Much like his father, Football Hall of Famer Wellington Mara, Giants owner John Mara usually makes his feelings known behind the scenes, unless it’s absolutely necessary. It was necessary Monday.
Shortly after that tirade, which neatly encapsulated what every Giants fan has been thinking for weeks, Tom Coughlin dismissed defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan, architect of the worst Giants defense in more than 40 years.
It was an uncharacteristically busy, bold start to the offseason, and you have to like the symbolism, if nothing else. The new Godfather, John Mara, makes a measured but clearly angry statement to the press, and a few hours later the body of Bill Sheridan comes rolling out the door. Nice.
The devil, however, will be in the details of the post-execution execution. In addition to a new defensive coordinator, the Giants need help all over the defense (line, linebackers, secondary), as well as on the offensive line and special teams. The 2010 season may be unrestricted by a salary cap, which could make this offseason one of the most active in recent memory in terms of player movement. After rolling seven after seven since taking over for Ernie Accorsi in 2007, General Manager Jerry Reese threw some snake-eyes with his free agent moves this year (although his draft was once again solid).
The Giants need to get to work now to regain their competitive edge for 2010. No team in the NFL stands still. If the Giants put up anything remotely like this year’s effort in their new building in 2010, look for Coughlin and Reese to come rolling through the door next January.
Shake em up, baby!!!!! We need LB’s with fire in their eyes and QB’s in their grasp!!
Comment by stublatt — January 5th, 2010 @ 5:59 pm
Well put BH and well put by the new Godfather. What bothered Giants fans the most was lack of heart, effort, passion by the defense (arguably the team as a whole). That is what Giant football is built on – hard nose running, timely passing and no holds barred defense. Take that away and we are just the Jets.
Comment by JohnnyO — January 5th, 2010 @ 8:26 pm
Tommy C may just roll thru that door this January if he continues
to contradict Mr. Mara in the press. What for coach to get very quiet…..
Comment by daddy-o — January 6th, 2010 @ 11:51 am
Whoa, sorry there. WATCH for coach to get very quiet….
Comment by daddy-o — January 6th, 2010 @ 11:52 am
We aren’t EVEN the Jets. Eli better pick up his intensity a notch. I’m pretty tired of hearing how “Firey” he really is under that reserve. Horse Turds! He was Opie all year. #11 would have been ripping people a new one on the sidelines the last few weeks. Highest paid player EVER. Step it up! Or get the f#*k out. (Still very bitter)
Comment by Toselfan09 — January 6th, 2010 @ 12:53 pm
I would be happy to be like the Jets at this particular moment: the Jets are playing this Saturday at 4:30.
Comment by TheresOnlyOneLT — January 7th, 2010 @ 10:14 am