New York Giants coach Brian Daboll knows how many times he has gone up against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his coaching career.
On Monday night, he will face the Steelers (5-2) for the 18th time and his first as a head coach when the Giants (2-5) try to break a two-game losing streak in Pittsburgh.
Daboll sees the Steelers as a model of consistency, especially under coach Mike Tomlin, who is in his 18th season and has never had a losing record. Tomlin succeeded Hall of Famers Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher.
“Different faces, but the same meeting relative to the toughness that that team plays with, the grit that they play with, how they control the line of scrimmage on both sides, run the football, use the action game,” Daboll said Thursday. “Defensively, it’s just plug and play.”
Daboll hopes to build something similar with the Giants. He took them to the playoffs in his first season in 2022, but the last two years have been tough. New York had a 6-11 record in 2023 and has struggled this season, especially after a 28-3 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles and former teammate Saquon Barkley.
This situation has led to speculation that Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, who was also hired in 2022, are in danger of losing their jobs.
Co-owner John Mara put those rumors to rest Wednesday night after a screening of the film “The Duke, The Giant Life of Wellington Mara” in New York, which told the story of his father, whose 81-year career ended with his death in 2005.
“Obviously, we’re all very disappointed with where we are right now,” Mara said. “But I’m going to say one thing, we are not making any changes this season, and I do not anticipate making any changes in the offseason, either.”
Mara chose not to talk about players or groups until after the season ends. Daboll also kept quiet about the vote of confidence on Thursday.
“I think you focus on what you can control, and I’ve said this numerous times, we have a very good communication process, a good relationship,” he said about the ownership. “Again, nobody’s happy about the results or the record, but the communication and the process and the people, I believe in them.”
He would like to see his team play more like the Steelers, who have had 14 winning seasons and three seasons with a .500 record during Tomlin’s time as coach.
“Well coached, play tough, play physical, have a style that they play with, and then the atmosphere is one of the best when you go there and play at their stadium. Tough place to play and a very tough opponent,” he added.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones appreciated Mara’s comments.
“I think that’s important,” Jones said Thursday after practice. “I think right now we’re focused on playing Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Steelers and winning this game.
That’s the most important thing on all our minds. Obviously, Mr. Mara’s job and Dabs’ job, Joe’s job is very different than mine. My job is to get ready to win the game, so that’s what I’m focused on.”
