Can Tom Coughlin rescue another Giants' season on the brink?

by Ed Valentine on Nov 5, 2009 1:00 PM EST in News Comment 54 comments

by Carolyn Kaster - AP

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin looks at the scoreboard during the fourth quarter an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

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Tom Coughlin is in his sixth season as New York Giants head coach. One of the reasons the Giants have been so successful during that time -- and maybe the primary reason Coughlin is still here -- has been his ability to handle crisis.

It began back in 2004 when he was handed a completely broken team that had fallen apart under Jim Fassel. By his second season, TC had the Giants back in the playoffs and had the franchise pointed back on the right path.
There was his willingness, with his season and maybe his job on the line in 2006, to sack play-caller John Hufnagel for the final regular-season game. Maybe it was belated, but it was still bold.
There was his battle for control of the locker room, and to create an atmosphere where players cared more about winning than themselves. That took until Tiki Barber retired and Michael Strahan finally decided to get on board, but it did happen.
There was, of course, 2007. The Super Bowl year. Remember how badly the Giants started, 0-2 and looking awful? Not qualifying for the playoffs until the 15th game of the season? TC managed his team through that sometimes rocky regular season, and we ended up with a magical run no one expected.
Last season, of course, there was the Plaxico Burress fiasco. No, the Giants did not finish the season well. Coughlin did, however, maintain his grip on the team and not allow Burress to fracture the locker room.

Now the question is, can Coughlin do it again?

Make no mistake, this is a team in crisis. We have seen so many uncharacteristic things the past few weeks -- turnovers, atrocious defense, special teams mistakes -- it's hard to believe they can all be made to vanish quickly.

Yet, that is Coughlin's challenge because even he has admitted that Sunday is a 'one game season" for the Giants. Win it, they will be 6-3 and can feel OK about themselves heading into the bye. Lose it, the season could be headed down the drain.

Here is my question about those uncharacteristic things we have seen the past few weeks. Defensively, especially, is it just a matter of the Giants not having enough talent?

Or, have the players begun not to hear the things Coughlin and his coaches are preaching? Even terrific coaches have season where they simply don't get their message across to players.

TC has turned to his veteran players this week and put the onus on them.

"Leaders are lifters. What has to happen when a team does fight their way out of a problem, your best players have to show the way. They are the ones that show the way. The guys that are in the role of a foot soldier, they will play and they will work their tails off. But what ultimately shows is when the guys that are recognized as your quality football players – your better football players – they have to play themselves into a position where they are showing the way," Coughlin said.

So far, so good. Judging from the comments of a couple of those leaders they are accepting the challenge Coughlin has laid at their feet.

Here is Eli Manning, the leader on offense, addressing Coughlin's remarks.

"You always expect your leaders and the guys who expect to play well to go out there and do their job and play at a high level. That level motivates the other guys and gets everybody going. We have to do our job. Each individual has to do their job," Manning said. "I think the message is clear. I think we know what we’ve got to do and what’s at stake, how important this game is. We’ve got to turn this thing around and start playing better football. The message is clear, everybody knows it and now it’s a matter of just going out there and doing it."

Here is Antonio Pierce, the quarterback of the defense, discussing his unit.

"I’ve probably the biggest culprit of everything," Pierce said after Wednesday's practice. "If I’m the guy they call the leader of the defense or the captain of the defense, which I am, I need to do a better job. And I plan on doing it this week."

What he likely means is that, in addition to his physical mistakes, he also hasn't done a good enough job of keeping the players focused throughout the course of the game because, when asked what's happened to this defense lately, Pierce replied, "You always hear coaches say to a corner, 'Forget the last play and move on.' Well, I think we've got to do a better job of doing that. Sometimes, we're still trying to figure out what happened to us in the first quarter or the first play and it's in the fourth quarter and we're getting our butts whupped."

Like coach Tom Coughlin, Pierce indicated the recovery will start with the team's leaders.

"Our star players, the guys that are considered stars, need to play like stars," Pierce said. "The guys that are solid and contribute need to contribute more. Everybody needs to do a little bit more right now. Obviously, what we’re doing is not working.

"It has nothing to do with Xs and Os. Sometimes it does, but for the most part sometimes you have to go above Xs and Os and just play a little harder, do a little extra things, run to the ball more, have energy, show some kind of spirit that you want to really enjoy playing this game and be passionate about the game because it passes you by really quick and we don’t want to see our season pass us by."

So, it would seem that the Giants' leadership is still on the same page with its head coach. The question now is whether or not they can turn those words into actions.

If they can, Coughlin will have rescued another season that appears to be on the brink.

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The time is now

to get back to Giants football. Run the ball and stop the run, do not turn the ball over and play with passion like we have in the past, play with pride, if SD scores 1st, do not, repeat DO NOT HANG YOUR HEADS!!! I havent seen a Giants team look so down and uninspired since before TC got here and its now or never for this season, So if we do these things its no guarantee of a win, but even if we lose and play a good game its something to build on, so LET’S GO GMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by BigBlueCrew_jfl on Nov 5, 2009 1:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

It is motivational

as much as it is coaching. The Giants are OK except for one safety position.

Can TC ( and Sheridan) get them back on track?

I say yes. It is a long season and it is only half over.

By mid to late Dec:
- Manning gets his act togther and Smith/Nicks fourish
- Sheridan adjustments and better DL play mask the safety issue
- depth becomes an advantage as others see key players hurt
- Jacobs and Ware (yes Ware) thrive in the cold

Playoffs? Yes. How far? Dunno

by MSP Giant on Nov 5, 2009 1:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I think it's the players, and TC is 100% right on

when he directs the leaders to lead, and in this case, it means calling out those players who are not giving 100% to the team each play. That’s what it seems to me, that players who made it their business to get open in the beginning of the season are not doing it now. It seems the players read the hype at 5-0 and still believe it, even though they haven’t won squat since.

by StubsNY on Nov 5, 2009 2:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's a combination of things that's affecting the team

1- Play calling: I think the Giants are abandoning the run way too quickly.
2- Linebackers: In my view, except for Boley, we lack overall speed int the LB corp. We definitely lack a play maker in the LB corp. I think back to the 80’s when we had several perennial pro bowler LBs, guys like Carson, Van Pelt, Reasons, Banks, and of course LT.
3- Injuries: This one is self explanatory.

by John W on Nov 5, 2009 1:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

i like AP

And I like what he brings to this team. He will have that D motivated Sunday. If they do get beat it won’t be because of missed assignments. It will be because Phil rivers and crew simply outplayed them.

by wilddre22 on Nov 5, 2009 2:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions 0 recs

TC, it's time to go!

Sorry BBV, but although I agree that TC has been there during times of crisis .. I don’t credit him for turning anything around. I don’t SEE a leader who’s willing to shake the tree and get things changed. He talks. A lot. But doesn’t say anything.

Maybe like me now .. lol

I’d like to see all members of this team focused in the same direction. This includes Coaches and players. I hear a lot of individuals, giving their persepctive .. but I don’t hear the same “story” (strategy).

I wanted TC gone after 2006. In my mind the SB was NOT directly due to TC, but to a much improved Defense, and Gilbride finally getting his head out of his @ss and formulating a rather creative gameplan, something we haven’t seen since.

TC and his coaching staff have to go. The game has passed him by.

Go Gmen

by giants013 on Nov 5, 2009 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I was thinking about this today

how spoiled are we that after a bad 3-game stretch we are calling for a dismissal of the entire coaching staff

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Nov 5, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You're right, Simms

Gimme a break with this Fire TC crap! The guy has taken us to four straight playoff appearances, won a Super Bowl, is one of the most respected coaches around and may end up as the best coach in Giants history. TC’s far from perfect — he is stubborn about the way he does a lot of things. But, c’mon, three bad games don’t mean the guy is suddenly Eric Mangini.

by Ed Valentine on Nov 5, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Think about it

if TC wins one more SB he’s a HOF caoch. How often do you have that good of a coach? Keep him until it’s obvious he can’t handle the job anymore.

by Landeta on Nov 5, 2009 5:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get it?

Teams have had as high expectations, have had crapier stretches to they season…yet its 1 season and a half later and they still coach with the same staff (Cowboys anyone?).

Fire the Coach? In 2006 you may have sort of had a point.

Now? Go away….

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 5, 2009 4:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I just had a V-8

As many times as we can read these quotes from coaches or players, over, over and over again, it generates a sort of monotinous feeling. Like we’re trying to find something for our cerebral advantage. A subliminal message perhaps?

Since the Saints game up until now, the Giants have literally looked like the same team. A team that is playing through repititious practices and game plans that have no success.

Obviously, what we’re doing is not working.

This is what i’m looking at. Is this a clear sign that players are now recognizing that what the’re doing, just doesn’t work? And it’s been going on for how long? The notion is that they’re going through these timely-disproving actions with negative results, leading to a lack of focus, confidence and or important fundamentals? What better way to break this cycle than to freelance? Do, what i feel is comfortable!

Are these coaches enforcing their will, on a plan that has been deciphered? Perhaps the players know it, but it’s still the coaches call. They’re tired or bored of the system that has failed!

It seems to be stagnate, which leads to an unwillingness to give it your all! There seems to be alot of psychological happenings here?!

by Hootman on Nov 5, 2009 2:40 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Eli is the king of the painfully obvious statement --

— the kid is a banal interview, there’s no reason to talk to him as he will give you zero insight into anything, you might as well read a stat sheet and you’ll get the same info.

by ZILLAG on Nov 5, 2009 5:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

With the talent they have

on offense and MOST of the defense, the game plan should have far less to do with their success than their execution of it. Talent can make a mediocre game plan look very good.

I think the message TC is handing down is the right one. The leaders have to show that this still works. The young guys have to know that their big brothers on the field believe in the plan before they themselves will stick with it. And hearing almost the exact words that came from TC come from the committee is where this all starts. I like it.

We’ve read a lot of writers saying “who is this team? What is their identity? Do they know?” That could have easily become the players’ attitude as well. This approach should go a long way to get guys recommitted to a tangible plan and a tangible identity.

by Jaybat on Nov 5, 2009 10:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Osi and Tuck

I think it starts with these 2 fellas. We need them to be dominant and give 110%. If they can produce some pressures, knock-downs, and hopefully sacks, they will be back to playing 5-0 Giants football. And it ends with Eli. No more excuses. Why is Eli throwing balls higher than 6 foot 6 Kevin Boss can catch them? He IS in a slump and he needs to step his game up big time. If not, they will continue to play 0-3 Giants football and those first 5 games will be a distant memory.

LET'S GO G-MEN

by I_Formation27 on Nov 5, 2009 3:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I love the way TC talks

when asked about Boss he says “he has an ankle but he’ll work”. I would respond with Does’nt he have two ankles?

by Landeta on Nov 5, 2009 4:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

that's one of my least favorite trends ever

are we really so lazy as a society that we can’t finish sentences? Is the word “injury” that hard to say?

"[The Giants] beat us down. We were beat by a grown-man team, a team we want to be like one day. They came in here and took it to us. Out-manned us, out-gunned us. ... It wasn't even close." - Raheem Morris, 9/27/09

by cjmulrain on Nov 6, 2009 2:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tom

doesn’t like to give away injury details if he doesn’t have to. Which ankle? Where on it? what’s the actual problem? That’s what opposing D’s want to know. He ain’t sayin.

by Jaybat on Nov 6, 2009 8:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

yea, but that's not the point

he doesn’t have to say “he has a high ankle sprain” or an “ankle bruise.” Just finish the sentence, say “he has an ankle injury.” I don’t know if Al Michaels started this trend, but he’s definitely the biggest culprit: “Jeremy Shockey is out of tonight’s game with a knee”

It pisses me off. /rant

by cjmulrain on Nov 6, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Flat out, no messin’ around, WE ARE WINNING ON SUNDAY. I FEEL it. This is the most confident I’ve felt about a Giants win since we played the Raiders.

by lboogie25 on Nov 5, 2009 5:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Chargers 24 Giants 16 (I said 14 earlier, but feel a safety coming on.)

by ZILLAG on Nov 5, 2009 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

you're just a bucket of fun

aren’t you.

by cjmulrain on Nov 6, 2009 2:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Coughlin has a free pass

Tom got this team a super bowl win in a year in which they had no right winning it. The team put together back to back to back amazing performances.

I’m as sad as anyone about the way this season is going, but take it easy on the head coach that presided over the most amazing playoff run I’ve ever seen.

Quite simply, the team has glaring weaknesses on D right now, and it falls on the coordinator to come up with schemes to compensate. If he can’t the season is over. And if that happens I hope we see the back of Gilbride and Sheridan as they walk off into the distance, and Coughlin starting over next year.

by Wide_right on Nov 5, 2009 5:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

It's Not Coughlin.

C’mon, guys, gals, lets have a little acceptance here, Ed touched on it earlier: This defense just DOES NOT have the TALENT. The coordinator is floundering because what he thought he had to work with he doesn’t have, and he’s showing himself to be not as flexible and innovative as Spagnola. That said, I don’t think Spagnola could do much with this bunch.
Tuck, Osi, Kiwi, good, sometimes great, but never, ever consistently great players who are now confused and lost and, quite frankly, looking slow and mediocre, and Pierce, a great headline provider, a sometimes great, but more often than not scrappy, smart overachiever who has seen better days – these guys cannot and will not save this team. They hit their peak in January 2008, and have been slowly falling since, it happens, their time came, they shined, and now they’re living off the fumes of a past success. They can still contribute, but these guys are not what the future will be, or should be, built on. This season is a wake up call. Rebuild now.

by ZILLAG on Nov 5, 2009 5:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

really?

3 games?

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 5, 2009 7:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Tucks Injury

is have some affect on his play. He was very good in the Wash game and he’s dropped of since Dallas. I think the injury is preventing him from moving inside on passing situations which he’s really good at. I’ve seen Kiwi playing in the middle on passing downs and I think it’s preventing the rushers from being as effective. Tuck will be fine but I do believe Robbins and the LB’s have seen better days and we need some new talent. Spags was struggling with this group late last year so I’m not killing Sheridan yet, but I do have my concerns about him.

by Landeta on Nov 5, 2009 7:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I AGREE......to a point...

Spags was def. not struggling with this group last yr, they gave up point but def not at this rate………We couldnt generate any offense, we were losing close games where our offense consistently put the d in tough positions……….And he didnt have THIS group, we have more talent this yr…..truth be told………CC Brown is pretty similar to James Butler, but is actually a better hitter!And even with the injuries, the coaching staff still has more talent at its disposal then last yr(Def:Sintim,Bruce Johnson,experienced Kehl……Off:Barden,Ware,exp.Boss)to name a few,yet they are firm with there stance that personnel changes are not needed!

by giantsbizzybody1 on Nov 6, 2009 8:40 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think i might have to disagree with a couple of points

Basing this years D to last years on name recognition alone, may suggest we have more talent. I thought so too, but truth behold, it’s one year later and it’s apparent, that is not the case. Both DT’s are coming off surgeries. Robbins, Clark and Pierce are declining with age as the case with Bernard too. But if the speedometer says 80, i couldn’t imagine Spags turning these guys up to 110. They could play a “little” better, but not anything to make a big difference!

CC and Butler, as average as Butler was, he was by no means an excuse for opposing teams to look at him with a plan. CC on the other hand, just plain yuck!

by Hootman on Nov 6, 2009 9:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Concur.........

U make valid points about being a yr slower,but remember we do have Osi back,Robbins and Cofield were never rush guys,they were stoute against the run,Bernard was brought in to be the interior rush guy and the one absence from last yrs team is………the DC!
We also have some youth to inject into the lineup if the slower players are not doing there part………all of this evidence has lead me to point to the coaching staff!
Coughlin gets a past because he has a proven record of turning things around(everywhere he has been)…………..but I can’t say the same for Sheridan or Gilbride……and they can eventually be Coughlin’s downfall………….the talent is there!

by giantsbizzybody1 on Nov 6, 2009 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree too, on the youth talent

But not to go into great detail per position. Were looking good with our WR/TE’s, we started to address the OL with Beatty, and in ‘10, i’m sure we’ll address more of that. Sintim has potential for a solid career. But the other LB’s, this could be a concern. Blackburn, Goff, Kehl and Wilkinson?

Further back, the secondary. I think alot hinges on KP’s health. To me, he’s the glue of this unit. It allows everyone more freedom, regardless of what D is called! Even though there have been bad moment with all involved, i like TT and Bruce Johnson also. Now if we can get Ross back, and maintaining health for a reasonable amount of time, the secondary looks good.

Overall though, everything must filter through TC first. If an object is to big for his acceptance, then i think he needs to take control of it. TC is a loyal person and sometimes there has to be a line drawn between personal and business!

by Hootman on Nov 6, 2009 10:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

as much as I want to see this team get turned around...

i’m not holding my breath.

it’s obvious that our leaders need to step up and make plays…they know this…we as fans know this. But there is more here than just “execution”.

Question….how can Webster step up and make plays where we’re asking him to play zone??…remember this is the same Cweb that got abused playing zone when he first entered the league. We finally realized that he was a great man defender so Spags let him play Man. Now Sheridan goes back to zone?!?!

How is Tuck supposed to be the force he was last year when we’re relying on a 4 man pass rush and our Defense is on the field for 35 minutes?

How is CC going to step up and magically become a starting FS when we knew damn well he wasn’t?

The coaches can sit back and point the finger all they want…but when your getting blown out and giving up 40 points…well, it’s more than just execution.

They better get a handle on this quickly because the game plan is failing and the players will eventually quit on them…

"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT

by andiamo708 on Nov 5, 2009 6:25 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Really guys?

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 5, 2009 7:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I sure as hell ain't doing this...

not unless that “L” column reads “9”.

We’re 5-3. Teams have turned around from worse.

Does the team look right now look like one of those gimme’s from Florida’s schedule? Yup.

Its 3 games. They won 5 games. Don’t like Mark Schlereth tell you that those 5 games should be thrown out the window. That THIS is the real Giants. Who cares who they won against or HOW they won them…they won.

We played 8 games. 5-3. They got 8 more to go. SO!!! if they go 5-3 in the next 8 games…do..you uhh…still throw in the towel?

Gotta be kidding me. Fire the coach. Throw in the towel? At 5-3? I know its NY…but good LORD…they make the 16 game schedule for a reason.

Isn’t this the sort of adversity that bred the 2007 team?

USE IT.

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 5, 2009 7:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Not throwing in the towel at all

just very concered. In 07 the team never looked this bad in every aspect all at once. The D struggled the first two weeks that year but the O was not bad. In fact in 07 the D had two bad games against Dallas, and one against GB and the Pats. They played well in every other game that year this year they’ve already produce 4 stinkers after struggling down the stretch last year. Late in the year the D was fine but Eli struggled. Right now every aspect of this teams stinks and they have for 3 weeks. Also the conference looks like it might be a little more compative this year, 9-7 might not get you in the playoffs. In 07 the NFC was weak the Giants did not have much competition for the wild card that year and the scedule was a lot easier.

by Landeta on Nov 5, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

esp it the bunch that did what they did in 2007

The NFL panicking from week to week gets so grating sometimes.

by DoctorK16 on Nov 5, 2009 8:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

FB I'll never throw the towel in...

but this non chalante attitude is just adisheartening because it’s the same issues now as it was 3 weeks ago. I know w/out question they can turn it around, and quite honestly when we’re playing at our best we can rattle off a winning streak regardless of who our comp is…dallas, denver, philly, etc.

but if we continue to chalk it up only to “execution” well…i just don’t see much changing.

"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT

by andiamo708 on Nov 5, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

do they need a win streak?

again…they 5-3..with 8 games to go.

4-4, gets you 9-7. What does that bring you? Who knows? Maybe the division? Maybe they get to hang out with the Jets?

All I’m saying..is yea, these 3 weeks suck. The Giants suck, They play suck. There seems like there’s nothing to take out of this but fail.

Yet….they’re 3 weeks. 3 losses. all by 11/1.

It isn’t just execution. It isn’t even just CC Brown deserves to be executed. It ainlt Killdrive. It ain’t Gomer Pyle, it ain’t injuries, it aint Buffalo Bill Sheridan..

Its a little bit of everything. Its also a whole lot of bad luck.

I am nonchalant now cuz…well, I just had that sort of feeling I got from around the beginning of Feb., 2008.

Yet…I was saying the same thing with the Yankees when a few select were ready to throw in the towel (0-8 to the Red Sox at the time…I said it didn’t mean crap then…turns out it meant less).

We all have every right to be concerned (of course I am too).

Yet…they’re still the Giants. I think the 12-4, the SB…even the 5-0 to start, threw us all off a bit.

They are the Giants. They never make anything easy. Who the hell cares what they look like right now?

By the time we’re watching the Eggs and Pies beat the hell out of each other…maybe we’ll remember who they are. (well..hopefully THEY remember who they are…)

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 5, 2009 11:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I say this about every NFC East showdown not including NYG

Is there some way they can BOTH lose? We really have to look into this. I plead McNabb on this one because I don’t know the rule. There HAS to be a scenario where both teams take an L.

When they have the same record I guess a tie is the best we can hope for.

by Jaybat on Nov 6, 2009 8:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I hear you FB...

but listening to sheridan and gilbride…well i’m a little less than confident that we’ll get this turned around.

I mean sheridan apparently believe the defense is having no communication problems whatsoever…which tells me, get ready for more of the same.

killdrive is over on giants.com praising the team because they lead the lead in passes over 20 yards and control the clock…i hate to say it but this is hardly the time for praise.

staying positive is great, but crossing your fingers and hoping for the best doesn’t seem like a great approach right now.

"If you don't know what you're doing... just rush the quarterback" - LT

by andiamo708 on Nov 6, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

injuries and everything else

the injuries aren’t helping but that’s no excuse the def.coordinator is the problem well we been in this position before so it’s time to stop pointing fingers and man up.

by black_man_hungry@yahoo.com on Nov 5, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

This article concerns me about the D-Coordinator

NJ.com

by Landeta on Nov 5, 2009 8:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

coughlin

fire him and his staff at the end of the season. Hire someone who is innovative with the offense and allow Eli to shine. Someone like Jason Garrett, etc.

by dram57 on Nov 5, 2009 10:18 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Jason Garret?

DO WHAT JERRY HAIRSTON DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by FreeBradshaw on Nov 5, 2009 11:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

???

you got to be kidding… nothing is wrong with tom coughlin.. he has turned around a mediocre Giants team.. gilbride on the other hand has been too inconsistent in his approach. from how he is calling the games now, to how he called beautiful unpredictable games in the 07 stretch

by semsemma on Nov 5, 2009 10:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well...

Any thought of firing Tom Coughlin is absolutely crazy..He has accomplished more success for this team than any head coach we ever had!!..and I submit that includes Bill Parcells…He’ll get our guys back on the right page and he’ll get us some more championships..He has that special fire in his eyes…Nobody in or out of this site can possibly be as frustrated as he is and he’ll get it back on the train track..I tend to joke sometimes about his head exploding on the sideline, but the reality is he is extremely intense!!..He’ll fix this shipwreck..Cowher has the “Jaw”..TC has the “Mad Eyes”.

by Bobbiblue on Nov 6, 2009 1:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Fire Coughlin

there’s gonna be way better coaches out there this offseason, like Jim Zorn and Wade Phillips!

by cjmulrain on Nov 6, 2009 2:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I can't believe we are seriously discussing the dismissal of Coughlin.

Anyone who suggests it’s time for him to go has absolutely no argument in my opinion.

by giant fan since 57 on Nov 6, 2009 5:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm not

He’s fine!

by Landeta on Nov 6, 2009 6:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This has to be the worst thread ever

Fire TC? Rebuild? What is going on??!!!!!

by potroast on Nov 6, 2009 8:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Actually, the story wasn't bad

It just turned ugly fast! Some are so quick to knee jerk this slump that it went to their heads. This team does need a tune-up, but not a major overhaul like some may suggest!

by Hootman on Nov 6, 2009 8:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

Yeah, I didn’t mean the post … comments only.

They aren’t just walking towards the ledge, they are jumping off a cliff!

by potroast on Nov 6, 2009 8:59 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

I knew what you meant. I just needed a title to flow with my comment!

And yeah, there seems to be a few cliff divers?! lol

by Hootman on Nov 6, 2009 9:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Coughlin

For years Tom Coughlin has outperformed the projections from every so called expert I have read. This year they finally came around and gave the Giants credit then came the injuries. We may never know just how much Tuck and Manning are suffering and how much their performance has been affected, but it is obvious to anyone who cares to watch that this a game of inches- the difference between a sack and a long gain or touchdown is a fraction of a second, etc. The Giants are a step slow and a second late consistently. For some, Blackburn, Pierce, Clark, Brown, Robbins this may be the best they can do. For others, Thomas, Umenyiora, Johnson it may be playing in doubt because their teammates are not performing. If the players Reese

by Boyce R on Nov 6, 2009 11:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Fix the Problems

Everyone admits there are problems. Admittedly some, like injuries, are hard to fix. But if they can’t be fully fixed, then adjustments can be made to mitigate the damage.

And that is what is bothering me so much about this team. They always seem to be 2 or 3 steps in recognizing their problems and making adjustments to them. Cut through the crap of platitudes and wishful thinking: the results were on the field with the Cards and Eagles.

And although I am not calling for anyone’s head (always a stupid idea in midseason), this team has too much talent on it to have been beaten as badly as it has in the last three weeks. These weren’t just losses. They were 2 BLOW OUTS and one beating themselves.

Hopefully they have made adjustments. Hopefully they have a plan B this time. But Sheridan’s comments today suggest otherwise. Up until this point at least the team seems stuck in a fog of wishful thinking, of despair at not being able to fix problems, and depressed that may not be as good as they thought. But that is no excuse for the abysmal losses they have suffered.

Maybe it would be best, for the long term, if the Giants did lose on Sunday. The wrong kind of win (i.e. SD self destruct) could lull them into fall sense of complacency over the bye.

by Deal With It on Nov 6, 2009 4:01 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

And this is what I meant ..

I am saying it’s time for TC to go, BECAUSE there are obvious situations that he SHOULD be addressing, but things are not changing. Instead I hear a bunch of Jack Handy Deep Thoughts.

I don’t expect everyone/anyone to agree .. but I’m tired of hearing how “we shouldn’t be playing like this”, “things gotta change” poo poo.

If anything, get involved. Don’t just call out your leaders. Get involved with the change you’re preaching. Act like you want everyone else to .. then you’ll get my ‘belief’ that it, that TC, can right this thing.

Go Gmen

by giants013 on Nov 6, 2009 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs