In his October 26, 2024, press conference, Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll addressed the team’s injury concerns, upcoming game challenges against the Steelers, and his game plan heading into Sunday’s game. Here are some of the main points, along with his specific quotes:
Injury Updates
Daboll started with updates on key injured players. Linebacker Brian Burns, who missed practice earlier, will return, but offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor is still out.
- On Brian Burns: “He’ll practice today.”
- On Jermaine Eluemunor: “He’s not doing much. He did a walkthrough. I think he’ll be okay, but I can’t guarantee it.”
Cornerback Adoree’ Jackson remains a concern with a neck injury, and Daboll seemed pessimistic about his availability.
- On Jackson: “He’s still got the neck. I don’t think he’ll make it.”
Punter Jamie Gillan and linebacker Ty Summers are also questionable.
Defensive Challenges
Daboll acknowledged rookie cornerback Deonte Banks will face a significant test covering Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, known for making catches even in tight coverage.
- On Banks facing Pickens: “It’s like a scorer in basketball. They’re going to get their points. They’re going to get their targets and catches. You’ve got to do a good job of game plan.”
With Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson’s deep-throwing ability, Daboll emphasized the importance of practice in preparing the secondary for these “moon balls.”
- On Wilson’s deep passes: “He’s excellent at it. The numbers are pretty interesting in terms of 20-yard touchdown passes over the last five years. He’s right up there at the top. He gives the guys chances. I’ve seen that plenty when we’ve gone against him.”
Run Defense Concerns
Run defense has been a sore spot for the Giants, who rank last in the league in yards per carry allowed. Daboll reflected on Defensive Coordinator Shane Bowen’s track record with run defenses in Tennessee but noted they must make improvements on early downs to avoid explosive plays.
- On fixing run defense: “We’ve got to eliminate some of those explosives and continue to improve on tackling. It’s a team thing.”
Offensive Line Decisions and Matchups
Daboll has yet to finalize his decision on the left tackle, where Joshua Ezeudu and veteran Christopher Hubbard are competing. He praised both for their practice performances and noted a final decision will come after today’s session.
- On the decision between Ezeudu and Hubbard: “Confidence in both those guys, they’ve been battling back and forth here for these last couple of days. Whatever we think is best for this game, that’s what we’ll do.”
Right tackle Evan Neal faces a significant challenge against T.J. Watt, a disruptive force on the Steelers’ defense.
- On Neal’s matchup with Watt: “He has a significant challenge ahead of him. With Watt lining up over there. He’s done everything he can do to be as prepared as he can be and has to go out there and do it. But certainly, a tough challenge to be the first time out.”
Daboll added that Pittsburgh’s defensive front, led by Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cameron Heyward, makes blocking a difficult balancing act.
- On managing Pittsburgh’s defensive front: “You could use help on both those edge players as many times as you can get it… It’s a give and take here based on what they do coverage-wise… It’s just why they’re so good on defense. They’ve got really good personnel, and they’re very well coached fundamentally.”
Game Strategy
Daboll was candid about the Giants’ approach to their run game, understanding the Steelers have one of the league’s best run defenses. While staying committed to the run, he knows the play calls will need to adjust to the game’s flow.
- On sticking with the run game: “It’s always a challenge when you’re calling plays and you’re getting zero or ones… We’re going to have to do a good job of trying to control the line of scrimmage. They’ve been really good at it forever… We’re going to have to do a good job of blocking them.”
Other Notes
Daboll confirmed that linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux, despite his injury, remains engaged with the team in meetings. When asked about growing up a baseball fan, Daboll shared that he supported the Yankees, a passion inherited from his grandfather.
- On growing up a Yankees fan: “My grandfather… his team was the Yankees. Living with him in his house, he’d watch the Yankees, and he’d watch the Braves.”
Finally, Daboll expressed confidence in running back Devin Singletary, saying he’s ready for a more active role in the Giants’ rotation.
- On Singletary’s increased workload: “All three of the backs are going to play… I have confidence in the three of those guys… we’ll see who has more of a role, less of a role, but all three of them will play.”
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