The moment Joe Schoen stepped to the podium, the tone of the afternoon shifted. There would be no easing into difficult topics, no subtlety, no attempt to massage a frustrating season into something more palatable.
The New York Giants’ general manager began with a declaration — simple, direct, and unavoidable.
“Two wins is not where we want to be right now… it’s not good enough.”
In a season defined by missed opportunities, injuries, and inconsistency on both sides of the ball, Schoen understood the message needed to be clear. This wasn’t simply a midseason update. It was a reset of expectations, a recalibration of accountability, and a glimpse into how the Giants will determine their future.
And it began with the acknowledgment that the franchise must change.
Owning the Record — and the Responsibility
Schoen didn’t deflect. He didn’t spin. He stood in the center of the storm that comes with coaching changes, defensive regression, and mounting losses.
“Nobody is more frustrated than myself,” he said. “It starts with me.”
The Giants are 2–10. They’ve won five games in the last two seasons. Those are numbers that force introspection across the organization, from ownership to coaching to personnel.
Part of that introspection included the dismissal of head coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Shane Bowen — a move Schoen described as difficult, but ultimately necessary.
“Dabs and I have a long history. He’s a great football coach, and he’ll be successful wherever he goes,” Schoen said. “But ownership made a decision, and I support it.”
The Giants’ focus now shifts to interim head coach Mike Kafka, who has four games to evaluate and stabilize a roster searching for momentum.
Kafka’s Opportunity — and the Realities Ahead
Schoen described Kafka’s opportunity as authentic and meaningful, citing strong communication and preparation during his brief tenure leading the team.
“He’s getting a real look,” Schoen said. “Two of his three games, we had the lead in the fourth quarter. Last night wasn’t good enough in all three phases, but Mike has done a good job getting these guys ready to play.”
Kafka’s challenge is unique. He must balance leadership responsibilities, offensive play-calling considerations, and the expectations of a franchise that must soon choose a permanent head coach. His performance down the stretch will factor heavily into the Giants’ offseason evaluation.
But the coaching search — whether Kafka is a finalist or not — will revolve around one central figure:
Jaxson Dart.
The Rise of Jaxson Dart — and the Foundation for the Future
If there was one consistent point of optimism in Schoen’s remarks, it centered on the rookie quarterback who has rapidly become the centerpiece of the organization.
“He’s exceeded expectations,” Schoen said. “Offensive Rookie of the Month, making plays off-platform, extending drives, understanding the offense. He’s been impressive.”
Dart’s poise, leadership, and athleticism have changed the perception of the Giants’ trajectory. Where uncertainty once loomed at the quarterback position, the franchise now believes it has a foundational piece.
Schoen emphasized how Dart impacts the team’s appeal to prospective head coaching candidates.
“When you have a young quarterback on a rookie contract, that’s when it gets fun,” he said. “You look at the pieces — the No. 1 receiver, the tackle, the young running back room — it’s an attractive job.”
Still, Dart is young, competitive, and willing to put his body on the line — sometimes too willing. Schoen acknowledged the need to balance Dart’s natural play style with long-term durability.
“There’s a fine line,” Schoen said. “What makes him great is his competitiveness, but we need him to protect himself.”
The Abdul Carter Situation — Growth, Guidance, and Accountability
With headlines swirling around rookie linebacker Abdul Carter, Schoen backed Kafka’s disciplinary approach and reinforced the organization’s commitment to Carter’s development — as both a player and a person.
“Abdul is 21 years old, incredibly smart, and understands the magnitude of his actions,” Schoen said. “Young players in New York are thrust into the spotlight. People make mistakes. Our job is to help them grow.”
Carter’s talent is undeniable, and the Giants believe strongly in his long-term future. But the situation also highlighted the broader focus on leadership and accountability — themes that dominated much of the press conference.
Leadership in Transition — and the Question of Identity
When asked about leadership gaps following the departures of Saquon Barkley, Julian Love, Xavier McKinney, and Leonard Williams, Schoen pushed back on the idea that the roster lacks voices.
He pointed to veterans like Brian Burns, Andrew Thomas, Devin Singletary, and Chris Manhertz, as well as emerging figures such as Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart.
But he acknowledged the challenge of cultivating leadership in the modern NFL.
“You’d like your best players to be your leaders,” Schoen said. “But it’s getting harder and harder to find those guys.”
Leadership, he noted, must exist in every room — running backs helping rookies acclimate, tight ends mentoring young talent, veterans setting daily standards.
Still, leadership alone doesn’t fix a football team. And nowhere is that more evident than on the defensive side of the ball.
Defensive Struggles and the Need for Answers
Few parts of the Giants’ season have been more surprising — or disappointing — than the defense.
Despite significant investments in personnel, the unit remains ranked near the bottom of the league, mirroring last season despite the additions of Carter, Jevón Holland, Paulson Adebo, Chauncey Golston, and Roy Robertson-Harris.
“We were 30th last year… we’re 30th this year,” Schoen said. “I didn’t expect that. We’ve got to do a better job with execution. I’ve got to do a better job with personnel.”
The defensive regression will factor heavily into both coaching evaluations and offseason planning.
Roster Construction, Process, and Schoen’s Candid Self-Assessment
Throughout the press conference, Schoen fielded questions about roster construction, depth issues, draft decisions, and free agency misses. His responses were candid, introspective, and grounded in experience.
“Nobody bats a thousand. I’ve made mistakes,” Schoen said. “What matters is learning from them. I’m better today than I was four years ago. I’ll be better a year from now.”
Schoen acknowledged instances where the organization strayed from its process and emphasized the need to realign internal evaluations and standards.
“We’re going to evaluate everything — coaching, free agency, draft decisions, strength and conditioning — every part of the operation,” he said. “We have pieces. Now we need cohesion.”
How Attractive Is the Giants’ Job? Very — With One Big Caveat
Schoen pushed back on the notion that instability or uncertainty would make the Giants less appealing to coaching candidates.
“We’ve already gotten calls,” he said. “We’re going to be able to fill the job.”
The appeal is clear:
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A promising young quarterback
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A No. 1 wide receiver with a historic rookie season
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Foundation pieces along the offensive line
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Playmakers on defense
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Stable ownership
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A major market
But the caveat is equally clear:
The Giants must find alignment — something they’ve struggled with.
The Road Ahead
The Giants’ final four games will shape the tone of the offseason, if not the trajectory of the franchise itself. From evaluating Kafka’s leadership to reexamining every facet of the football operation, this is a critical stretch for Schoen.
He knows the stakes.
He knows the expectations.
He knows the standard.
And he knows what this moment means.
“We’re going to get this thing going in the right direction,” he said. “It’s still the New York Giants — the gold standard. This franchise will get back to competing for championships.”
For the Giants, belief is important.
Execution is essential.
And the offseason ahead may be the most pivotal of the Joe Schoen era.
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