The New York Giants’ disastrous season (2-7) is getting worse with each passing day, both on and off the field.
After the team’s 30-6 road loss to the Las Vegas Raiders last week, Giants safety Xavier McKinney opined that the coaching staff “didn’t do a great job of letting our leaders lead.” What was the reaction like from people in the building, especially defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale? I was confused.
“I was surprised because it was the first time in my career that a player had said something like that.” Martindale told The Athletic. Regarding McKinney’s comments Thursday. “I think it was just a case of the kid losing and being frustrated. We talked and worked it out. The example he told me was an adjustment during a game. “I want you to point out what exactly it was. But I think you’ll grow from it. I told him that when you say things like that, you get stuck in your locker. I just said it hurt the room, it hurt the defensive group.”
“I respect your profession. [the media].The example and whole defense I used in front of him is that saying things like that puts money in your pocket. [the media] And take it out of ours. … It was emotional right after the game, so we have to learn from that. ”
McKinney, a team captain, totaled 53 tackles, six passes defended and one forced fumble this season. His last interception came in 2021, and he was a safety for five picks that season. The Giants selected McKinney with the 36th pick out of Alabama in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Martindale is in his second season as New York’s defensive coordinator after serving in that position for four seasons (2018-21) with the Baltimore Ravens.
Overall, New York’s defense is allowing 211.2 passing yards (11th in the NFL), 127.1 rushing yards (25th), 338.3 total yards (21st) and 24.1 points per game (24th) this season. Meanwhile, their poor defensive output comes on the back of one of the worst offenses in the NFL. The Giants are averaging just 268.9 total yards and 11.2 points per game, both of which rank last in the sport.
Is Daniel Jones’ future with the Giants in jeopardy after suffering a torn ACL?
Additionally, quarterback Daniel Jones, who the Giants re-signed to a four-year, $160 million contract after advancing to the NFC Divisional Round last season, tore his ACL last week, and backup quarterback Tyrod Taylor and tight end Darren Waller were placed on injured reserve. .
The Giants are off to take on the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday on “America’s Game of the Week” (4:25 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
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