Character-revealing 12 weeks for New York Giants franchise
By Curt Macysyn
Even without the 0-5 record, Big Blue was failing the character test.
Don’t kid yourself, the New York Giants record represents a manifestation of deficiencies from top to bottom. Things like avoiding the press by the general manager and owner have become part of a culture that simply wants to turn the page instead of rectifying problems.
Even when Ben McAdoo opined that many issues were “correctable”, it smacked of getting the media off his back. When the same problems kept surfacing, then correctable no longer made for a plausible answer. Because if it did, then McAdoo outed himself as a terrible coach.
And if players, coaches and management think that sympathy is coming anytime soon, think again.
The franchise, once revered, has spent the better part of the past four or five years telling fans and media that they know nothing. We have been constantly reassured that management has secured the right players. We been told that a couple bad bounces kept the team out of the playoffs.
We’ve been told that the draft process is hit or miss as well. The sum total is that we’ve all been lied to, or the incompetence of the franchise is at an epic level.
None of this absolves players for their part in one of the worst starts in franchise history. The rudderless locker room begets independent contractors. And ineffective coaching and management allows players to skate from their responsibility to perform on Sunday.
Rotten Apple
There is no better example from this outline of failure than cornerback Eli Apple. According to the New York Post, Apple was benched by McAdoo for the first three defensive series of Sunday’s game. First of all, the benching was completely warranted.
New York Giants
Very simply, Apple has played poorly, punctuated by a critical misplay on the next to last play in Philadelphia two weeks ago. Instead of taking his medicine, Apple immaturely pushed back.
"“I wasn’t happy. To me, that’s what happens. You lose games and it’s got to be someone else’s problem and they look around and think, ‘OK, this is the problem.’ But it’s not just one guy, it’s the whole culture, it’s everything. We’ve got to fix it.’’"
If it’s everyone’s fault, then in reality, problems become no one’s fault. In essence, Apple says he’s played poorly, but so has everyone else. Geez, we have to wonder how many of the currently 53 player roster share this mindset.
As the Post also points out, Apple’s words do not align with his on-field product.
"“Apple was a frequent target of Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers in the time he spent on the field Sunday. He allowed Keenan Allen to get open for a pair of clutch third-down conversions and also was called for a holding penalty that turned into another first down.”"
Perhaps more so than any other position on the field, cornerbacks are an island. Apple’s philosophy shows that McAdoo’s coddling didn’t help this player grow into his position. And in reality, the protection probably hurt, as his words scream out entitlement.
And keep in mind that Apple was not expected to be selected as early as he was by most draft boards.
Baby Brigade
Another invitee to the New York Giants pity party is wide receiver Roger Lewis. As the only remaining wideout left in the game after the Odell Beckham injury, his focus should have been on winning a ball game. Yes, there can and should be concern for Beckham, but it needs to be placed in proper context.
Running back Wayne Gallman came off of a national championship with Clemson, and he had it in perspective. According to the team’s official website, Gallman kept his composure. He was asked if he got emotional about Beckham during the game.
"“No. If it does, we need to get past that. It’s all about the next play. We will worry about that later. Of course we feel sorry for him, that’s our brother, but at the same time we have to focus on the game."
Of course, when Roger Lewis was asked about the same situation, it became all about him, and not the team, per the New York Post.
"“I’ve never been in a situation like this. Three or four of my brothers got hurt today. They’re like big brothers to me, so it really hurts.”"
Lest we forget that Lewis also had a celebration penalty on his touchdown. The issue of field position obviously gets lost in the receivers’ room. And if you think these assessments are harsh, then hear what the closest thing to a team leader on the New York Giants had to say. Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul put it in proper perspective.
"“Hey, man, this is the game of football. Anything can happen at any given moment, right? Anybody can go down. I hope those guys are all right, but next man has got to step up.”"
Let’s hope the replacements can be an impetus for change in the locker room.