On Jan. 29, 2022, the NY Giants officially hired Brian Daboll as the 20th head coach in franchise history, and the fourth head coach in the last seven years. Daboll, hired because of his teaching acumen and work with Josh Allen, was brought on to transform the Giants offense from stone age to high powered.
Since Daboll’s hiring, the Giants have gone through a litany of personnel changes, improving important positions on the offensive side, including offensive tackle and wide receiver. Throughout this process, Daboll has provided insight to fans by offering quick quotes which offer a glimpse of what the franchise’s future may hold. Here are the five most important Daboll quotes since taking the reins of the team.
5. NY Giants fans must trust the process
"“We have to crawl before you can walk,” Daboll said. “And it’s the same thing for (offensive coordinator Mike) Kafka. He was with Patrick (Mahomes) for so long and Andy (Reid). This is our first year.”"
This quote may provide a glimpse into what 2022 might look like for the Giants. “We have to crawl before you can walk” may indicate that early on in the season there could be some growing pains on the field as the Giants try to put in a new offensive system for the third time in Daniel Jones’ four seasons as quarterback.
Many times this offseason Daboll has pumped the breaks on setting any expectations for 2022, and this quote reflects that attitude. After all, it is hard to perform well in the first year, especially when you have to rip down and create a new culture.
4. No extra pressure for Daniel Jones
"“Look, we’re not going to make any predictions and I wouldn’t do that to Daniel or really any player,” Daboll said this spring. “I don’t think that’s fair to compare him to another guy that I was working with. He’s himself.”"
When Daboll was hired, the first question fans asked was can Jones be the next Allen? After having a brutal rookie season in 2018 where he threw for 10 touchdowns and 12 picks, Allen has transformed himself into one of the five best quarterbacks in a league and a perennial MVP candidate, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 35 touchdowns the last two seasons.
The first three years of Jones’ career have been up and down, and, generally, if a quarterback has not bloomed in the first three years, there is a good chance they never will. It is very wise of Daboll to stop Allen/Jones comparisons before expectations get out of hand.