by Jeff Moeller ,The New York Extra/TheNYExtra.com
Jason Garrett is gone from the Giants, but most of us figured it was eventually going to happen.
Since training camp, the offensive coordinator has been in the frying pan perceived as one of the major Giants’ problems. But Garrett was two weeks past a decent Giants’ offensive performance in the win over Las Vegas. He was able to unleash running back Devontae Booker as a suitable replacement for Saquon Barkley the previous three games.
But the Giants’ 10-point output against Tampa Bay Monday sealed Garrett’s fate. Head coach Joe Judge realized his club didn’t respond well after their bye week, and the team has reached a drastic stage.
Judge wasn’t afraid or hesitant to make the move because he has begun to realize the reality of his football team this season. It is a team that is missing more than just firepower and in the locker room on the field with Xs and Os. Complacency has been a regular visitor for their 3-7 record.
Firing Garrett might be the only way to stir this team. They have been a model of inconsistency and an unexecuted state most of the season, especially after being regarded as a potent offense. Garrett can’t be blamed for Evan Engram’s dropped passes or those of his teammates as well as Daniel Jones once leading the fumble brigade.
Giants’ fans have been waiting for another second-half surge to begin. They now have pointed to the Giant’s “soft” second-half schedule that will begin with them hosting the Eagles this Sunday at MetLife.
They will have their full offensive arsenal against the Eagles for only the third time this season. But with a 3-7 record, you have to wonder what can be salvaged in the division with the rising Cowboys and Redskins.
If Freddie Kitchens is the new OC or even if Judge makes the calls, either will have to unlock Daniel Jones, who has been stuck in a gear since his rookie season. Jones has cleaned up the fumbles, but he still is making bad choices evidenced by two bad interceptions against Tampa.
The Giants also will have to decide whether or not Saquon Barkley can be their “engine” — as described by Garrett — on offense and is he durable enough for the long haul. Barkley’s carries may continue to be reduced as they were against Tampa –six — and may stay in games longer by being a weapon swinging out on pass routes.
The new OC also will need to find the right balance to keep Kadarius Toney and Kenny Golladay happy on a weekly basis, and find ways to keep solid possession receivers Sterling Shephard, John Ross, and Kyle Rudolph in the mix.
Then there is the revolving problem of the offensive line with the Giants searching for the right combination through their series of injuries and attrition. It is an issue that isn’t totally resolved.
For the record, the Giants haven’t scored 30 or more points this season, and Jones has only been above the 300-yard mark in passing once (402 against the Saints).
If the Giants’ can’t get their offense in gear, and they continue to shrivel in the winter cold, an offensive coordinator’s firing likely won’t be the lone departure of the season. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s unit has been a bigger disappointment than the offense with its major additions in the offseason.
A last-place finish in the division won’t sit well with ownership.Owner John Mara already has sent his message that he isn’t happy and neither is his coach. GM Dave Gettleman also could be on thin ice in January.
The real question for Judge and others is who will be the most unhappy in January.