It’s debatable whether New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll’s seat is warm (let alone hot) as we head into the 2024 season, but this is an important training camp for the NYG leader either way.
A year ago, under Daboll, the Giants didn’t have much going for them, so now he must prove that this franchise will be much closer to the stellar performance of Year 1 than the disappointment of Year 2 over the remainder of his tenure. That all starts in July and August, and New York Post reporter Ryan Dunleavy had a warning for the Giants now that training camp is about to begin.
“(Giants general manager) Joe Schoen needs to hear his own words of wisdom. And then ask head coach Brian Daboll and other key Giants decision-makers to remember them over the next few weeks,” Dunleavy began, repeating a quote from the general manager on Hard Knocks.
“The best predictor of the future is the past,” Schoen said in the HBO documentary series, and the journalist worries that the Giants are not being sufficiently aware of the mistakes of the past.
“Too often, the obvious warning signs that are repeated during preseason practices (missed blocks, missed coverages and inability to create route separation, to be more precise) that are raised as spectator concerns have been overlooked internally in order to not admit to a sunk investment,” Dunleavy explained.
Pointing to the incorrect evaluations of Ereck Flowers and Corey Ballentine as starters before Schoen and Daboll, as well as the unwavering confidence in Kenny Golladay, Mark Glowinski and running back Eric Gray as returners since taking over.
“If the Giants make the same mistake by evaluating right tackle Evan Neal, cornerback Cor’Dale Flott or any of their other unproven starters on blind faith instead of relying on what their eyes see in training camp, there’s plenty of past evidence of how the future will play out,” the journalist warned. He later added that “it’s too late to rush into making adjustments in September.”
Will the Giants and Brian Daboll replace underperforming draft picks?
Essentially, Dunleavy’s argument boils down to replacing draft picks and high-value assets early in camp if they’re not performing well, rather than sticking with them and hoping they get better by the time Week 1 rolls around.
When talking about prospects, the NFL community often refers to this notion as a youngster “playing on scholarship.”
But will Daboll have the courage to bench a top-quality player like Neal or Flott in early August? Let’s say his eyes tell him they’re not pro-level starters. Will Schoen go out and spend a few million on a replacement?
These are the questions Dunleavy would like to answer.
“The Giants’ two best chances to win a game in the first half of the season are in the first two weeks: as a one-point home favorite against the (Minnesota) Vikings and as a three-point road underdog against the (Washington) Commanders, according to DraftKings’ early betting lines,” the reporter noted. “The quickest way to start 0-2 for the sixth time in eight years is to extend unearned lengthy restrictions.”
Jermaine Eluemunor’s signing suggests Giants could cut short Evan Neal relationship
The concerns Dunleavy raises are valid given the franchise’s recent history. That said, there’s reason to believe the Giants have covered their tracks in 2024.
At right tackle, the signing of Jermaine Eluemunor appears to serve as a backup plan in case Neal struggles.
The veteran offensive lineman’s natural position is right tackle, a position he’s played very well for the Las Vegas Raiders over the past two seasons. That doesn’t mean the Giants should trade Neal five days before Week 1, but the insurance policy is there if the first-round pick doesn’t improve.
In all likelihood, Aaron Stinnie or Austin Schlottmann would move into the starting lineup at guard.
The cornerback situation isn’t as clear-cut. Big Blue did sign a couple of veterans at that position, but they weren’t big names.
Flott had a good spring, but if for some reason he regresses this summer, Schoen might have to call him up. There are still several competent free agents on the market and the Giants have just over $11 million in spending money as of July 18.
