Derry’s McAtamney Takes Responsibility for New York Giants Loss ‘I’ve Got to Make the Kicks’

Jude McAtamney, the Derry kicker for the New York Giants, has taken full responsibility for a heartbreaking loss. In a recent game against the Denver Broncos, the Giants squandered a 19-0 lead, ultimately losing 33-32. McAtamney missed crucial kicks that would have impacted the outcome significantly.

Game Recap

The Giants, having built a comfortable lead, saw it slip away in the closing stages of the fourth quarter. A touchdown from Jaxson Dart put the Giants ahead 32-30 with only 40 seconds left. However, McAtamney missed the subsequent extra point, allowing the Broncos to secure victory with a last-minute field goal.

McAtamney’s Reflection

• “It’s on me,” McAtamney stated, acknowledging his missed opportunities.
• He expressed regret over letting the team down, emphasizing, “I’ve got to make the kicks.”
• Despite the setbacks, McAtamney is determined to learn from his mistakes.

Coaching Perspective

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll emphasized the importance of teamwork in his response to the media. He noted, “It’s not one play, it’s not one position. It’s collective.” This suggests that while McAtamney’s missed kicks were pivotal, the team’s performance as a whole contributed to the loss.

McAtamney’s Background

Jude McAtamney, 25, is a former Ulster U20 All-Ireland winner. He transitioned to American football in 2020, training with the Australian organization Prokick. He first played for Chowan University before joining Rutgers, and was signed by the Giants in 2024. McAtamney moved up from the practice squad after Graham Gano’s injury and had a solid start to his NFL career, successfully converting field goals and extra points in his initial games.

The Pressure of Kicking

In an interview with the Irish Examiner, McAtamney highlighted the mental stamina required in his position. “In Gaelic football, you can recover from a mistake quickly. In the NFL, you may only get one or two chances in a game,” he explained. This added pressure is a key component of professional kicking.

As he continues his journey with the New York Giants, McAtamney aims to improve and redeem himself on the field.