Giants' Leaders Engage in Public Soul-Searching After Season of Disappointment

Giants leaders, including team president John Mara, General Manager Jerry Reese, Coach Tom Coughlin, and quarterback Eli Manning, engaged in public soul-searching after a disappointing 8-8 season that culminated in a pair of lopsided defeats. Mara called the season's final two games an "embarrassment," citing a "lack of effort" and stating that the team couldn't blame its poor performance on catastrophic injuries. Reese, who earlier in the day had said he didn't wish to use injuries as an excuse, later suggested that major roster changes might not be necessary, sparking confusion among fans and analysts. Coughlin acknowledged that the team's defense was a major issue, and the Giants quickly followed up by firing defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan.

Key Takeaways:

• Team president John Mara called the season's final two games an "embarrassment" and attributed the team's poor performance to a "lack of effort."
• General Manager Jerry Reese suggested that major roster changes might not be necessary, despite the team's 3-8 finish after a 5-0 start.
• Coach Tom Coughlin acknowledged that the team's defense was a major issue and fired defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan.
• Quarterback Eli Manning expressed disappointment and frustration with the team's collapse, saying he was "still shocked" by the loss.
• The team's injury issues were cited by Mara as one factor, but not the primary reason for the season's poor performance.
• Reese's moves last off-season, including signing four free agents on defense, were criticized for not producing acceptable results.
• The team plans to evaluate its leadership structure, including Coughlin's leadership council of veterans, to determine how to improve communication and accountability.
• Coughlin planned to think about how to get the veterans more involved in team decisions, rather than justlistening to their input.

Statistics:

• 8-8 is the Giants' record for the season, with a 3-8 finish after a 5-0 start.
• The team allowed 26.7 points per game, the third-most in the N.F.L.
• The Giants gave up at least 40 points five times this season, including a 44-7 defeat in Minnesota on Sunday and a 41-9 defeat the week before against Carolina at Giants Stadium.
• Quarterback Eli Manning had his best season statistically, completing 62.3% of his passes and throwing 27 touchdown passes for 4,021 yards.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• ESPN ( mentions team finish and injuries)
• NFL.com