The New York Giants’ decision to sign Devin Singletary has been met with mixed feelings, particularly after his debut performance in Week 1. Singletary, who had an impressive 2023 season with the Buffalo Bills, was expected to fill the void left by Saquon Barkley’s departure. However, early indications suggest that the fit between Singletary and the Giants might not be as seamless as anticipated.
Singletary’s move to the Giants came amidst high expectations. Many Houston Texans fans were disappointed to see Singletary leave, especially after his standout year. The Texans had hoped to retain him, but instead, they acquired Joe Mixon, a decision that faced scrutiny at the time. However, after Week 1, Mixon’s performance has been highly praised. He rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown against a strong run defense, showcasing why the Texans were eager to make the switch.
In contrast, Singletary’s debut with the Giants left much to be desired. Against the Minnesota Vikings, he rushed for only 37 yards on 10 carries. The Giants suffered a lopsided 28-6 defeat, and Singletary’s performance was overshadowed by an underwhelming overall team effort. Quarterback Daniel Jones struggled, completing just 52% of his passes and throwing two interceptions, which contributed to the team’s woes.
The Giants’ struggles in their opener raise concerns about how effective Singletary can be if the team continues to perform poorly. With the Giants likely to be trailing in games, they may lean more heavily on their passing game, reducing Singletary’s opportunities to make an impact on the ground. This scenario could lead to him being underutilized, especially if the team decides to abandon the run to catch up.
On the other hand, Joe Mixon’s performance with the Texans highlights what could have been for Singletary. The Texans’ running game has shown promise, and Singletary could have been a key contributor in a more balanced and successful offense. His numbers in Houston might have mirrored Mixon’s if he had stayed, suggesting that Singletary’s potential might not be fully realized in the current Giants’ setup.
The situation underscores a classic case of buyer’s remorse. Singletary’s move to the Giants was intended to be a step up in his career, but the early returns are less than encouraging. The team’s struggles and Singletary’s underwhelming performance in Week 1 have fueled doubts about whether the move was the right choice.
As the season progresses, both Singletary and the Giants will need to adjust to improve their performance. For Singletary, finding a way to make an impact despite the team’s challenges will be crucial. For the Giants, addressing their quarterback play and offensive strategy will be key to turning their season around and making the most of their acquisitions.
Ultimately, while Singletary’s future with the Giants remains uncertain, the early season concerns reflect broader issues that both he and the team will need to address moving forward.