The New York Giants are an NFL franchise with a proud championship tradition.
They’ve won four Super Bowls, three of which were by four points or less.
Their title victories might not look pretty, but they find ways to win.
Manning to Tyree.
Also known as… "The Helmet Catch." 😱 #WildPlayWednesday | #SBLII pic.twitter.com/mSLgpH1rsu— NFL (@NFL) January 30, 2019
The Giants’ last championship came in Super Bowl XLVI when they defeated the New England Patriots for the second time in five seasons.
But since their last championship, the Giants have fallen on hard times.
They’ve made the playoffs once over the last nine seasons and are in danger of missing the postseason again this year.
Manning to Manningham. 🎯
38 yards on the money.
38 days until our hundredth season! (via @nflthrowback) #NFL100 pic.twitter.com/q0V8OmKYDS— NFL (@NFL) July 29, 2019
Their only playoff game was a Wild Card round loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The front office had four head coaches after Tom Coughlin, but they all brought the team nowhere.
But beyond the mentoring, the roster mismanagement by General Manager Dave Gettleman further placed them out of contention.
Gettleman’s First Mistake
It’s like Gettleman did not do his homework in addressing the Giants’ glaring concerns.
He joined the team before the 2018 season, and he had his work cut out for him because the team had two immediate positions of need.
First, Eli Manning’s best years were behind him, and the 2018 draft was the perfect chance to draft his successor.
Eli Manning shares a message for New York after his jersey retirement ceremony:
"Just thank you. Thank you for these great 16 years, supporting me through my career and making this day happen" pic.twitter.com/0gL37310uu
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) September 26, 2021
Second, the offensive line the season before was terrible.
Gone were the men that protected Manning during their second Super Bowl run.
Likewise, only three players from their offensive line depth chart back then were still in the league in 2021.
But despite having that knowledge, Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmur decided that they would be a run-first team.
Therefore, they selected Saquon Barkley with the number two pick.
Giants RB Saquon Barkley has been added back to the team's injury report. He was limited today due to an ankle injury.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 8, 2021
The former Penn State standout performed well to become Offensive Rookie of the Year, a Pro Bowler, and a First-Team All-Pro in the same season.
Yet despite his impressive rookie season, the Giants finished at 5-11.
Unfortunately, Barkley suffered a season-ending injury, limiting him to three games in 2020.
He wasn’t the same player anymore and has played only five games this season, producing 195 yards and two touchdowns.
If only Gettleman followed what they needed instead of getting the best talent, the Giants might have a different fate moving forward.
Besides, they had Wayne Gallman, a serviceable player from the backfield.
Lack Of Foresight Doomed The Giants
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were still available if they went the quarterback route.
Instead, they eventually drafted Kyle Lauletta in the sixth round.
Quenton Nelson was also on the board to beef up their offensive line.
Quenton Nelson is the most valuable guard in NFL history. How many guards go to their coach, tell them what kind of play to run and then have the head coach listen?
How many guards lead like this?
Pretty sure Q is the only one. #ForTheShoe #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/RuR4CKh9ej
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) December 2, 2021
The misses continued over the years as they drafted Daniel Jones a year later.
In 2020, the Giants selected offensive tackle Andrew Thomas over Mekhi Becton, Tristan Wirfs, or even Justin Herbert.
The jury is still out on their selections during the 2021 draft, but it looks like they got the Azeez Ojulari selection right.
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about Kadarius Toney, who has yet to catch a touchdown pass.
Terrible Free-Agent Signings And Contract Extensions
Not only did Gettleman whiff with his draft picks.
Instead, he also made some questionable free-agent acquisitions.
He signed Golden Tate to a four-year, $37.5 million deal and Kenny Golladay to a four-year, $72 million contract.
Tate is already with the Tennessee Titans but they still have dead cap from this deal
Over 50% of the Giants' 2022 cap is currently slated to go to:
Leonard Williams
James Bradberry
Kenny Golladay
Adoree' Jackson
Blake Martinez
Sterling Shepard— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) December 8, 2021
Meanwhile, Golladay is yet to have a touchdown catch and only has 282 receiving yards through Week 13.
They also gave Sterling Shepard a four-year, $41 million extension.
The Giants also signed cornerback Adoree’ Jackson to a three-year, $39 million deal during the offseason.
By Week 13, he only has one interception, and seven passes defended.
Dave Gettleman's first draft pick in each draft as Giants GM: Barkley, Jones, Thomas, Toney.
Every single one has had an injury misdiagnosed and mishandled this year. And the list doesn't stop there.
I don't know how to even describe this
— Will (@twentee7) December 9, 2021
With his draft and free agency blunders piling up, it’s time for the Giants to let Gettleman go.
Doing so might clear the dark cloud hovering above the franchise for the last decade.
NEXT: Saquon Barkley Is Average At Best For The Giants
royhobbs7 says
You’re putting most of the blame on Gettleman. Perhaps, more of the blame should be placed on John Mara who has gone against Gettleman’s preference in the draft on a number of occasions. John Mara gets his advice from his brother Chris who is the VP of Player Development and is John Mara’s earpiece. The Maras make the ultimate decisions whether on FA signings, drafting or any other personnel moves (sometimes irrespective of what Dave Gettleman is thinking). Allegedly, Gettleman wanted to draft Micah Parsons this past year and was talked out of it by Joe Judge and Chris Mara..