The New York Giants have not had much success against their divisional rivals in the Brian Daboll era, but if they want to take the next step in their rebuild, they will have to start fighting back and beating up on the teams in the NFC East.
Since Brian Daboll took over as head coach, the Giants have yet to beat the Cowboys and have only one win against the Eagles. Their best success has come against the Commanders, though that was before Jayden Daniels took over under center in Washington.
New York went 0-6 against its divisional rivals last year, something former NFL linebacker turned analyst Manti Te’o pointed out on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football on Wednesday. Te’o said the Giants have to start fighting back against NFC East opponents and even compared Big Blue to an iconic movie character — a comparison that should have fans fired up for 2025.
“I think they’re going to start fighting back.”
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 20, 2025
Manti Te’o’s take on the Giants in the NFC East. What’s yours? 🧐 pic.twitter.com/8t73tNb8yo
Manti Te'o sees The Karate Kid in these 2025 NY Giants
Big Blue has improved its roster significantly this offseason, after finishing with a franchise-worst three wins last year. Although it won't be easy for the G-Men, who are underdogs with their demanding schedule looming, Te'o believes they could turn some heads with the additions made.
The former NFL linebacker noted how the Giants have struggled against divisional rivals, comparing them to the Daniel LaRusso of the NFC East. But don’t worry — help is on the way. He was, of course, referring to the main character from The Karate Kid series, portrayed by Ralph Macchio.
In the first film, LaRusso becomes the target of bullying from Johnny Lawrence and turns to his apartment’s maintenance man, Mr. Miyagi, who teaches him karate and how to defend himself.
Like LaRusso trained under Miyagi, Te’o suggests the Giants may have gotten their own “training” through the roster upgrades made this offseason, leaving them better equipped to take on their divisional rivals.
He talked about the G-Men drafting Abdul Carter and how their front seven will be crucial against some of the league's most athletic quarterbacks, who just so happen to play in the NFC East. He also added that he loves what the Russell Wilson signing does for players like Malik Nabers on offense.
So, if there's anything we've learned, it's that the Giants newest additions will help the team "Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy" when it comes to facing their NFC East rivals, and it will start with the first two games of the season when the they hit the road to take on the Commanders and Cowboys, respectively.