The new regime has emphasized the need to change the team's culture, from Day 1.
How do you think they are doing?
While I see some very disappointing personnel moves, such as the Stewart signing, for myself I think they are doing a really good job of changing the team's culture. And I think it is critical. The old team was a losing team, and not just because of inferior personnel and lousy coaching.
I think the OL is a prime example of what has changed. Last year Hart was jettisoned PDQ. Flowers was on a bit of a scholarship, and I wish the decision was made in the offseason, but the Giants bit the bullet and benched then ditched Flowers. The tough decision was made on Omameh. No free agent scholarships either.
On the OL, I see five players really playing hard. Every play. The team needs a new center, but at least Pulley is out there putting in a maximum effort. You can see it. And nobody is going to confuse Chad Wheeler for Kareem McKenzie. But Wheeler lays it all out there, every play. At least that's what I see.
Brown is playing for a contract and he's motivated after being cut. He's working hard. Hernandez hasn't missed a snap, I believe, which is great for a rookie who has to deal with the much longer NFL season. And Solder hasn't given up and has worked to turn his season around.
All this happening on the OL even with a very questionable OL coaching situation. I'm encouraged.
It's been a shitty year. I went to the Monday night Falcons-Giants shit show. The team was pathetic that night.
Yet, at 4-8, strange to say, I feel hopeful about next year. This team plays hard. Scholarship season is over, both for draftees and free agent signings. The team admits errors, makes the tough decisions, and moves forward.
It seems like a three-prong attack is required to fix these Giants:
1. Improved personnel
2. Superior coaching
3. A winning culture
I think they are getting the job done in regards to culture.
I do not like Shurmur as a HC, I think he's done a terrible job, but I need to give him credit for that. He has them playing hard.
In the post-Strahan/AP decade, we haven't had that in your face, rally the troops leader outside of maybe Rolle. Eli & Tuck are/were the strong silent type I guess.
I've felt that was missing for a long time with this ball club. A big personality on the sidelines.
In 2012, Shurmur was 5-11 with Cleveland ... what say we give him a bit more time.
Another thing he also mentioned was penalties. A someone called in to complain about the penalties both late in yesterday's game and through the season. Both Papa and Banks said that overall the Giants have cut down on penalties. What was interesting was that Banks said that penalties are NOT a function of coaching. He said all coaches stress NO PENALTIES. It's when players buy into a system and are accountable to each other that the sloppy penalties decrease.
I found that to be interesting as well it's always been stressed here that poor coaching results in penalties
It feels to me most of the whining and sulking is gone.
Beckham has his diva moments of selfishness but teams can w with one of those if their are stronger leaders then that to drive the culture.
Still not sure about Collins. Though he abooded blame, he was part of that negative blame game media culture w Eli Apple. proclaiming he was a locker leader at his early stage was premature as he maturity stunk.
And oh yeah, this year we have Saquon Barkley and Odell Beckham. They might have something to do with winning 3 of 4. We'd probably be 1-11 or 2-10 without them and nobody would be talking about culture change.
I do not like Shurmur as a HC, I think he's done a terrible job, but I need to give him credit for that. He has them playing hard.
There is a "but" though.
I think it has been very clear that the culture change is required in order to return to the playoffs and challenge for a Lombardi. By itself, no, it is not sufficient. But I do believe it is required.
So, it is worth talking and would be getting some scrutiny, regardless of 4 wins or 1 win.
Again, I think you can really see the change in the way the OL plays. It is huge turnaround from 2017, night and day really.
Saquon has already become my favorite Giant and I am so proud to see him wearing Giants blue.