EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After another loss, the phrases feel empty. “We need to do better.” “We’re not where we want to be.” Giants coach Brian Daboll said similar things after the team fell 34-24 to the 49ers. Sadly, his words don’t inspire much confidence.
This defeat marked the Giants’ third consecutive loss, bringing their record to 5-21 since last season. Over the past three years, they sit at 11-32. Even factoring in a promising 9-7-1 debut, their .342 winning percentage ranks 27th in the NFL. Daboll’s record now stands at 20-39-1.
“None of us did a good enough job,” Daboll remarked. The question remains: What evidence do we have that Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen can turn this around? Other than rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and linebacker Brian Burns, there isn’t much hope.
Daboll isn’t likely to be fired mid-season unless things spiral out of control. With Dart showing potential and Eli Manning no longer on the roster, making a drastic change seems unnecessary. Dart’s energy has been a bright spot, but he’s taken too many hits in games that were out of reach.
In the recent game, Dart completed 24 of 33 passes for 191 yards, with two touchdowns. This production mostly came in the fourth quarter when the 49ers were comfortably ahead. Without key playmakers, Dart was limited to short passes, leading to frustrating possessions.
With the trade deadline approaching, some may call for upgrades to Dart’s supporting cast. However, it would be a mistake for Schoen to trade away valuable future draft picks. His decisions are a significant part of why the team struggles. While Malik Nabers, drafted sixth overall last year, was promising before his injury, the roster still has players like Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt. Schoen needs to own his choices.
Ironically, having less talented receivers isn’t likely to derail Dart’s development. It’s essential for the Giants to think long-term and save draft picks, especially because they’re set to have high picks again next season.
The issues don’t stop at offense; the defense is weak too. The Giants have allowed 105 points over the last nine quarters. The 49ers achieved a season-high 34 points, easily surpassing their average. Their backup quarterback, Mac Jones, had little trouble, making it look like a practice session.
Calls for change in the coaching staff, especially defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, will grow louder. Yet, even if someone else stepped in, the situation may not improve given the player personnel issues.
Injuries did plague the Giants’ defense, but the 49ers were missing key players too. Their ability to succeed despite challenges highlights the gap between the teams.
This game was dubbed a “Legacy Game,” with the Giants honoring their glorious past. Yet, nostalgia can only distract for so long. Once fierce rivals, the Giants and 49ers now reflect contrasting destinies. While the 49ers have rebounded into a Super Bowl contender, the Giants have struggled to find their footing.
Crowd support has shifted as well. 49ers fans seemed to outnumber Giants fans at MetLife Stadium, motivating many Giants ticket holders to sell their seats rather than watch a disappointing performance.
Dart noticed the shift. “I’ve never felt a home game turn lopsided like that,” he said. Unfortunately, he’s facing countless challenges in his rookie season, most of which are all too familiar for the Giants.
It’s clear the team is at a crossroads. The pressure is on to make significant changes, both in strategy and in personnel, if there is any hope of returning to former glory.
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