The New York Giants sit at 2-11 following Monday's lopsided loss to the New England Patriots, eliminated from the playoffs for a third consecutive season and currently led by an interim head coach.
General manager Joe Schoen on Tuesday faced the heat from a contentious New York media, answering questions on the roster he assembled this season and why he should be in charge next season.
"I understand the frustrations of the fans, the ownership, people inside the building, and nobody's more frustrated than myself," Schoen said during his new conference preceding New York's bye week.
"It starts with me, and I'm tasked with trying to get this organization going back in the proper direction, and the standard is to compete for championships year in, year out. That's the plan moving forward. So, we're going to look at everything -- free agency, draft, coaching, finishing, execution on the field; whatever it may be -- we're going to look at all avenues in order to get this franchise back to where it belongs."
Schoen joined New York during the 2022 offseason and the Giants saw early success under him and former head coach Brian Daboll, winning a playoff game in their first season at the helm. Since then, however, the franchise has cratered and is sitting at a third consecutive season of at least 11 losses.
That futility cost Daboll his job on Nov. 11. In announcing the decision to part ways with Daboll, the Giants said that Schoen would remain in his position and will lead the search for a new head coach. Assistant Mike Kafka took over interim HC duties after Daboll's firing, and Schoen told reporters on Tuesday that Kafka is "getting a real look right now" at getting the role full-time.
"My focus right now is on supporting Kafka as we go forward and we'll evaluate all aspects of the football operation as we go forward," Schoen said. "Has it been perfect? No, but I'm very confident in my staff, in myself, and our ability to get this franchise back to where it needs to go."
Schoen was asked on Tuesday why Daboll was held accountable but he seemingly has not.
"My hand's in it just like Brian's. Ownership made a decision to move on and, again, I'm going to control what I can control and that's support (interim HC Mike) Kafka moving forward," Schoen said. "I wish Dabs nothing but the best, and we're going to do everything we can to get this franchise back to where it should be."
Schoen appeared to have entered a make-or-break offseason this past winter after the Giants went 3-14 in 2024. When told that the franchise is in the same position now as it was a year ago, Schoen pointed to a young nucleus of talent that should provide reason for optimism.
The Giants appear to have hit on a potential franchise QB after trading back into the first round to select Jaxson Dart, and rookie running back Cam Skattebo was a brief sensation out of the backfield before he suffered a season-ending injury. Wide receiver Malik Nabers had a standout rookie season in 2024 before a knee injury ended his sophomore season in September.
"We do have a good, young quarterback that's on a rookie contract for the next four years," Schoen said. "That's when it gets fun -- when you're building around a young quarterback, you have a good nucleus, you have a good left tackle, you have a wide receiver that had a historic year in his rookie season, you got a good running back room, you got good pass rushers. There are pieces in place, and I do understand the question. I do have confidence in our ability and our process to find the next coach to lead the organization."
One of those supposed building blocks -- No. 3 overall pick Abdul Carter -- has had a disappointing rookie campaign, marred by multiple disciplinary issues.
Carter was benched for the first quarter of Monday's loss, which marked his second benching to begin a game in three weeks.
Schoen defended Carter on Tuesday, while supporting Kafka in how he disciplines players.
"(Carter's) smart and understands the magnitude of his actions and also understands what it means to be a pro," Schoen said. "These kids are 21 years old and they're thrust in the spotlight in New York City. It's not always going to be perfect."
Dart has also faced questions about his style of play after he missed two games due to a concussion and endured a number of big hits when he returned to action on Monday.
"What makes these players great is their toughness, their competitiveness, their desire to win," Schoen said. "You appreciate that about Jaxson, but you also have to be available and try not to take the unnecessary hits. I would say last night was probably unnecessary, probably could have gotten out of bounds and it's third-and-1. Instead, we get a penalty, and he takes a shot and now it's third-and-16. There's a fine line, and what makes Jaxson great is his competitiveness, his desire to win and that's the way he's wired. So, you try and find a fine line between playing smart but also not taking away what makes him great."
