I think Brian Daboll is a good coach, but I would like to see what he can do with a more talented roster. He’s spent his first two seasons with the Giants without much to work with – a lesser offensive line and modest skill options.

Despite the shortcomings, the Giants were able to make it to the playoffs in 2022 (actually winning a playoff game at Minnesota). Last year they crashed to 6-11.

One thing is clear, after watching Daboll (along with offensive coordinator Mike Kafka) for two seasons: They will prioritize taking care of the ball. New York committed only 16 turnovers in 2022 and just 19 last year. Over the last two years, only two teams have turned the ball over less.

That makes the crash to 6-11 last year even more remarkable. New York wasn’t competitive despite finishing plus-12 in turnover margin. Generally when you finish with a big edge in turnovers, that means you’re winning game and going to the playoffs. In the last 15 years, 44 teams have finished at least plus-12 in turnover ratio; the Giants are the only one of those teams that didn’t finish with a winning record (and they weren’t even close).

The other team finishing plus-12 in takeaways last year, Baltimore, captured home-field advantage in the AFC.

TEAMS FINISHING PLUS-12 IN TURNOVERS
YearTeamTakeTODiffW-L
2011San Francisco38102813-3
2010New England38102814-2
2012New England41162512-4
2011Green Bay38142415-1
2009Green Bay40162411-5
2019New England36152112-4
2015Carolina39192015-1
2013Seattle39192013-3
2012Chicago44242010-6
2013Kansas City36181811-5
2017Baltimore3417179-7
2012Washington31141710-6
2011New England34171713-3
2010Pittsburgh35181712-4
2016Oakland30141612-4
2016Kansas City33171612-4
2019New Orleans2381513-3
2018Seattle26111510-6
2017Kansas City26111510-6
2009Philadelphia38231511-5
2021Dallas34201412-5
2021Indianapolis3319149-8
2015Kansas City29151411-5
2014Green Bay27131412-4
2012NY Giants3521149-7
2010Atlanta31171413-3
2022San Francisco30171313-4
2021Green Bay26131313-4
2018Houston29161311-5
2013Indianapolis27141311-5
2012Atlanta31181313-3
2012Seattle31181311-5
2023• Baltimore31191213-4
2023NY Giants3119126-11
2021Arizona27151211-6
2019Seattle32201211-5
2018Chicago36241212-4
2017LA Chargers2715129-7
2016New England23111214-2
2014New England25131212-4
2014Houston3422129-7
2013San Francisco30181212-4
2013Philadelphia31191210-6
2012Houston29171212-4

Where the Giants go from here will play out over the next two months. There’s been some indication that they’re staying the course with Daniel Jones (pictured), but that’s hard to believe. He’s coming off a torn ACL and wasn’t any better last year than the guys who filled in for him in the second half of the season (Tyrod Taylor, Tommy DeVito). Right tackle Evan Neal hasn’t panned out, so that’s a need – they may kick him inside to guard.

The Giants need to re-sign Saquon Barkley (which should happen). They also could use a big-time pass catcher. They traded for Darren Waller last year, but it’s looking like the Raiders will be in the winners in that deal. New York picked Jalin Hyatt in the third round; while he’s got elite speed, it’s too early to say if he’ll pan out.

I hope we get a chance to see Daboll with a decent complement of players, because if they Giants sputter to another 6-11 record, I don’t think he’ll still be around in 2025.

—Ian Allan