Look, we're in complete Rebuild Mode and have been since the winter of 2018 when Gettleman came on board. This happens to literally every professional sports team at some point, and this is our turn. It's painful, but it's life.
So what we need to do is understand that 2019 will be a bad year for us in lots of ways. We'll lose a lot of games. We'll be embarrassed frequently. Older players will be phased out. Preparations will be made for 2020 and 2021 - the latter being the true target year for a return to competitiveness.
The front office surely knows that as well. I mean, they've got eyes, too.
With that in mind, we need to recognize that the organization does not believe that Win Now is an option for 2019. So, instead, we have to believe that they've got other goals in mind for this season. I wonder what they are?
I'd say:
1. Get the OL into shape. Get Hernandez, Halapio, and Zeitler comfortable with each other so that they can gel for a few years down the road. Figure out what's going on with our tackles and plan for upgrades if needed (and pay attention to Nate Solder's age, health, and ability). I like what I'm seeing here so far this season, and I think the OL could be pretty good in the future.
2. Give playing time to our youngest defenders. Baker, Ballentine, Lawrence, Hill, Carter, Love, etc. need to figure out the speed of the game, understand pro systems, and familiarize themselves with opposing QBs, WRs, and protection schemes. This takes time. We have some good young players on the roster, but they'll look terrible at first as they sort through all the nuances of the NFL. Might as well have them all BE terrible at the same time so that they can learn and grow together in time to gel in 2021. It looks bleak now, but give them some time to get it together this season.
3. Transition to a new QB. This season is basically about finding the right time to bid a fond and overdue farewell to Eli Manning, thank him for all he's done for the organization, and ask him to mentor Daniel Jones from the sidelines. It might be October 5. It might be the middle of November. It might be December 8. But it will have to happen sometime in 2019 so the Giants have some idea of what they have at that position before they make their very high draft selection next spring - or trade that selection for multiple picks in 2020 and 2021 if they think they already have the QB of the future on the roster.
4. Establish this new network of scouts and analysts. The organization made significant changes in 2018-19 and those pieces surely haven't had a chance to mature yet. They will, though, with time. Winter 2020 will be an interesting moment in the team's history.
I think the coaching staff still has the attention of the players, and that matters: I doubt there will be a change any time soon, as the front office knows all too well the dreck Shurmer has been left with. They'll watch to see how he nurtures the nucleus of this young and bad team: if they follow him with enthusiasm all the way through til the end of December, he'll stick around, and that would be a good thing - and if not, he goes. I think they will, and I think the coaching staff will return in 2020.
So what do you think are the main goals the Giants now have in mind for 2019?
And please don't say, "winning the Super Bowl," because that would be stupid.
You're tupid!🤪