New York Giants 2017 Season Recap
For the consensus pick of Most Disappointing Season, we present to you the...
New York Giants
2016 Record: 11-5
2017 Record: 3-13
Win differential: -8
What Happened? After the 2016, all looked right with the world for Big Blue. The 11-5 regular season and subsequent wild card berth certainly suggested that the head coach succession plan from Tom Coughlin to Ben McAdoo was a seamless transition that would ensure the Giants' long term viability. In 2017, however, the bottom would fall out. Struggles in the early half of the season would be exacerbated with dissension in the locker room, which in turn would unglue McAdoo. The nadir to the dismal campaign was the unprovoked benching of long time quarterback Eli Manning in favor of journeyman signal caller Geno Smith, who looked every bit the part of a fringe pro football QB. This would be the breaking point for owner John Mara, who cleaned house mid-season, an uncharacteristic move for one of the league's steadier franchises. Both McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese were shown the door. The eight game swing of wins between '16 and '17 was the greatest difference of any team. It was clear something needed to change.
What To Expect: The transition to new GM Dave Gettleman and head coach Pat Shurmer has already witnessed significant changes. Defensive lineman Jason Pierre-Paul being traded unexpectedly to Tampa Bay for 3 mid-level draft picks, along with rumors of an Odell Beckham Jr. trade leaves little doubt as to Gettleman's desire to remove players who may not buy into his concept of a cohesive roster. The proverbial elephant in the room is the fate of Manning, who will enter his 15th pro season. With more yesterdays than tomorrows and a number of highly regarded quarterbacks in the draft pool, it leaves one to wonder if Gettleman is looking toward the future by making a play for one of these collegians with the second overall draft selection. For the time being, the G-Men will play 2018 in a year of transition. What is more curious is what will occur in 2019 and beyond.
