The Giants face a make-or-break moment against the Eagles tonight—and what happens could change the entire trajectory of their season. Before the 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff, let’s break down some critical thoughts and potential moves that could shake up the team. But here’s where it gets controversial: could we be on the brink of big changes after this game, or is it too soon to press the panic button?
Is a Shakeup on the Horizon?
If the Giants get embarrassed by the Eagles or even just lose while showing the same recurring problems, there’s a strong chance we’ll see some changes during the mini-bye before Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. That said, don’t expect head coach Brian Daboll to be fired right away. Despite the mounting frustration, he’s likely safe—for now. If the Giants end with just three wins again, though, it’s hard to imagine that won’t put his job in jeopardy.
Immediately after the Saints loss, the thought of Daboll being out post-Eagles crossed my mind. But upon reflection, the organization probably wants to avoid rocking the boat during Jaxson Dart’s rookie year. Daboll plays a key role in Dart’s development, and disrupting that continuity might not be wise at this stage.
However, if the Giants’ defense fails to show considerable improvement on Thursday—if penalties pile up, the run defense continues to get carved up, and poor angles, missed assignments, and those easy completions persist—then defensive coordinator Shane Bowen could become the scapegoat. Bowen’s scheme feels like a square peg in a round hole for the Giants. He runs a very different system from former coordinator Wink Martindale and, unlike his time with the Titans under Mike Vrabel, he’s not getting near the expected production here. This defense should be ranking at least in the top half of the league, ideally within the top 10.
So far, the defense has met that expectation in only one game: the win versus the Chargers.
Nick Falato’s critique sums up the frustration many fans and analysts have with Bowen’s defense:
- Why has Dexter Lawrence, considered the best nose tackle in the NFL, been lined up at nose for just 44.4% of snaps—down from 60% last season and 71% in 2023 under Martindale?
- Why aren’t younger players like Dru Phillips and Tyler Nubin showing improvement? Could they even be regressing?
- If Bowen has control over playing time, why is Deonte Banks getting snaps when players like Phillips, Paulson Adebo, and Cor’Dale Flott are healthy?
- Why don’t the Giants use more stunts during pass rushes—techniques that clearly worked well when Bowen called them?
Potential Roster Adjustments for Thursday
Here’s how I’d shape the Giants’ 53-man roster for tonight’s game:
- Add wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey and linebacker Neville Hewitt. Humphrey should’ve been on the roster last week, and Hewitt has exhausted his practice squad elevations. With Chris Board (IR), Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (injured again), and Swayze Bozeman all sidelined at linebacker, the Giants desperately need reinforcement. How GM Joe Schoen manages the cap implications for these moves is a question, but it’s an issue he created and now must address.
- Elevate placekicker Jude McAtamney once again—second elevations are sometimes allowed and worth discussing here. Also worth considering: defensive tackle Elijah Chatman and safety Raheem Layne.
One note on the roster buzz: many fans want the Giants to sign wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins off the Steelers’ practice squad. On paper, it makes sense—he’s familiar with the Giants’ offense and was productive for them previously. But remember, being poached from a practice squad isn’t automatic; the player gets to choose between joining the new team’s 53-man roster or staying put.
What if Hodgins isn’t eager to return? It’s puzzling why his role diminished so much in 2023 after a strong 2022 and why he barely saw the field in 2024. Could his reluctance stem from these setbacks? Only he can say.
Jonathan Gannon’s Sideline Fine: Coaching or Crossing the Line?
This next thought isn’t directly about the Giants but is worth discussing. Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was fined $100,000 for an intense sideline confrontation with Emari Demercado after Demercado dropped a would-be 72-yard touchdown against the Tennessee Titans.
Watch this clip closely: many describe Gannon’s actions as a “punch,” but is that a fair characterization? I’m skeptical. Coaches should challenge players who make game-changing mistakes, especially at the NFL level—these are professionals, after all. This wasn’t youth sports, where a coach’s role leans more toward encouragement and fun. This is the NFL, where millions are on the line, and emotions run high.
Sure, Gannon might have crossed a line by physically contacting a player, but should a coach really be penalized for passionately holding players accountable? It’s a tricky line between motivation and misconduct, but where should that line be drawn? Is the NFL overreacting, or is this a necessary step toward player welfare?
What do you think? Should the Giants make coaching staff changes if tonight’s game goes south? And what’s your take on the Gannon incident—passionate coaching or unacceptable behavior? Join the conversation below!
