EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — As the New York Giants head into their bye week with a disheartening 2-8 record and a five-game losing streak, General Manager Joe Schoen delivered a message aimed at both management and the fanbase, emphasizing optimism despite the grim circumstances of the season. Schoen pointed out that the Giants, among the youngest teams in the NFL, have shown competitiveness and narrowly lost five one-score games; he believes they are on the cusp of making significant improvements.
During his annual bye-week press briefing, Schoen expressed his frustration with the team’s performance. “I don’t want to be sitting up here at 2-8,” he said. “This isn’t the outcome we desire, and no one is satisfied with this situation. However, I do see progress, and we’re improving in various aspects.” Regarding his future, Schoen assured that he frequently communicates with management about the team’s direction and anticipates continuing in his role for another season. He refrained from commenting on the starting quarterback position, stating that decisions concerning Daniel Jones will be made based on the team’s preparation for their upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Sunday.
Schoen’s remarks come at a challenging juncture for both him and head coach Brian Daboll, especially following their recent disappointing 20-17 overtime defeat to a struggling Carolina Panthers team. Since making a playoff appearance in 2022 with a record of 9-7-1, the Giants have been on a downward spiral, recording only 8 wins against 19 losses in their last 27 games. If the favorable start to the 2022 season, with its 6-1 record, is excluded, their mark plummets to 11-25-1.
Even with the addition of standout receiver Malik Nabers, acquired with the sixth overall pick in the draft, the Giants currently hold the league’s worst scoring average at 15.6 points per game. If changes do not occur soon, both Schoen and Daboll could find their positions in jeopardy, despite a recent affirmation of support from co-owner John Mara.
Schoen credited Daboll for effectively keeping the team united during this difficult phase. “We are competitive in these games,” he explained. “Our record in one-score games is 1-5, and we just need to find ways to finish strong. We need to make critical plays in vital moments of the game, whether that be in the red zone, on third downs, or defensively getting off the field.” He also addressed claims regarding the inadequacy of the roster, highlighting that 19 of the 22 starters are signed for next year and that several players, including Nabers and others, rank top in rookie performance statistics at their respective positions.
This week, Daboll hesitated to confirm whether Jones would continue as the starting quarterback, noting that evaluations were still ongoing regarding him, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito as they prepare to face the Buccaneers.
Schoen acknowledged Jones’ struggles, particularly after the quarterback threw two red-zone interceptions in the loss to the Panthers. “I understand the propensity to focus on Daniel given the quarterback’s role, especially in this market,” Schoen remarked. “However, the accountability cannot rest on one individual alone.”
Jones’ recent performance has raised multiple concerns. With a record of 1-5 last season and missing three games due to a neck injury before suffering an ACL tear upon his return, he carries a combined 3-13 record over the past two years while posting 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions.
Schoen accepted responsibility for some of the team’s woes, admitting that after the Giants’ success in 2022, which included a playoff victory against Minnesota—a milestone since 2016—he became somewhat complacent regarding underlying issues that needed attention. Following that season, he signed Jones to a significant four-year, $160 million contract and also extended key players such as defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and left tackle Andrew Thomas—decisions he now questions.
“That’s all part of the growth process,” Schoen stated. “I acknowledge there were decisions I regret and wish could have been different. Nonetheless, I believe in our trajectory, the direction we’re heading, and the cohesive strategy provided by my scouting team and coaching staff. We’re on the right path.”