Giants make ‘wholesale changes’ Steelers beat Bengals
Coach and GM are fired in wake of team’s 2-10 record
The New York Giants on Monday fired coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese.
With the team at 2-10 in a season where most felt it was capable of challenging for a Super Bowl, co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch made the decision less than a day after the Giants lost to the Raiders, with quarterback Eli Manning benched and the offense performing poorly again.
“We agreed that wholesale changes to this organization needed to be made to get us back to the team we expect it to be,” Mara said. “We also agreed it was pointless to wait any longer to make these changes.”
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will take over as interim coach for the final four games. He coached the St. Louis Rams from 2009-11.
Mara did not know whether Manning will return as the starter this weekend against Dallas, saying the decision will be made by Spagnuolo.
“I don’t think there was any one final straw,” Mara said of the timing of the decision. “I just think that
where we are as a franchise right now, you know, we’re 2-10. We’ve kind of been spiraling out of control. I just felt like we needed a complete overhaul. I don’t think there was any one event to precipitate that.”
Chris Boswell kicked a field goal on the final play shortly after Antonio Brown caught a 6-yard touchdown pass to lift the Pittsburgh Steelers over the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 on Monday night.
Down 17-0 early, the Steelers (10-2) extended their best start since 2004 in a physical and chippy game that had 11 personal fouls. The Bengals (5-7) selfdestructed with 13 penalties for 173 yards.
The AFC North-leading Steelers remain tied with New England for best record in the conference. They host the Patriots on Dec. 17.
‘Gronk’ suspended
The NFL suspended New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski one game for a late, gratuitous hit to the head of Bills defensive back Tre’Davious White.
White was lying face down on the sideline after intercepting a pass in Buffalo on Sunday when Gronkowski drove his forearm into White’s back and head. Gronkowski was called for unnecessary roughness, but not kicked out of the game.
“Your actions could have been avoided and placed the opposing player at risk of serious injury,” NFL vice president Jon Runyan said in a letter to Gronkowski. “The competition committee has clearly expressed its goal of eliminating flagrant hits that have no place in our game.”
After the game, Patriots coach Bill Belichick appeared to apologize to Buffalo coach Sean McDermott, who said Monday that White has entered the concussion protocol.
Gronkowski also apologized, saying he let his frustration get the better of him.
Bills stay with Taylor
Tyrod Taylor will remain the Bills starting quarterback as long as his bruised left knee holds up.
Tests revealed Taylor sustained a bruised patellar tendon during Sunday’s loss to the Patriots.
“The ligaments are fine,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said in listing Taylor as day to day. “His knee is very sore.”
Taylor was hurt on the first play from scrimmage and played through the first minute of the fourth quarter before being sidelined in favor of rookie Nathan Peterman.
Injury report
• The Houston Texans sustained several injuries in their loss to the Titans, leaving them thin at several positions heading into Sunday’s game against the 49ers.
Tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, receiver Braxton Miller and running back Alfred Blue all suffered concussions. Also hurt were Bruce Ellington (hamstring) and cornerback Johnathan Joseph (shoulder).
• Tennessee defensive lineman DaQuan Jones has a torn bicep muscle and will have surgery.