks Tyler Shough, left, of Louisville, and Taylor Elgersma, of Laurier, during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka of the New York Giants during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka of the New York Giants during practice for the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
National team head coach Mike Kafka, of the New York Giants, watches during the first half of the Senior Bowl NCAA college football game against the American team Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, in Mobile, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka talks to reporters before NFL football practice in East Rutherford, N.J., Thursday, June 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
QB Russell Wilson (3), Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6), Mike Kafka
Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
QB Russell Wilson (3), Mike Kafka
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, RB Tyrone Tracy (29)
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator
Mike Kafka Offensive Coordinator
Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs drills with coach Mike Kafka during practice on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, in Davie, Fla., for the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, October 3, 2021 in Philadelphia.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka looks from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won the game 41-14. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka looks from the sideline during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021 in Las Vegas. The Chiefs won the game 41-14. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks and passing game coordinator Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, center, during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka watches Patrick Mahomes during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback coach Mike Kafka watches before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/David Dermer)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback coach Mike Kafka watches warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback coach Mike Kafka watches warmups before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka watches during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator Mike Kafka during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Kansas City Chiefs Quarterbacks Coach Mike Kafka on the bench during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos on Saturday, January 8, 2021 in Denver. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs Quarterbacks Coach/Passing Game Coordinator Mike Kafka during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022 in Denver. The Chiefs won 28-24. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka during pre-game warmups before an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photos/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, left, watches Patrick Mahomes during pre-game warmups before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photos/Reed Hoffmann)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka, left, watches Patrick Mahomes during pre-game warmups before an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photos/Reed Hoffmann)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Canton, Ohio, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka participates in drills at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) tries a last second pass in the second half of an NFL football game at the Georgia Dome against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. Atlanta won 35-31. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) is pictured in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New England Patriots quarterback Mike Kafka during a team practice in Foxborough, Mass., Tuesday, June 4, 2013. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka leaves the field after NFL football minicamp, Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka throws a pass during NFL football minicamp, Wednesday, June 12, 2013, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Minnesota Vikings Mike Kafka throws during OTA football practice at the Vikings practice facility Wednesday, May 27, 2015 in Eden Prairie, Minn.(AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Philadelphia Eagles Mike Kafka throws a pass in the second half of an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets, Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, in Philadelphia. New York won 21-17. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka waiting in the tunnel before the start of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2010 in Philadelphia. The Eagles won 26-24. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2010 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) looks to throw in the second half of a preseason NFL football game with the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka, left, is forced out of bounds just before the end zone by New York Jets' Emanuel Cook, right, and Davon Morgan during the third quarter of an NFL preseason football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Henny Ray Abrams)
Philadelphia Eagles' quarterback Mike Kafka (3) calls a play in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) directs the team with running back LeSean McCoy (25) in the second half of an NFL football game with the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 in Philadelphia. Giants won 29-16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Kafka (3) looks to pass in the second half of an NFL football game with the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011 in Philadelphia. Giants won 29-16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks, from left, Vince Young, Mike Kafka, and Michael Vick, stand during an indoor practice at their NFL football training facility, Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, middle, talks to Vince young, left and Mike Kafka during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 in Philadelphia. The Patriots won 38-20. (AP Photo/Michael Perez)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Vince Young, left, and Mike Kafka, right warm up before the NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Mike Kafka (3) and Vince Young (9) are seen during practice before the start of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011, in Miami . (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks Trent Edwards back row left, Mike Kafka, and Nick Foles, watch as Michael Vick, front center, prepares to run a drill during an NFL football practice at their training facility Wednesday, May 23, 2012 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Philadelphia Eagles' Mike Kafka practices at the team's NFL football training facility, Friday, June 1, 2012, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka throws during the team's NFL football team's practice, Thursday, June 11, 2015, in Eden Prairie, Minn. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football organized team activity Tuesday, May 27, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) runs against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Jacksonville Jaguars Mike Kafka works before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) throws during the fourth quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta.(AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) looks to pass against the Washington Redskins during a NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014 in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) warms up before the NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) throws the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) tosses the ball to a running back as quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) watches during practice at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka throws a pass during an NFL football training camp Monday, Aug. 4, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan (65) talks to quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Kafka, during practice at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Monday, July 27, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka walks to the practice fields at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) throws to an open receiver during an NFL preseason football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert (11), quarterback Mike Kafka (3) and quarterback Chad Henne (7) talk before an NFL preseason football game against the New York Jets, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2013, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Mike Kafka (3) gets ready to pass to pass during the teams NFL football training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa, Monday, July 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) throws a pass during NFL football training camp in Tampa, Fla., Friday, July 25, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football minicamp Wednesday, June 11, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears quarterbacks from left, the Buccaneers' Mike Kafka, Bears' Jay Cutler, the Buccaneers' Mike Glennon, the Buccaneers' Josh McCown, and the Bears' Jimmy Clausen gather before an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 23, 2014, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Jacksonville Jaguars' Mike Kafka works before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) throws next to Teddy Bridgewater, left, during warmups before a preseason NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TCF Bank Stadium Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, Mike Kafka (3) looks to pass during the teams NFL football training camp at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa, Monday, July 30, 2012. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Mike Kafka (3) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka participates in drills at an NFL football training camp on the campus of Minnesota State University Sunday, July 26, 2015, in Mankato, Minn. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Mike Kafka (4) drops back to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio on Aug. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during an NFL football minicamp Tuesday, June 10, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka throws during an NFL football minicamp Thursday, June 12, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Jacksonville Jaguars Mike Kafka works before the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka during a voluntary minicamp NFL football practice Tuesday, April 22, 2014, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Mike Kafka (3) walks to the field during NFL football training camp in Tampa, Fla., Friday, July 25, 2014.(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka (13) fires a pass as Auburn defensive tackle Jake Ricks (91) rushes in during the second half of the Outback Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, in Tampa, Fla. Kafka threw for a career-best 532 yards and four touchdowns, but Auburn won 38-35 in overtime. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka runs the 40-yard dash at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, left, evades a tackle attempt by Minnesota's Kevin Mannion as he runs for a 28-yard gain during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, center, carries the ball as Ohio State defenders Malcolm Jenkins, left, and Cameron Heyward, right, close in during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008. The Buckeyes won 45-10. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka scores on a keeper against Syracuse during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka throws under pressure against Syracuse during the third quarter in an NCAA college football game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka (13) runs past Miam i(Ohio)'s Matt Kajmowicz (97) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Northwestern won 16-6.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka (13) celebrates after his first touchdown against Miami (Ohio) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009. Northwestern won 16-6.(AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka throws a pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
Northwestern's Mike Kafka (13) runs upfield against Indiana during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Jim Prisching)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka looks to a pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka, right, smiles as he celebrates with Sidney Stewart after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka runs with the ball during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State's Sean Lee (45) in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka runs off the field after his team's 17-10 victory over No. 8 Iowa in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Northwestern's Andrew Brewer, center, celebrates his touchdown with teammates, including Zeke Markshausen, left, and Mike Kafka, right, during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka looks to pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
West quarterback Max Hall, left, of BYU, congratulates East quarterback Mike Kafka, of Northwestern, after the East West Shrine football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. The East won 13-10. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
East quarterback Mike Kafka, right, of Northwestern, looks for an open receiver as West defensive lineman James Ruffin, of Northern Iowa, applies the pressure during the first half of the East West Shrine football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010. The East won 13-10. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, center, watches drills between fellow quarterbacks, left to right, Appalachian State's Armanti Edwards, Western Michigan's Tim Hiller, Northwestern's Mike Kafka, and Troy's Levi Brown at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern quarterback Mike Kafka goes to pass against Nevada in a college football game Friday, Sept. 22, 2006, in Reno, Nev. Nevada won 31-21. (AP Photo/Cathleen Allison)
Matt Citak: In addition to head coach, the Giants had a new quarterback under center against the Packers as Jameis Winston made his Big Blue debut in Week 11. Going up against a tough Packers defense, Winston completed 19 of 29 passes for 201 yards, no touchdowns and one interception for a passer rating of 71.2. He added three rush attempts for 10 yards and a touchdown. According to Next Gen Stats, Winston was at his best when under duress in Week 11. Winston completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 124 yards when pressured, compared to nine of 16 for 77 yards and an interception without pressure. Of their seven drives that were more than one play, Winston led the offense 50+ yards down the field on five of them, although only three of those drives resulted in points.
Heading into Week 12, the Giants will await word on whether he will see the field again. Jaxson Dart must first clear the concussion protocol, and Kafka told reporters last week that the rookie quarterback was right on schedule. There appeared to be some evidence of this at Friday's practice, as the rookie quarterback was seen on the field during the period open to the media. Dart was listed as a non-participant, but just the fact that he was out there at all shows he is making his way through the protocol.
Before the season began, I discussed how Dart's development was the most important aspect of the 2025 campaign. As the Giants enter Week 12 with a 2-9 record, that sentiment is even more true now. The 22-year-old has shown plenty of promising signs during his first seven NFL starts. Dart has accounted for 17 total touchdowns (10 passing, seven rushing) with five total turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles), while throwing for 1,417 yards and running for an additional 317 yards. He has had at least two total touchdowns in every start with a touchdown on the ground in five consecutive outings. With six games remaining in his rookie season, it is important for Dart to continue his growth this year, which should put him in a better position to succeed in 2026. If Dart is cleared to play this week, he will have back-to-back matchups against tough defenses in Detroit and New England. After going up against teams with strong defenses such as the Chargers, Eagles and Broncos in his first few starts, this would provide the first-year quarterback with some additional tests before the team's Week 14 bye. At this point of the season, developing the young talent on the roster should be among the top priorities, and it all starts with Dart.
