New York Giants kicker Graham Gano was near automatic last season, hitting 29 of 32 field goal attempts. This year, he’s been anything but that.
On Sunday, in an overtime loss against the Jets, Gano missed another pair of field goal attempts to drop to 11 of 17 through eight games this season — clearly not the player the Giants imagined they were retaining when they signed Gano to an extension prior to the season.
Gano made no excuses following the game even if one was built in.
“I have no excuses,” Gano told reporters. “That’s not who I am. I’m sure some people want me to sit up here and make excuses, I’ve got none. I’ve got to play better. It’s frustrating, I know the team played well. I just didn’t. I’ve got to play better.”
Gano has been on the injury report for the past two weeks with a knee injury and prior to Sunday’s game, he informed Art Stapleton of USA TODAY that it’s not only swollen but will require surgery to repair.
“There’s damage in the knee. Need surgery at some point,” Gano said. “It’s one of those things, either I get it now and have to sit out for a while, and then eventually have another one after the season. Or just keep fighting through the pain, keep kicking and just have one. So, that’s my goal, that’s my mindset.
“Lucky to have some of the best doctors and trainers in the whole country, and in the world, to be honest. They’re doing a fantastic job. It’s just one of those things, manage it week in and week out, and just going out and make my kicks.”
If Gano continues suiting up, the Giants are expecting him to be able to hit his kicks. Former Super Bowl-winning kicker Lawrence Tynes weighed in on Gano’s situation following Sunday’s loss to the Jets.
Here’s my Gano analysis:
He’s not kicking well, it happens. He needs to get his confidence back.
Is he hurt, who knows and who cares. If you get a jersey on Sunday you are expected to go play at a high level that’s the NFL. No excuses, every single player on the roster is…
— Lawrence Tynes (@lt4kicks) October 30, 2023
If Gano is going to be a liability for Big Blue moving forward, it may be wise to elect to get the surgery soon rather than waiting until the offseason. It will be interesting to see how the Giants’ kicker situation unfolds from here.
