Why is this happening is not the question.
How did it take so much time?
It was lurking around every corner for the Giants, because they are what they are, and the fact that they were 6-1 after seven games or 7-2 after nine games in Brian Daboll’s first season as head coach did not change them into a different team.
As the holiday season approaches, Daboll and his rebuilding squad must either confront difficulties and defeat head-on or succumb to them, wither, and capitulate.
Sunday, the Eagles will visit MetLife Stadium, so it’s probably not the best moment for the Giants to make a statement. It will be difficult for Daboll and his club to compete with the NFL’s greatest squad, and defeating their longtime NFC East rivals may be too much to ask.
What happens next, in Week 15 against the Commanders at Landover, Maryland, will have a greater bearing on the Giants’ playoff hopes. The Giants, who are 1-3-1 in their last five games, will be tested on their ability to ignore the negativity this skid has generated in order to produce a superior football product on the field.
Well, adversity and criticism are part of the territory, remarked Daboll. “I’ve been a coordinator for a long time, not as a head coach, and it’s a popular sport that is followed by a large number of people. And I appreciate the assistance. You value negative feedback or criticism as well. Whether you’re a coach or a player, this is the sport to play if you want to be psychologically tough and strong.
“And, in truth, you cannot dwell too on that. You appreciate it. I believe that we are all appreciative of your assistance, but you must return to your duties. After every loss, there is adversity, and occasionally there is adversity after a victory as well. Probably since April, we’ve been discussing this topic. There will be ups and downs, and it is not always simple to remain mentally strong and focused on the task at hand. However, it must be done.”
To have any hope of defeating the Eagles (11-0), the Giants (7-4-1) must immediately improve all aspects of their play. If they are serious about jolting the high-flying Eagles out of their season-long cruise mode, their recent performance has not been sufficient.
Daboll always heaps praise on the opponent, but it sounded like he went overboard this past week, praising Eagles general manager Howie Roseman for assembling a “star-studded roster,” gushing about quarterback Jalen Hurts (Daboll was Hurts’ offensive coordinator for one season at Alabama), and identifying the Eagles as the NFL’s best team.
Obviously, nothing that Daboll has said generates a substantial amount of debate. Locating a favorable matchup for the Giants is more challenging than finding Waldo.
Nick Gates, who is projected to start at left guard, told The Post, “They’re a solid squad… they typically have a good team.” I can guarantee that their D-line will always be effective. They’ve been good for the four years I’ve been here, and this year they’re likely the best they’ve ever been. Their entire space is stacked. I don’t know how they’re doing it, but they keep bringing in new guys.
They have a very solid offensive line and a very good defensive line, which is a combination that typically leads to success in the league.
The Eagles might reach the LVII Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona. They are the clear favorite to win the NFC championship. The Giants are in a slump and require a turnaround to secure a playoff berth, as they are currently the No. 6 seed and must maintain a lead over the Commanders and Seahawks in the division rankings in order to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Giants’ current predicament is problematic.
“No, I wouldn’t say we’re suffering,” Gates responded; “we simply haven’t played consistently over the last several games.” Simply put, we have not performed to the level of our ability. We simply must return to our strengths.”
The challenge is to return to what they do best in competition with the best.
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