As he embarks on a quest to steer the New York Giants toward respectability, interim head coach Mike Kafka leads the team to the field without purported franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart.
Dart entered concussion protocol on Sunday and Kafka named veteran Jameis Winston as the rookie’s replacement when the Green Bay Packers visit East Rutherford, N.J., this week.
While New York (2-8) undeniably was struggling, leading to Monday’s firing of head coach Brian Daboll after three-plus seasons, the development presents a new obstacle for Kafka. In his view, it’s also an opportunity to reinforce his standard of successful head coaching.
“If something goes just a little bit different, then you go back and you adjust, you have flexibility to adjust,” Kafka said. “Accountability. Holding guys accountable to the highest standard. If it’s not right, fix it.”
Green Bay is in search of an offensive spark after managing just 20 total points in consecutive home losses to Carolina and Philadelphia.
Quarterback Jordan Love had a season-low completion percentage of 55.6, the Packers lost 10-7 to the Eagles on Monday night, as calls for changes on offense grew louder. Green Bay fell to 5-3-1 and third in the NFC North behind Detroit and Chicago, who both are 6-3.
While Love remains the unquestioned starter and ranks in the top 10 in several categories – including passing yards (2,247) and passer rating (103.0) — inconsistency is undeniable.
“I promise you, as frustrated as anybody may be out there, you’re not as frustrated as I am,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “But I believe in our guys. So, it’s all about finding solutions.”
Love hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since connecting with Tucker Kraft for a pair of scores and finding Savion Williams for another in Week 8. Kraft landed on injured reserve with a torn right ACL.
This week, the Packers placed center Elgton Jenkins on injured reserve after he sustained a broken fibula against Philadelphia.
LaFleur, who will remain as offensive play caller, reiterated that the Packers must focus on execution no matter who is in the huddle.
“You have to look inward. … I don’t care if we win 3-0 or 49-48. Bottom line is we have to find a way to get it done,” LaFleur said. “Otherwise you get criticized, and that’s just the way it is.”
The Giants are nestled at the bottom of the NFC East. Any hope to regroup under Kafka and Winston will demand better execution in the red zone.
Dart handled that facet on his own, scored two rushing touchdowns against the Chicago Bears last week to help New York build a 17-10 lead after three quarters but left the game to be evaluated for a concussion. In Russell Wilson’s first drive, he led the team to the Chicago 1, only to have New York settle for a field goal.
New York yielded the last 14 points and fell 24-20, extending its losing streak to four games. The Giants have allowed an average of 32.3 points during the skid.
Packers defensive end Micah Parsons will aim to remain perfect against the Giants. He played on the winning side eight times in as many games as a member of the division rival Dallas Cowboys and has collected 4.5 sacks in the past five meetings.
That kind of production would be a boon for the Packers. After registering 5.5 sacks in his first six games after joining Green Bay in an offseason trade, Parsons has one sack in the past three contests.
Dart was one of 10 active players who didn’t practice with four others limited on Wednesday. Linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder), offensive tackle Evan Neal (hamstring), receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) and kicker Graham Gano (neck) were sidelined.
The Packers had just two players out Wednesday in cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee) and linebacker Lukas Van Ness (foot). However, Green Bay did have eight limited players including Parsons (pectoral), offensive lineman Zach Tom (back), linebacker Quay Walker (calf) and receivers Williams (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf) and Matthew Golden (shoulder).
Green Bay has won eight of the past 13 matchups. New York has won the past two by seven combined points, including a 24-22 home victory in Week 14 of the 2023 season.
