Part 4/9:
Defensive Fragility and Special Teams Lapses
Defensively, giving up 33 points in the fourth quarter was indefensible. The analysis delved into the team's fatigue, especially in Denver’s high-altitude environment. The defense, which had been stout for much of the game, appeared gassed and overwhelmed—highlighted by missed tackles and blown coverages.
Special teams also contributed to the downfall. Drew Phillips' late-game decision to jog rather than tackle on an important play epitomized the mental lapses that cost the Giants dearly. Phillips' hesitation allowed Mims to catch a deep pass uncontested, sealing the victory for Denver and capping a sequence of errors across the board.