Giants in Turmoil: Players Call Team ‘Soft’ as Season Spirals After Brutal Loss
In what might be the darkest moment of an already dismal season, the New York Giants suffered a humiliating 30-7 defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. This defeat led to unprecedented criticism from the Giants’ ranks and raised serious questions about the organization’s future.
The loss, which dropped the Giants to a concerning 2-9 record, sparked unusually candid and harsh assessments from players across the roster. Most notably, defensive captain Dexter Lawrence II didn’t mince words, declaring the team played “soft” in the blowout loss.
The criticism became even more pointed when rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers echoed this sentiment in more vital terms, using explicit language to express his frustration.
The timing couldn’t be worse for head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. Just last month, Giants co-owner John Mara stated he didn’t anticipate making significant changes during or after the 2024 season. However, Sunday’s performance and the team’s six-game losing streak might force a reconsideration of that stance.
The problems appear to run deeper than just on-field performance. Jermaine Eluemunor, a veteran offensive lineman, raised serious concerns about the team’s commitment level.
“I don’t think everybody is giving 100 percent,” he stated, adding that at 29 years old, he feels compelled to speak up. This franchise, these coaches, and these fans deserve way better.”
The quarterback situation has added another layer of complexity to the Giants’ struggles. The team recently cut ties with Daniel Jones, who was benched and then released at his request, partly due to concerns about a potential $23 million injury guarantee.
Tommy DeVito’s replacement failed to provide the spark the coaching staff had hoped for. The team managed 35 passing yards in the first half and fell behind 23-0.
Perhaps most troubling is the apparent disconnect in the offensive game plan. Nabers, the team’s top playmaker and No. 6 overall draft pick, didn’t receive a single target in the first half, finishing with six catches for 64 yards – all in garbage time when the game was effectively over. His frustration was palpable in post-game interviews, where he suggested that the team’s problems extend beyond quarterback play.
The defensive performance was equally concerning, with the unit allowing 450 yards of total offense. While not questioning his teammates’ effort, Lawrence highlighted fundamental issues with tackling and coverage that have plagued the team throughout the season.
The Giants have little time to address these issues, with a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys looming. The short week presents both a challenge and an opportunity – another poor showing could accelerate calls for organizational changes, while a strong performance might provide a much-needed reprieve.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Daboll and Schoen. Despite Mara’s previous vote of confidence, poor on-field performance, internal criticism, and player frustration might force the owner’s hand. The Giants haven’t held a lead since their October 6 win in Seattle, a span of six games that has seen them lose five times by eight points or more.
As the team heads into a crucial stretch, the questions surrounding their future have never been more pressing. Will Mara stick to his stance against significant changes? Can the coaching staff salvage something from this season? Most importantly, can they address the apparent rifts within the team before they become irreparable?
The answers to these questions will likely determine the remainder of this season and the franchise’s direction for years to come.