The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Giants’ losing streak hits 5; Shurmur’s future uncertain
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — When looking at the New York Giants these days, there is not a lot to like.
Pat Shurmur’s team is riding a fivegame losing streak and has fallen to 27. It’s the same record the Giants had after nine games in his first year as coach.
The hope that rookie Daniel Jones generated after replacing Eli Manning at quarterback earlier this season is gone, at least in the stands. By the end of Monday night’s 3718 loss to the Cowboys, Dallas fans were in the majority and more vocal.
The Giants have become New York’s other NFL embarrassment, joining the Jets (17) in creating misery for their fans.
What’s troubling is that this was the season coowner John Mara wanted to leave MetLife Stadium after the final game feeling optimistic about the future of the franchise and his young team. There have been flashes of progress, but they have been overshadowed by turnovers, blown coverages and mental errors, all nasty things that lead to losing.
Shurmur is on the hot seat. He has a 718 record in just over 1 1⁄2 seasons. His only two wins this season are against Washington (18)
and Tampa Bay (26), and the Bucs had to miss a lastsecond field goal attempt from PAT range to lose.
That’s not good for job security, and the situation shows no sign of changing.
If there is a positive, it is that Shurmur has not lost the locker room. The players are standing behind him.
If that changes, the Giants will be looking for a new coach.
Since winning the Super Bowl in February 2012, the Giants have had two winnings seasons. They went 97 the following season and missed the playoffs. They were 115 in 2016, the only season they have gotten back to the postseason. Their record in that span is 4972.
The chances of making the playoffs this season are dismal. A win over the Jets on Sunday is a must.
Lose that and Shurmur might be losing a lot more.
WHAT’S WORKING
Bits and pieces. It’s the same story every week. It’s a young team. They play hard. Just too many mistakes to win consistently.
“It’s tough. It’s tough, but
it’s adversity,” tight end Evan Engram said. “All my life I’ve been taught not to back down from it, to keep fighting, and there’s going to be adversity all throughout life. So I’m built to keep fighting, I think this team is built to keep fighting.”
WHAT NEEDS HELP
Shurmur’s offense and his play calling. The Giants have gotten bogged down after Jones posted victories in his first two starts after replacing Manning.
New York gained 271 yards against Dallas, the fourth time in five games it finished with fewer than 300 yards. Saquon Barkley was limited to 14 carries for 28 yards, tying his career low in a full game.
The offensive scored one touchdown in five trips to the red zone. Shurmur bares the blame for Jones’ interception on a deep pass at the end of the first half that led to Dallas’ goahead field goal, electing to throw deep on thirdand10.
Shurmur has insisted on calling the plays. Maybe it’s time offensive coordinator Mike Shula took over.
STOCK UP
The safeties. Jabrill Peppers led New York with 12 tackles and a forced fumble. Antoine Bethea had nine tackles, recovered the fumble Peppers’ forced and intercepted Dak Prescott deep in Dallas territory on the first play from scrimmage.
STOCK DOWN
Jones. It’s tough to knock a rookie quarterback when there are so many things not working on offense, particularly the running game. However, the No. 6 overall pick has got to do a better protecting the football. He had three more turnovers against Dallas, giving him 16 for the season.
INJURED
Nothing major. Engram is dealing with a foot issue. The concern remains receiver Sterling Shepard, who missed his fourth consecutive game. He was cleared on Friday but developed more symptoms over the weekend, forcing him back into the concussion protocol.
KEY NUMBERS
27 and 400 — The Giants have allowed at least 27 points in an NFLhigh eight of nine games this season, and at least 31 points in five. Dallas’ 37 points were the most allowed by the Giants since the Rams scored 51 on Nov. 5, 2017. Five opponents have gained at least 400 yards on offense this season.
NEXT STEPS
Have to beat the Jets next weekend to avoid heading into a bye on a sixgame losing streak. No more mistakes. Management wanted the team to be more competitive this year. The record and margins of loss don’t support that desire.