Frustration boiled over in the New York Giants locker room following a demoralizing 30-7 home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Several Giants players openly criticized the team’s lack of effort and “soft” performance, raising serious questions about the direction of the 2-9 squad.
Giants Defensive Captain Calls Team “Soft”
Giants defensive captain Dexter Lawrence II didn’t mince words after the blowout defeat. “We played soft, and they beat the s— out of us today,” Lawrence fumed. “Extremely [angry]. We played soft.”
Lawrence’s assessment was echoed by rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers, who described the team’s effort in even harsher terms. “Soft as f—,” Nabers said bluntly.
Offensive Lineman Questions Team’s Effort
Veteran offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor joined the chorus of criticism, suggesting that not every Giants player is fully invested. “I personally don’t think everybody is giving 100%,” Eluemunor stated. “And I mean, you’re 2-9, you have to be real with everyone. I’m 29 years old. I’m a vet in this league and if anyone has a problem with me saying that they can come see me. But I think this franchise and these coaches, and these fans deserve way better.”
“Extremely [angry]. We played soft, and they beat the s— out of us today.”
– Dexter Lawrence II, Giants Defensive Captain
Nabers: Quarterback Change Not the Issue
The Giants benched starting quarterback Daniel Jones earlier in the week before releasing him outright on Friday. However, Nabers insisted the team’s troubles run deeper than who is under center. “Obviously, it ain’t the quarterback. Same outcome we had with [Jones] at quarterback. Take a look. Take a look. It ain’t the quarterback.”
Rookie Tommy DeVito, who started in place of Jones, struggled mightily. He threw for just 35 yards and was sacked three times in the first half as the Giants fell behind 23-0. But Nabers, the team’s top playmaker, didn’t receive a single target until the second half when the game was out of reach.
Coach Daboll at a Loss
Giants head coach Brian Daboll seemed perplexed by his team’s flat performance coming out of a bye week. “It wasn’t good. It wasn’t good,” Daboll admitted. “For a variety of … missed tackles, converting in the red zone, turning the ball back over in the red zone. We had a good week of practice. Did a lot of work and obviously it didn’t show.”
The loss was the Giants’ sixth straight defeat and fifth this season by 18 points or more. New York hasn’t held a lead since winning in Seattle on Oct. 6.
Searching for Answers
As the defeats pile up, the Giants appear to be a rudderless ship lacking identity and fight. With such scathing remarks from key players about effort and being “soft”, one has to wonder if rifts are developing in the locker room and whether coach Daboll is starting to lose the team.
At 2-9, the Giants’ season is effectively over from a competitive standpoint. The final six games will be a test of pride and professionalism. If the lack of effort persists, the Giants could be heading towards a full-scale housecleaning and rebuild in the offseason.
For a franchise with a storied history and passionate fanbase, performances like Sunday’s 30-7 embarrassment on their home turf are unacceptable. The remaining weeks will reveal a lot about the character and culture of these New York Giants. Changes are undoubtedly coming, but will they be the right ones to get this wayward organization back on track?
