Giants Country

New York Giants Mailbag: "Giant" Edition

Let's check in with the readers to see what's on their minds this week.
Patricia Traina|
New York Giants Mailbag: "Giant" Edition
New York Giants Mailbag: "Giant" Edition

In this story:

New York Giants

If you'd like to submit a question for the mailbag, please use this link to avoid having your question land in spam. You may also post your questions on X (formerly known as Twitter) to @Patricia_Traina, hashtag #askPTrain. Please note that letters may be edited for clarity/length.

Peart is in the final year of his rookie deal, and the only thing I can think of is that his $1,094,250 base salary this year has a high/low split to where he received a lower base while on IR. Peart came in with some interesting tools, but the injuries and such have really hurt his development, and I think it spoke volumes how, when Andrew Thomas was hurt, Peart wasn't even a consideration.

It's too soon to tell. Let the draft order get settled, and see who declares and THEN we can start to drill down a bit as to what they might do (though I like to like to see how free agent plays out, I have relaxed on that practice in recent years). I promise I'll be able to give you an answer when the dust settles, and I'll get a chance to study who's in the draft.  

The first thing, IMO, is to sort out the coaching staff. Who is staying, and who is going? Where does Brian Daboll feel the need to make a change? Get that straightened out as quickly as possible so that the player evaluations can be done and any new staff can give his/her two cents on what type of players they want moving forward.

I sure hope so. I've said this before and will say it again. My job is a LOT easier when they win.

I firmly believe that the coaching has failed to develop the offensive line. Here's the list of O-line coaches the Giants had since Pat Flaherty, the last legitimate successful O-line coach: Mike Solari, Hal Hunter, Marc Columbo, Dave DeGuglielmo, Rob Sale, and Bobby Johnson.

Of that group, you could make a case for Solari and Columbo being decent coaches, but the rest of the lot? Hunter, as I recall, was out of the league when he was hired. DeGuglielmo once implied he had no use for rookies, Sale never felt comfortable at the NFL level, and we all know about what the line has looked like so far under Johnson. 

Did he miss on them, Nancy, or has the coaching played a part in it, as I noted above?

It might be too soon for that, to be honest. But if I had to guess, I think Johnson's seat is probably the hottest of all.

(From Kevin C.) Hi Patty—It's much too early to call for Brian Daboll to be fired as head coach, but I'm frustrated with him making what seem to be especially dumb mistakes. You've pointed out that he went into the season without a viable plan for dealing with the injuries that affected the offensive line. I would add that he doesn't seem to know when a lineman (I'm thinking Justin Pugh) needs to be replaced. 

He has failed all season to put an adequate kickoff or punt returner on the field. He went into the Jets game with DeVito as his backup QB when he obviously had no confidence that the kid could throw the ball if needed (it turns out he could).

With Darren Waller injured, he ran an offense that almost never involved the tight end in the passing attack. Maybe you could add that he hasn't taken control of Mike Kafka's inept game-planning and horrible play-calling.

Daboll's explosive temper should also be unacceptable conduct for a head coach. I'm reminded of how Tom Coughlin didn't maximize the Giants success until—with the help of his wife Judy—he realized that he needed to modify his tough-guy approach in order to form relationships that led to a winning team. Does Daboll have the character to cool down and behave more professionally? It may be a pivotal question.

Kevin, let's dial it back here a bit, shall we? Yes, Daboll has made some questionable decisions dating back to training camp that have backfired, namely going through training camp trying to keep everyone healthy rather than getting them more ready for the Week 1 game.

But in response to your comment about Justin Pugh, has it occurred to you that maybe the coaches don't believe they have anyone better to go in there? This is something I've been screaming about for a while now: how they have all this young talent, yet it can't seem to get it off the bench when things are going south or injuries happe.

The punt returner situation? Joe Schoen owned that debacle. DeVito not throwing against the Jets? Is it possible that they didn't have the offense tailored to what DeVito does well and, hence, didn't want to risk ruining the kid's confidence by throwing him to the wolves against that very good defense?

Not taking control of the offensive game planning? Wrong, my friend. Daboll is very much involved in that and has been since Day 1--probably even more so this year, for what it's worth.

His temper? Yes, the outbursts are unbecoming, but they show his players that he has passion and fire and that usually rubs off on the team.

You mention Tom Coughlin as a comparison. The two situations couldn't be more different. Coughlin was standoffish with his players when he first got here before realizing the importance of building relationships. Daboll has been the polar opposite--he has made it a strong point of emphasis to build relationships with his players, which is probably why he can get away with popping off at them.

Roy, Giants general manager Joe Schoen has already confirmed that they will need to address the quarterback position, given that they have one healthy quarterback (Tommy DeVito) under contract for next year. As to how they address the position, I think a lot may depend on where Daniel Jons is in his rehab. 

Brian Daboll has already said that Jones is the starter when healthy. I suspect DeVito has worked his way into the conversation for No. 2 to where he could even start a few games at the start of next season if Jones isn't ready to go. That would then mean adding a rookie to the mix to develop. 

It's just too soon to say for sure how this goes. I think you also have to look at where they end up drafting and who else is on the board that might represent better value.

Two things, as I see it. Get back to more of the stretch plays that worked so well earlier on in the year. It also would help if the line's interior got more of a push up front to create some running lanes.

Truth be told, Antonio, I haven't thought about who would replace Wink if he leaves. Let's see what happens once the coaching carousel begins after the season ends. That said, I'm hoping Wink doesn't leave.

As for offensive tackle, anything is possible. I mean, I wouldn't, if I'm Daboll, automatically name Neal as the starting right tackle next year and I'd bring in some competition to push him. But that's just me.

(From Alan R.) How come the Giants, over many offensive line coaches, never seem to draft or sign a guard that can block or handle a stunt?

A better question is why, despite drafting young offensive linemen, do they struggle developing guys, with few exceptions? When he was here, Kevin Zeitler had two of the worst years of his career, yet he goes to Baltimore and is playing at an All-Pro level.

Jon Feliciano couldn't get out of town fast enough last year for many people's tastes, and yet he's doing well in San Francisco. Ereck Flowers disappointed as a tackle yet found success as a guard elsewhere. So wouldn't you agree that coaching has played a part in what we've seen from the offensive line?

It's too soon to call on this one. Let's let the coaching carousel start to see who shakes free, and then I can give you a better answer to this question.

(From Gary L.) How can a professional football offensive line be 14 games into a season and not recognize a simple stunt?

Gary, see my answer above and then look back at the offensive line coaches this team has hired since Pat Flaherty: Mike Solari, Hal Hunter, Marc Columbo, Dave DeGuglielmo, Rob Sale, and Bobby Johnson. Of that group, you might argue that Solari was solid, but the others? The proof has been in the pudding.

Yes, I strongly believe Brian Daboll will be back next year. As for MetLife Stadium going to grass, I wouldn't count on that, considering they just replaced the turf this past year.

(From Ed C.) If there are penalties called on both teams, can one team refuse their penalty, or do they automatically offset?  

I believe they automatically offset and the play in question is wiped from the record.

I'm not a movie enthusiast, but if I had to pick one, I'd say Titanic because it was just so well done.

(From Dave S.) We know enough to say that the only OL player worthy of an NFL starting role based on how they played is Thomas. Neal and Schmitz did not prove it. Glowinski and even Pugh at 34 didn't prove it. How many picks and how many new vets would you target for next year?

Dave, I'm not trying to duck your question, but among the things that need to be addressed -- and I spoke about this on the latest Locked On Giants podcast--what direction are they going with the coaching? Where are they going to end up drafting? What kind of salary cap space will they have? And how will they allocate their resources to other needs? Let's let the dust settle this year, and things will crystalize to where I can give you a more informed answer.

Published
Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

Share on XFollow Patricia_Traina
Home/Big Blue+