By Jeff Moeller, The New York Extra/thenyextra.com
Dave Gettleman hasn’t made any kicks. He hasn’t made any throws or any tackles either.
He has made the current Giants.
Yes, he should get his due to the Giants’ recent insurgence, the latest an impressive 27-17 win over the Eagles Sunday.
And yes, I am serious even though likely eight of every 10 Giants’ fans want him to retire or be fired at the end of the season.
Gettleman obviously hasn’t had a clean slate as a GM with draft picks and signings, and owner John Mara put him on the spot when head coach Joe Judge was hired, stating his “batting average had to improve.” Talk about a subtle warning.
He gave one of his latest finds, veteran Graham Gano, an extension to 2023. Very fitting for what the veteran kicker has done this season.
Gettleman found him without a job and signed him.
He also signed veteran Logan Ryan, who was the high-priced holdout safety the Jets could convince to lower his price.
Gettleman did, and Ryan has been invaluable on and off the field.
He did add linebackers Kyler Fackwell and Blake Martinez to secure the unit that featured rising stars Lorenzo Carter, Devante Downs, and David Mayo.
Gettleman doled out big money for corner James Bradberry, who had more than filled the bill. His maligned Odell Beckham Jr. trade that brought Jabrill Peppers had paid off.
Gettleman’s highly criticized deal for Leonard Williams is looking more like a steal every game.
He has modeled his “hog mollies’ in his own fashion and once apparent bust tackle Andrew Thomas appears to be turning the corner. Signee tackle Cameron Fleming has formed a steady rotation with rising rookie Matt Peart.
Remember Daniel Jones, the other bust? He has settled into an efficient and collective signal caller who now knows when to run effectively.
Darius Slayton was a Gettleman gem last season who is maturing into the elite class.
Don’t forget Saquon Barkely, his other prize pick, who apparently won’t have to carry a heavy load when he returns like he has in the past.
We don’t fully know if Gettleman made the call on Judge — most rumblings agree — Jason Garrett, and Patrick Graham. Yet, he should get his due for his degree of involvement.on the trio.
Let’s not generate a total state of euphoria over a three-win team. Yet, these Giants can be on track for a postseason in the putrid NFC Least on the heels of the three-win Eagles. A five- or six-win team with a playoff berth still looms large.
Adn Gettleman will be a big part of it.