Jason Kelce’s Sharp Critique Targets Jude McAtamney After Costly Misses Sink Giants vs Broncos
On October 19, 2025, the New York Giants suffered a devastating 33-32 defeat against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field in Denver. The game turned dramatically in the final minutes despite the Giants holding a commanding 19-0 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Jude McAtamney’s Costly Misses
Giants kicker Jude McAtamney, just 24 years old and hailing from Derry, Northern Ireland, struggled during this crucial matchup. He missed two essential extra point attempts, which proved costly. The first critical miss came following a touchdown by quarterback Jaxson Dart late in the game. As the clock wound down, Broncos kicker Wil Lutz successfully executed a last-second field goal to secure the win for Denver.
Jason Kelce’s Sharp Critique
Retired center Jason Kelce humorously criticized McAtamney’s performance on social media, suggesting the kicker would have to “fly home on Southwest” due to his missed kicks. Although he later deleted the post, it gained traction among fans and analysts who had mixed reactions to his humor.
- Many agreed with Kelce, emphasizing that the missed kicks had detrimental effects on the game.
- Others believed it was unfair to single out McAtamney, urging recognition that the entire team contributed to the loss.
Kelce, known for his candid commentary, highlighted the intense pressure NFL kickers face. One mistake, as shown in this game, can dramatically shift the game’s outcome.
Responses from Players and Coaches
In the aftermath, social media was flooded with video clips of McAtamney’s missed attempts, leading to his name trending across various platforms. Despite the backlash, Jude McAtamney faced the media post-game, acknowledging his mistakes. “Honestly, when it came off my foot, I thought it was good. I take full responsibility,” he stated.
Head coach Brian Daboll voiced support for his kicker, stating, “He knows he’s got to make those, but we win and lose together. He’ll bounce back.”
Background on Jude McAtamney
Jude McAtamney joined the Giants in 2024 via the NFL International Player Pathway Program. Before his career in American football, he played college football for Rutgers University and had a background in Gaelic football. This recent loss marks a tough but instructive moment for the young kicker in the unforgiving NFL landscape, serving as a reminder that every kick holds significant weight in determining game results.
