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Giants GM Schoen Defends Performance Despite 2-11 Record, Looks Toward Future
Amid mounting pressure and a dismal 2-11 record, New York Giants General Manager Joe Schoen defended his roster construction during his annual bye week news conference on Tuesday, making a case for why he should remain at the helm to oversee the search for the team’s next head coach.
“I’m excited about the guys who are here,” Schoen said, highlighting promising young talents like quarterback Jaxson Dart and rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. “Have I screwed up? Have I made mistakes? Absolutely. Absolutely, but I’m not going to make the same mistake twice and we’re going to continue to get better.”
The Giants have lost seven consecutive games, including three straight under interim head coach Mike Kafka, who replaced Brian Daboll after his dismissal last month. Their most recent defeat, a 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots on Monday night, was described as “embarrassing” by Dart himself.
Despite the mounting losses and the team’s poor performance since 2022—with 25 losses in their last 30 games—Schoen appears to have received some degree of support from ownership. When Daboll was fired, owner John Mara stated that Schoen had “assembled a good nucleus of talent” and expressed optimism about its development.
“Two wins is not where we want to be right now,” Schoen acknowledged. “It’s not good enough. I understand the frustration from fans, ownership, the people inside the building and nobody’s more frustrated than myself. And it starts with me, and I’m tasked with trying to get this organization going back in the proper direction.”
When repeatedly questioned about his job security, Schoen sidestepped direct answers, simply saying, “I understand the question,” before pivoting to expressions of confidence in his leadership abilities.
“I’m very confident in my staff, myself and our ability to get this franchise back to where it needs to go,” he insisted. “I do have confidence in our ability and our process to find the next coach to lead the organization. I truly believe in that process, and I know we’re going to get it right.”
Schoen’s tenure has been marked by several significant missteps, including signing quarterback Daniel Jones to a long-term contract extension that did not pan out and losing franchise running back Saquon Barkley to free agency. Jones was eventually benched and released as the team stumbled to a 3-14 finish last season.
That poor record did allow the Giants to select edge rusher Abdul Carter with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, Carter has already been benched for the start of two of the past three games under Kafka, raising questions about his development. Schoen downplayed concerns about Carter’s off-field issues becoming a pattern.
Instead, the GM highlighted what he sees as the building blocks for future success: “That’s when it gets fun: when you’re building around a young quarterback, you have a good nucleus, you have a good left tackle, you have a wide receiver that had a historic year (in his) rookie season, you got a good running back room, you got pass rushers. There’s pieces in place.”
When asked about the possibility of a new head coach wanting to bring in their own general manager—a common occurrence in NFL front office reshufflings—Schoen expressed confidence that the position would remain attractive. “The calls we’ve gotten, I think we’re going to be able to fill the job,” he said.
While finding a coach who can develop Dart will be an important consideration, Schoen emphasized that he’s looking for a well-rounded leader who can maximize the potential of the entire roster.
“I do believe there is a good, young core to build around here,” Schoen concluded. “It will be an attractive job for many coaches and I’m excited to get that process going as we move forward.”
For now, the organization remains focused on supporting Kafka through the final four games of the season before beginning the search for a permanent replacement who can help the storied franchise reverse its fortunes after what has been one of the most challenging periods in team history.
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7 Comments
I’m curious to see if Schoen’s defense of the roster and his job security will sway public opinion at all. Fans are often quick to demand major changes after a disappointing season, but the long-term plan is just as important.
That’s a good point. Fans can be impatient, but Schoen may need to take a measured approach and build gradually. Keeping the big picture in mind will be crucial.
It’s a tough spot for Schoen, having to justify the team’s struggles while also expressing optimism about the future. Navigating that balance will be key to maintaining support from ownership and the fan base.
The comments from Schoen strike a pragmatic tone – acknowledging mistakes but also expressing confidence in the young core. Transparency and accountability are important, but so is maintaining a vision for the future.
The Giants’ struggles this season have been well-documented. It’ll be important for Schoen to make smart decisions in the offseason to position the team for success going forward. Building through the draft will be key.
Agreed. With a high draft pick, the Giants have a chance to add some real difference-makers. But Schoen will need to make the right choices to turn this team around.
Interesting to see the Giants GM defending his roster despite the team’s dismal record. It’s always a tough balancing act between giving young talent time to develop and needing to show results on the field.