2014 New York Giants: Season Reflection

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After another consecutive season of injuries, debate, questionable performance and controversy, the New York Giants once again sit at the drawing table, hoping to turn the page on their head-scratching 6-10 season. 

The 2014 campaign opened with concern, as Brian McAdoo, preceded by long-time Giants coach Kevin Gilbride, took over as Offensive Coordinator. McAdoo was brought in to provide a new style of offense, a west-coast scheme that had never been incorporated in New York. As the preseason began, the Giants offense appeared uncomfortable to the new offensive playbook, but for a veteran like Eli Manning, the challenge would be to learn a fresh new playbook, a playbook that did not resemble anything run by Gilbride the year prior. 

New York faced five opponents in the preseason, and surprisingly, all five contests ended in victory. As the calendar was flipped to September, there was an apparent sense of urgency in the locker room, along with criticism from the media. Despite an undefeated preseason record, it seemed doubtful that the Giants had all of the tools to execute successfully on offense, and with a daunting mid-season schedule, the hopes of appearing in postseason football seemed unreachable.

Week 1 began on a Monday night in Detroit, and from the get go, New York appeared unbalanced with a lack of communication, as the Lions manhandled Big Blue 35-14. In New York's home opener against Arizona, it wast the inexperienced Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton who controlled the Giants defense, topping the Giants 25-14. At an abrupt 0-2 start, the head scratching began, and a quick and effective turn around was needed to keep the season alive. As if there was a glimpse of hope, the Giants did turn it around, and went on to dominate Houston, Washington and Atlanta through a profound three-game winning streak. At 3-2, the Giants revamped their offense and productivity on offense and defense, but the challenge ahead began on a Sunday night in Philadelphia against the Eagles.

The red hot Eagles hosted New York on a chilly evening at Lincoln Financial Field, and from the opening kick off, the Giants were simply obliterated. A giant debacle in Philadelphia lead to New York's long and cruel seven-game losing streak. The streak lasted so long, that the recaps of each game resembled each other, so let's skip over those six other games. It's all in the past, fortunately. 

It was not until Sunday, December 7 that the Giants took charge against a depleting Tennessee Titans squad. For rookie running back Andre Williams, it was a career day for him, tallying 131 yards and two touchdowns in Big Blue's 36-7 route of the Titans. From there, New York started their own little three-game winning streak, crushing the Redskins and Rams. With a record of 6-9, it seemed that the offensive surge was fresh and exciting, but unfortunately the season was well over, and Philadelphia was the final contest of a roller coaster season. 

Week 17 at MetLife Stadium was another classic Giants/Eagles game; the crowd was rowdy,and bragging rights were still up for grabs. Both teams were already out of playoff contention, which left over sixty-thousand fans entertained for a game that held everything on the line. In the end, it was Philadelphia finishing on top, as New York ended with a record of 6-10, their worst finish since 2004 (Eli Manning's rookie season). 

It's fair to admit that this football season could not have ended earlier, so here's a quick recap on what needs to be fixed by next August. 

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Personnel: Giants owner John Mara decided to keep Tom Coughlin as head coach, and gave him the power to keep or fire anyone on the coaching staff. Two weeks after New York's loss to Philadelphia, Coughlin agreed to part ways with Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewel, who served on the Giants' sideline since 2009. Prior to Fewell's hiring in the Spring of 2009, the Giants parted ways with Steve Spagnuolo, who coached the defense for two seasons, taking his squad to Super Bowl XLII, which ultimately upset the undefeated New England Patriots (arguably the NFL's greatest offense of all-time). With New York in search for a new face as Defensive Coordinator, Coughlin constructed a list of candidates, which included former Patriots' specialist coach Pepper Johnson, Dennis Allen, and...well, Steve Spagnuolo. After New York's loss in the 2008 postseason to Philadelphia, Spagnuolo agreed to leave the Giants, and accepted a gig as head coach of the St. Louis Rams. By the end of the 2012 season, Spaguolo was fired, totaling an abysmal 10 wins in 3 seasons in St. Louis. More recently, Spaguolo served as the Defensive Coordinator for the Saints in 2012, and as the Secondary Coach for the Baltimore Ravens this past season. His stints across the NFL had not been as successful as they were while with New York, but Tom Coughlin looked past his previous failures, and agreed to terms with Spaguolo to return as Defensive Coordinator for the Giants. Spagnuolo is certainly a fan favorite, and it will be interesting to see how he works with a less experienced, younger defensive roster that finished 29th in the League's total defense. Spaguolo was gifted with a handful of veteran talent and leadership during the 2007 campaign, so it will be interesting to see how he manages under a new regime in New York. 

Drafting: General Manager Jerry Reese has received full credit in selecting rookie sensation Odell Beckham Jr. at Wide Receiver, but past drafts have consisted of more failure than success. The list of wants and needs is definitely a few pages long, but a structured offensive line is Priority Numero Uno. With the 9th overall pick in the draft, there are a few names that should stand out in the front office:

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Brandon Scherff- OT, Iowa, 6'5" 315 lb

TJ Clemmings- OT, Pittsburgh, 6'5" 305 lb

Randy Gregory- DE, Nebraska, 6'5" 255 lb

Dante Fowler Jr.- OLB, Florida, 6'2" 261 lb


To make a very long season short, the New York Giants are on the cusp of once again contending in the NFC East. Season-ending injuries plagued the 2014 roster, and with a healthy secondary, receiving core and depth chart, there are no doubts that Big Blue will be on the radar of the NFL's contenders. Enjoy the Super Bowl- it has looks of a good one.