EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Head coach Brian Daboll’s job security with the New York Giants doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy despite the team’s current struggles. With a disappointing record of 2-10 and a seven-game losing streak, the Giants have officially been eliminated from playoff possibilities for the 2024 season following a 27-20 defeat against the Dallas Cowboys during Thanksgiving.
With only five games remaining in the season, it appears unwise for co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch to consider a coaching change at this point. Such a move is unlikely to instill confidence in the team and could suggest to the players that management has lost hope. In a flicker of positivity from the game against Dallas, the Giants showed more effort than in previous matchups, specifically following a lackluster performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The loss can be attributed to poor tackling and two turnovers from quarterback Drew Lock, one of which was returned for a touchdown, in addition to an alarming total of 13 penalties.
“We need to concentrate on our team and our staff, ensuring that players put in the necessary effort for the kind of performance and outcomes we desire,” Daboll stated in a recent address. He acknowledged the struggles they face but emphasized the importance of hard work to address their shortcomings. Earlier this season, Mara expressed a desire to take a more patient approach regarding team changes.
Daboll, who took the helm in 2022 and led the Giants to their first playoff appearance since 2016, may find that time is running out, as the team’s record has now dropped to 8-21 over the last two seasons. This dismal performance echoes the challenges seen under former coaches Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge.
Despite the challenges, Daboll remains committed to his team’s development. However, for both him and general manager Joe Schoen, a turnaround may be hard to come by. This season was intended to mark a celebration of the Giants’ 100th anniversary in the NFL, but it has unfolded in a less-than-ideal way.
In terms of areas showing promise, even with Deonte Banks sidelined due to a rib injury, the secondary only allowed one touchdown and held the Cowboys to 195 passing yards, with three plays accounting for 88 yards. Conversely, the offensive line struggled significantly, conceding six sacks and 14 hits on the quarterback. Following the release of Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito was sacked four times in his first start, and injury hindered his participation in the game against Dallas. In contrast, the defensive line, which recorded an NFL-high 35 sacks in the first half of the season, has now gone without a sack for four games.
On a positive note, Lock, despite his earlier mistakes, managed to rally the Giants to 20 points, marking only the third instance this season they reached that total. He recorded a 28-yard run that set up a touchdown on their opening drive and added another touchdown with an 8-yard run in the game’s closing moments, achieving a 2-for-2 performance in the red zone, impressive for a third starting quarterback in three weeks.
Conversely, Daboll’s future appears uncertain alongside the string of losses, leading many to doubt whether he will remain with the team next season. Injuries have also plagued the Giants, with notable players like DT Dexter Lawrence and TE Theo Johnson possibly facing long-term impacts from their injuries sustained in the last game. Additionally, DT D.J. Davidson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches were hurt, while other players like DeVito and CB Deonte Banks remained inactive due to injuries.
A key statistic from this season shows that the Giants have set an NFL record for the most consecutive games without an interception at 11. Looking ahead, the Giants have over a week to prepare for their game against the Saints at MetLife Stadium, where they remain winless in six outings this season. This break might allow DeVito to recover, or it could provide Lock with additional preparation time, although Daboll remains undecided on who will start in the next game.