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New York Giants: Where Do We Go From Here?

Author Jeff Gorra

Now that we are a few days removed from the conclusion of the Giants season, perhaps the dust has settled and reality has set in. Sure, a win against the division rival Philadelphia Eagles (finally) was a nice way to wrap up the year. But where do the Giants go from here?

It’s a cliché, but preparation for next season has now started.  After players clean out their lockers and exit interviews conclude, the mental shift inside the building at East Rutherford transitions to posing the question, what do we need to do to improve?

In order to properly answer that and take action, it’s important we note the most pressing areas for the Giants heading into the offseason.

Coaching

By now, we know defensive coordinator Wink Martindale has resigned. This is significant because not only does it leave a major vacancy to fill, but Martindale (who runs a blitz-heavy, aggressive style defense) was loved by many of his defensive players. Giants head coach Brian Daboll also dismissed assistant coaches Thomas McGaughey, Bobby Johnson, Drew Wilkins, and Kevin Wilkins. So, Daboll clearly has some decisions to make about solidifying his future staff. The puzzling thing here is that it was the offense that struggled this season, not the defense.

Saquon Barkley

#26 couldn’t have drawn up his last game of the season performance any better. Barkley had an electrifying two touchdown day that further emphasized he is still a premier back in the league. Their star running back played on the franchise tag last year, which means he still needs a contract (or another tag) for next season. Barkley is the best option, the face of the franchise, and an incredible player when healthy. Sign Barkley to a two-year deal.

Offensive Line

The rebuild here has been under construction for ten years now. It’s still a mess. The Giants have gone to the draft (Evan Neal) and the couch (Justin Pugh) in recent years. This is the year I would seek out the best free agents available to pair with Andrew Thomas.

Quarterback

Last but not least, the most important piece to this Giant puzzle. When we ask where do the Giants go from here, the QB position is understandably the first topic people run to. Let’s quickly lay out some options. Stay as is with a recovering Daniel Jones, Tyrod Taylor, and Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito as your position room. Make a trade for Justin Fields and have him compete with Jones for QB1. Lastly, start over, and draft a new guy. The 2024 NFL draft has been anticipated for a few years now with this class of quarterbacks. With the sixth pick, it is likely the GMen will have the option to grab one. The coming months will be telling with the combine, and potential trades, but North Carolina’s Drake Maye sure does seem like a great option. It’s not that simple though. Daniel Jones is under contract for a ton of money. But can we rely on this often-injured Duke alumni to be the leader?

Other Notes

On the defensive side of the ball, Kayvon Thibodeaux does seem promising. Without getting a lot of hype, he had 11.5 sacks and three forced fumbles this season. Captain, Xavier McMcKinney needs to be signed to a long-term deal. Lastly, 2023 was certainly an unexpected step backwards, but Tommy DeVito did provide a great storyline that made the team interesting, if just for a few weeks. He was one of the few highlights of the team’s year.

This is one of the most important off-seasons in New York Giants’ recent memory. With Daboll and General Manager Joe Schoen heading towards his third year, the start-over excuse has worn out its welcome. Fans are tired of playing for a great pick in the draft by October. The 2024 season starts now.

4 High-Profile Football Coaches I'd Want My Kid To Play For

As a youth coach, there is no better feeling than being able to be able to coach a team that your kid is on. But you realize, if your little athletes goes on to play post-youth ball, they will eventually play for someone else. This led me to think about which high-profile football coaches (in both the NFL and NCAA) I would want my kid to play for today.

This is focused on the sport of football for three main reasons. The first is that is the sport I coach him in. Second, it’s the sport of the season. Lastly, it’s the sport my son loves the most right now.

In today’s modern era of professional and high-profile college sports, the head coaches are very prominent figures. Their press conferences are posted to social media. Furthermore, their demeanor is constantly evaluated,, as the press formulate an opinion as to whether or not they are doing a good job.

“Put Me In, Coach!”

So, what do I look for when thinking about who I’d want my son to play for? Well, in this hypothetical scenario, it is important to note that I am selecting a coach, and not a team. Then, it boils down to attitude. These coaches seem to have an attitude that goes way beyond winning. There’s an empathy to their approach. They carry themselves as unique individuals first, and then as a coach. This then leads their locker room to do the same. Lastly, each of them has bet on themselves, and some point had to have the unwavering belief that they would be great at what they do. They never quit on their dreams or their teams.

I have never met any of these coaches. In addition, none of them coach the team I cheer for. They simply inspire me with how they go about their craft and inspire their players.

Here are the four football coaches I’d want my kid to play for.

  • Dan Campbell - Detroit Lions

    After the Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Dan Campbell stood at the team locker room door and congratulated each player on his team as they entered. A hand shake, a hug, a slap on the shoulder pads, or a “great job, man” was issued to each member of the squad. This sentiment is nothing new for Campbell. He’s a player’s coach; he relates to his players. Why? Because he was one. Campbell played tight end in the NFL for the Giants, Cowboys, Lions, and Saints before becoming a coach. Campbell makes sure his players know two things before they take the field. That he believes in them, and that he has their backs. Furthermore, Campbell always exemplifies gratitude for his moments. He knows what it’s like to fail and get back up. In 2015, Campbell was named the interim head coach of the Dolphins. He was not retained. Now, he has the Lions in the playoffs.

     

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  • Dan Lanning - University of Oregon

    From a NFL Dan to a college football Dan. Yes, the Oregon Ducks lost heartbreakers to the University of Washington Huskies this past season. Yes, you can argue Lanning had some interesting calls in those games. In response, Lanning said, “I think this game is 100% on me,” he said.” He took responsibility and held himself accountable, which is what he expects of his players. A coach who has the confidence to show his or her leadership while simultaneously recognizing the responsibility that comes with such a title, is someone you want your kids to look up to. Speaking of kids, Lanning had to move countless times until he earned his Oregon head coaching job. He too, failed more than once, but believed in himself to get back up without having a plan B. Even when his kids were babies, he bet on himself to keep going after his dream instead of taking a paycheck outside of coaching. 

     

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  • Mike McDaniel - Miami Dolphins

    If you want an example of overcoming adversity and defying the odds, Mike McDaniel is a pretty great example. As a young kid obsessed with the Denver Broncos, McDaniel used to ride his bike to their training camp. One day he lost his hat and then met the team assistant, Gary McCune, who felt bad for this kid who was so upset. This led to McDaniel eventually becoming a ballboy. At 22, he was a coaching intern for the Broncos. Over the next 17 years, he would do every odd job possible as an NFL assistant. He got fired a few times, successfully completed rehab, and lost a Super Bowl. McDaniel never stopped grinding, even when he’d frequently get called the “IT guy” due to his smaller size. He didn’t look like a NFL coach, and he had his own style. This is what has led to McDaniel’s success with the Miami Dolphins. His players love playing for him, just as much as he loved coaching for them. He also gets to the office at 3 am.

     

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  • Kalen DeBoer - University of Washington

    I am staying in the Pacific Northwest for my college choices here. However, it’s a non-football related story that made me take to Coach DeBoer, who led the Huskies to the championship. Prior to the Oregon game, the Huskies star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. partnered with a local artist named Keegan Hall. Together, they signed prints of Hall’s incredible drawing of Penix Jr. They sold 200 of them and donated every dollar earned to a local charity. Coach DeBoer was involved in this effort, showing a high level of support. Then, Hall shared a story where DeBoer went out of his way, while on the field during the Oregon game to express his sincere interest in what Hall and Penix Jr. had accomplished. “Without a doubt, @kalendeboer has been incredibly successful on the field but, in my opinion, it’s what he does off the field that enables that success,” Hall said, telling the story in an Instagram post. This type of authentic human-element is something you can’t teach. DeBoer has shown he cares about the person, and the impact, not just the football player.

     

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Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

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