Big Blue View
Many in the New York Giants fan base, probably even a majority, wanted general manager Joe Schoen fired after a two-year stretch that saw the Giants go 7-27. Voters in a poll here at Big Blue View seem to believe by a wide margin that ownership made the wrong decision by retaining Schoen.
Schoen seemed to understand on Monday during an end-of-season press conference some organizations would not have given him the opportunity to conduct after compiling a 22-45-1 record and having his hand-picked head coach be fired that he was fortunate to work for a franchise that craves stability.
Schoen said he was “honored and humbled that [co-owners] John Mara and Steve Tisch allowed me to see this process through.”
Mara, battling cancer, did not speak to media as he sometimes has on what is commonly known as “Baggy Day” when players pack up to head to wherever they will spend the offseason.
Mara and Tisch released a statement announcing Schoen’s return. It said in part that “Continuity and stability in the front office is important to our progress. We believe in our young core of talent, which we can build around for future success.”
Can Schoen make ownership right?
To fix a problem, you first have to admit there is a problem. To get better at whatever you do, you need to admit you have not been perfect.
“Early on I made mistakes,” Schoen said. “I’m fortunate to have great ownership here where you’re allowed to stub your toe and try to course correct.”
Schoen feels that course correction has already begun, though the record hasn’t shown progress.
“Over the last couple of years, we’ve been able to add a franchise quarterback. You’ve been able to add a number one receiver in (wide receiver) Malik Nabers, and again, I’m looking forward to getting him back. The defensive line, the pass rushers. There are pieces in place that also make this an attractive job,” Schoen said. “Looking at where we’re going, where the build is, what the plan is moving forward, and seeing the vision through is why I think that’s the case.”
We have talked about Schoen’s mistakes. They include:
Highly-drafted players like Evan Neal, Deonte Banks, and Jalin Hyatt not working out; Largely underwhelming work in free agency; A high number of talented, core players leaving the Giants and succeeding elsewhere; Hiring Brian Daboll as head coach.
Schoen pointed to one particular mistake he will try not to make again, and it is relevant with a coaching change coming.
“When you draft players or sign players, you want them to be versatile schematically,” Schoen said. “Because as we see today and previously, coaches come and go. It’s just the reality of it.
“So, guilty of drafting a scheme-specific player before and then coaches come and go, and then maybe those decisions don’t work out. So, due to that lesson I learned throughout this process, try to make it where these players are able...
