The New York Giants are headed in a new direction – it’s clear. Sorta tanking (a taboo word in the NFL), with Daniel Jones taking over for Eli Manning at quarterback. But is it a good direction?
General manager Dave Gettleman is trying to clean up the spending mess of his predecessor, but his moves aren’t proving popular. And the rebuilding of the Giants isn’t yielding immediate results. A 5-11 season in 2018, followed by 0-2 so far this season.
But perhaps it’s not just the record, it’s more about backing up what he says.
Sign Odell, Trade Odell
On August 27, 2018, star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. signed a 5-year, $95 million extension with the Giants. It included $41 million in guaranteed money. When asked during the season whether or not the Giants would trade the 3-time Pro Bowler, Gettleman was clear.
“We didn’t sign Odell to trade him.”
Surprise surprise. Beckham was traded on March 13, 2019, to the Cleveland Browns for a 1st round pick, 2nd round pick and Jabrill Peppers. A general manager doesn’t need to tell the world his plans for the future. However, lying to the fanbase is never a good way to handle scrutiny.
Changing of the Guard
The time of Manning as a playoff-caliber quarterback for the Giants elapsed a long time ago. Yet it’s still weird thinking about the Giants finally deciding to go with someone else. And it wasn’t supposed to happen now.
Gettleman: “Maybe we’re going with the Green Bay model, where Rodgers (Aaron Rodgers) sat for three years.”
Yes, he used the word maybe. But Jones becoming the starter heading into week 3 had to be a stunner to everyone, from Jones himself and obviously to Giants fans.
Maybe it was all about waiting for an excuse. Despite the lose, Manning wasn’t bad in week 1. It’s was different in week 2. The Giants lost 28-14 to the Buffalo Bills. Manning threw two interceptions (1 TD as well) and finished with a 62 passer rating. As a starter, Manning has been able to deliver just one playoff performance since the Super Bowl win in 2012. His record as a starter since 2013 is 38-59, with just one winning season.
When does it start getting better for the Giants? Maybe right away with Jones, who looked impressive during preseason. But it’s more likely than not that the former Duke star isn’t the final piece in the puzzle before the Giants are to be taken seriously again.