Following a disappointing 17-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media on Monday, October 14, to discuss what went wrong and what lies ahead for his 2-4 team as they prepare for a critical Week 7 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Andrew Thomas Injury Status Still Unknown
One of the most pressing issues facing the Giants is the status of star left tackle Andrew Thomas, who has been sidelined with a lingering injury. Daboll was unable to provide an update on Thomas’ condition, stating, “I’ll get all that stuff later today and then fill you guys in on Wednesday.” The absence of Thomas has been a major factor in the Giants’ offensive struggles, with the offensive line allowing pressure on quarterback Daniel Jones throughout the game.
Offensive Struggles: Daboll Takes Accountability
Daboll took full responsibility for the team’s offensive issues, a recurring theme throughout the season. “That’s on me,” Daboll said several times during the press conference. Reflecting on the loss to the Bengals, Daboll admitted that the offense lacked rhythm and explosive plays, particularly in critical moments. “Our inability… to generate explosive plays, whether that’s through the run or through the air, is not where I want it to be right now,” he noted.
The Giants were unable to find the end zone outside of a lone touchdown drive, with Daboll pointing out the team’s struggles to convert in key situations, especially on third-and-long. “You have to score more points,” he emphasized.
Daniel Jones’ Inconsistencies Continue
Daniel Jones’ performance remains a hot topic for the Giants, as he struggled to find consistency against Cincinnati. While he managed a few promising drives, his decision-making faltered at times, including a critical interception that ended a scoring opportunity. When asked about Jones’ up-and-down play, Daboll acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in his quarterback: “Daniel, like I’ve said plenty of times, he’ll do everything he can to be as good as he can be.”
Daboll added that he meets with Jones regularly to review mistakes and make adjustments. “You talk, you coach, you teach, you listen, and you move on,” he said, emphasizing the need for Jones to bounce back from tough games like the one against the Bengals.
Running Game Shows Signs of Life
While the offense as a whole struggled, there were some positives in the second half, particularly in the run game. Tyrone Tracy, stepping in as the lead back, ran hard and showed promise despite the team’s overall inefficiency in yards per carry. “The run game is at times going to be hard early on… but it is something I believe you have to stick with,” Daboll said, noting Tracy’s effort in both the run and pass game.
However, with the loss of Saquon Barkley and the lack of explosive plays, the Giants’ rushing attack has yet to find a reliable rhythm. Daboll remains committed to working through the struggles and believes the team can improve in that area.
Preparing for the Eagles
Looking ahead to their matchup against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles, Daboll knows the Giants will need to elevate their play. The Eagles’ defense has been formidable, and the Giants’ offensive line issues will face a stern test. Daboll’s focus is on correcting the mistakes from Sunday’s loss and finding a way to generate the explosive plays that have been missing from their offense.
The road ahead won’t be easy for the Giants, but Daboll remains confident that his team can make the necessary adjustments. “We’ll keep calling the plays, and we just got to keep on improving in that area,” he said.
As the Giants prepare for a pivotal divisional game, their season hangs in the balance. A win could spark a turnaround, but if the offensive struggles continue, the team may be facing an uphill battle for the rest of the year.
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