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Across the street from a casino, Brian Daboll gambled big and lost badly.
The Giants’ first-year head coach was deserted Saturday night by the magic touch that followed him all season: from a bold decision to go for a winning two-point conversion in the season opener through two fourth-down conversions last week that helped run out the clock in a playoff win over the Vikings.
The analytics suggested that going for it on fourth-and-8 from the Eagles’ 40 instead of punting, midway through the first quarter, was a coin flip. The naked eye, however, immediately knew it was a risk not worth taking if the goal was to stay close for as long as possible.
The play failed as Daniel Jones was sacked, and the Eagles, starting from their own 48, quickly scored their second touchdown in as many offensive possessions on their way to a 38-7 rout in the NFC divisional round at Lincoln Financial Field (located across from the Live! Casino & Hotel).
Perhaps last week against the Vikings, when the Giants responded with a touchdown after allowing Minnesota a game-opening TD, was on his mind.
