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3 hours ago
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The New York Giants already gave Brian Daboll "a free pass" to return as their head coach in 2025.
No matter what injury misfortune happens around rookie first-round QB Jaxson Dart in the Daboll-led offense, that won't be the case for '26.
Team officials, led by co-owner and president John Mara, gave Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen another chance after last season's 3-14 debacle. The surprise extended stay was tied to seeing what the duo could do with a hand-selected quarterback (Dart), following the hard fade of Daniel Jones.
Injuries to star wide receiver Malik Nabers and rookie RB Cam Skattebo will hurt the offense going forward - and it won't help Daboll's job security. Here's why.
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Why injuries won't help Giants coach Brian Daboll keep job
The biggest misstep Daboll made with Dart, other than the whole blue tent concussion thing, was not starting him right away over Russell Wilson in Week 1 after a strong preseason. But since Week 4 and Dart's first start, the Giants are 2-3 and would be 3-2 with wins over the Chargers, Eagles and Broncos had they not melted down in Denver in Week 7.
In Week 4, Dart lost go-to second-year wide receiver Nabers to a season-ending knee injury. In Week 8 at Philadelphia, the Giants saw their other rookie offensive spark, running back Cam Skattebo, go down with a long-term ankle injury.
The big picture has the Giants at 2-6 and not headed to make the playoffs. They are bound to improve from 3-14 by at least a couple of games. Dart has responded well in the offense of Daboll and coordinator Mike Kafka, fearless in making plays with his arm and legs. Those have come even with higher degrees of defensive difficulty in a short-handed attack.
Dart is building on the stellar training camp and preseason he had. He is a better arm and athletic talent than Jones and is also coming through with intangibles beyond his pro experience.
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But there are more fundamental issues with the Giants, including Daboll's odd handling of Dart being checked for a concussion in the first matchup with the Eagles. Their blown big fourth quarter against the Broncos will linger.
Dart can still progress and improve with a healthy Nabers and Skattebo in a different offensive scheme, under a new head coach. Daboll's work with Dart has been good, but not good enough with the other overall and defensive concerns.
Coaches often can get a reprieve when their team is riddled with key injuries. Skattebo and Nabers are vital offensive pieces, but the Giants are far from falling under total decimation.
Skattebo's injury won't be seen as another unlucky break for Daboll, but rather one more thing that pushes him toward being the Giants' former coach in 2026.
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