The New York Giants are struggling with a 2-8 record as they enter their bye week, having lost five straight games and looking like they’re headed for another losing season.
Despite the rough patch, general manager Joe Schoen is optimistic about the future. He said the team is one of the youngest in the NFL, and while they’ve had setbacks, they’ve been competitive and lost five close games. Schoen believes they are close to turning things around.
“I don’t want to be sitting up here at 2-8,” Schoen said in a press conference this week. “Like, that’s not what we want and nobody’s happy about it. And I understand that, but I do see progress and we’re better in different areas.”
Schoen also mentioned that he has regular discussions with team management and expects to be back for a fourth season. He didn’t say if Daniel Jones would remain the starting quarterback, adding that whatever happens when the Giants face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be a football decision.
Schoen’s message was clear even as the team comes off a tough 20-17 overtime loss in Germany to the Carolina Panthers. Since making the playoffs in 2022 with a 9-7-1 record, the Giants have struggled, with an 8-19 record in their last 27 games. If you take away the 6-1 start to the 2022 season, they are 11-25-1.
Even after drafting top receiver Malik Nabers with the No. 6 overall pick, the Giants are averaging the lowest points per game in the NFL at just 15.6.
If things don’t improve, both Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll’s jobs could be in jeopardy, even though co-owner John Mara recently expressed support for them.
Schoen praised Daboll for keeping the team together despite the losing streak. “We’re in these games,” Schoen said. “We just got to find a way to finish it. We are 1-5 in one-score games.
So, we got to find a way to get over the hump and make plays at critical times of the game, whether it’s red zone or third down. Or getting off the field on defense or tackling on punt coverage and not allowing a punt return for a touchdown.”
Schoen disagreed with anyone who said the roster isn’t good enough, pointing out the close losses and mentioning that 19 out of 22 starters are under contract for next year. He also highlighted that several rookies, like Nabers, running back Tyrone Tracy, and safety Tyler Nubin, are ranked No. 1 at their positions.
Daboll has also been non-committal about whether Jones will remain the starting quarterback, as the team evaluates their options, including Jones, Drew Lock, or Tommy DeVito. Schoen acknowledged that Jones has made mistakes, particularly with two red-zone interceptions in the loss to the Panthers.
“I understand you guys want to ask about Daniel and it’s the quarterback position,” Schoen said. “I mean, that’s what comes with the territory, specifically in this market. It’s not all on one person.”
Jones has had a rough two seasons, with a 3-13 record over the last two years, and has thrown just 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. Schoen admitted there was plenty of blame to go around, including himself.
He said that after the Giants’ successful 2022 season, which included a playoff win, he made some mistakes in the decisions he made following that success. He did not go into details but pointed to the decision to sign Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract, which is now looking questionable.
“That’s part of growth,” Schoen said. “I did make some mistakes or some decisions I wish I could have back. I like the direction we’re going. I like my team. I like my strategy and the groups that help me in research and strategy, my scouting department. We’ve got a good coaching staff.
“I truly believe we’re heading in the right direction.”
