Everybody Was On Notice

Back at the start of training camp, way before his team’s horrendous 0 – 6 start, Giants General Manager Jerry Reese talked about his Giants past failures to make the postseason.  ”That’s not what we shoot for.  We want to put everybody on notice, myself, everybody is on notice that that's not our standard.”  Now, almost six months later his Giants have completed another season, the fourth in the past five seasons, out of the playoffs.  Someone must be on notice?

Yesterday, as four other NFL teams were firing their coaches, Giants President and CEO John Mara issued a vote of confidence towards both his General Manager and his Head Coach, Tom Coughlin, saying both will return.  However he also hinted that others within the organization may not be invited back.  Of course speculation immediately falls upon the two coordinators.  Somebody must take the fall.  But it is not going to be any of the Giants major hierarchy.  And there is a very good reason for that,  Eli Manning. 

The Giants still believe in Eli.  They have invested a considerable amount of time and money in his development.  He is the face of the organization and the Giants believe he will be for many years to come.  And this is a position Eli has rightfully earned by bringing the franchise two Super Bowl Championships. 

A change at the top now suggest the Giants would be entering a rebuilding period during what should be Eli’s prime years.  That would be a waste.  So instead the Giants will maintain the status quo and retool.  And there will be a lot of retooling necessary.  Lots of questions regarding players must be answered.  Offensive and defensive strategies could also use a refresher. 

Nonetheless, there was reason for optimism coming from the words spoken by returning Coach Tom Coughlin who said, “Our league is a league of parity by choice, by design, and it’s a good thing.”   Hopefully, parity is within close reach of these Giants…