The New York Giants have released kicker Jude McAtamney following his missed extra point during the 33-32 loss to the Denver Broncos. The error, which occurred with seconds left in the fourth quarter, significantly impacted the game’s outcome.
McAtamney, a second-year NFL kicker from Northern Ireland, had joined the Giants through the league’s International Pathway program after Graham Gano’s injury in Week 3. Initially, he performed well, making two field goals and one extra point in his debut against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, his performance took a turn for the worse with his missed extra point against the Philadelphia Eagles and another miss in the first half of the Broncos game.
In a critical moment, McAtamney’s missed extra point after Jaxson Dart’s rushing score left the Giants trailing 32-30 with 37 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Despite his field goal attempt on the final play, the Giants could not secure a tie. The Broncos capitalized on their lead, securing a dramatic come-from-behind victory that left the Giants in shock. McAtamney’s lack of field goal range also influenced the Giants’ decision-making, as they passed up potential attempts and even went for two following a rushing score, which was unsuccessful.
Gano is expected to return to the Giants’ kicking duties after being eligible to come off the injured reserve. Meanwhile, Younghoe Koo, the former Atlanta Falcons kicker now on the Giants’ practice squad, will compete with Gano for the kicking role against the Eagles in the upcoming game. Gano, despite a history of injuries, has maintained a strong record with an 83.9% success rate in his career field goal attempts.
The Giants’ decision to release McAtamney highlights the high stakes in critical moments of NFL games and the pressure placed on players in high-pressure situations. As the team looks to move forward, decisions related to Gano’s return and Koo’s performance will be pivotal in shaping their future success.