The New York Giants, one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, have been embroiled in what many are calling the worst season in their centennial history. In a revealing exposé, twenty players and coaches spoke candidly with ESPN, shedding light on the internal chaos that plagued the team throughout the 2024 season. At the heart of the turmoil was a lack of clear communication from both the coach and general manager, which players cited as a significant factor undermining their confidence and on-field performance.
The Giants' quarterback trio of Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito struggled to find their rhythm, collectively posting a team quarterback rating (QBR) of 45.0. This placed them 28th out of 32 teams in the league, highlighting a critical weakness in the Giants' offensive strategy. The departure of former star running back Saquon Barkley, who opted to join rival Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, further compounded the team's challenges.
Despite these setbacks, Giants owner John Mara expressed unwavering support for his coaching staff and front office. Mara announced that there were no plans to make changes, emphasizing instead a focus on acquiring a quarterback as the organization's top priority.
"That's obviously the No. 1 issue for us going into this offseason is to find our quarterback of the future, whether that be via the draft or acquire a veteran." – John Mara
The internal discord was not limited to the offense. Defensive back Isaiah Simmons voiced his frustration over not playing a single defensive snap during Week 1, describing the situation as both "shocking" and "confusing." Simmons had re-signed with the team expecting a more significant role, only to find himself sidelined without explanation.
This uncertainty spilled over into the locker room, creating an atmosphere described by players as "awkward" and "distrustful." The Giants endured an agonizing 89-day stretch without a victory during their milestone season. Fans expressed their discontent through bold gestures, such as flying planes over the stadium with banners urging ownership to "fire everybody" and imploring them to "plz fix this dumpster fire."
The decision-making extended to personnel choices, with the Giants opting to retain former first-round pick Evan Neal and Josh Ezeudu at left tackle. Despite Neal's recovery from ankle surgery and Ezeudu's relative inexperience at the position, the team stuck with them for much of the season. The offensive line's depth emerged as a glaring weakness, contributing to the Giants' inability to protect their quarterbacks effectively or sustain offensive drives.
"You can replace a receiver, you can replace a running back, you can't replace your left tackle." – Darius Slayton
On defense, opposing teams found little resistance from the Giants, able to move up and down the field with ease. The team's struggles were compounded by key personnel changes and inconsistent performances. The Giants released cornerback Darnay Holmes after he started four games and signed veteran cornerback Bradley Roby before Thanksgiving to shore up their secondary.
As the season progressed, adjustments were made in response to persistent issues. In Week 18, Ezeudu was moved back to guard after struggling at left tackle. These strategic shifts highlighted ongoing concerns about the team's adaptability and long-term planning.
"All you want in this league is the truth." – An offensive player
"When we needed [those players], they were checked out." – A defensive player
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