Expectations by the New York media sometimes can be too exacting. They can be too much for any player or even coach to handle.
The New York Giants this season are under pressure because of nearly every decision from the organization’s management. Back in May, fans could point the finger at GM Jerry Reese for his selection of Eli Apple in the NFL Draft. In late-August, defensive coordinator Steve Spaguolo’s defensive schemes spoiled the Giants’ pre-season.
Fans Expectations and Legitimate Criticism
Fans have a right to expect the coaching staff to make sure players are ready for game day.
Recently, the Giants have notoriously lacked a stable defense and productive offense. Yes, even though they managed to win two Super Bowls.
Even under the strict disciplinarian of Coughlin, the typical Giants fan would criticize the team. They were either unprepared, erratic or undisciplined.
Often times, a few players attracted the attention of the media for their uncouth behavior on the field or off the field. Beckham and Norman comes to mind. Each penalty, suspension and fine assessed never seemed to be sufficient to mete out justice.
New York fans are tougher on their sports teams than other cities. NPR Commentator Frank Deford has argued, even the world renowned Placido Domingo who visit the city’s Metropolitan Opera, was not immune from this treatment.
"Hey, at the Metropolitan Opera last December, New Yorkers booed Placido Domingo. So Stephon Marbury and Eli Manning and A-Rod and all you other heroes, you blow it, you’re in good company."
A disgruntled voter asks “what have you done for me lately?” An entitled New York-minded fan would argue that there is an inherent right to boo an athlete or coach.
Criticism that goes Too Far
In two weeks, the Giants have been able to win both games. Yet, fans are still upset with McAdoo and Reese because the wins were not pretty. The narrow margin of 20-19 against the Dallas Cowboys is an example, though, of fans going too far in the direction of being obnoxious and entitled.
In the first game of the season, Eli Manning found a new gem in Sterling Shepard. The Giants staved off the Cowboys offense and managed to score twenty points.
In the second game against the Saints, the head coach Ben McAdoo offense and defense bore the brunt of the blame for allowing Drew Brees to increase his quarterback rating. As is typical, fans go too far in the direction of expecting their team to always win merely because of the $200 million-plus payroll.
Will fans continue to over analyze the Big Blue? Probably so. Part of the reason is that fans have high expectations for their team. Spreading too much blame and over-exacting criticism, though, only feeds the unforgiving New York media and works against the team.