Though the 6–8 Giants have not officially been eliminated from playoff contention, but you could say that the boot is on its way. After the Week 15 loss to the Panthers, the New York Times’ playoff simulator has the Giants’ chances of making the playoffs at 7 percent. Given the Giants track record this year, that’s a very pessimistic seven percent. In which case, here’s a preliminary look at he Giants’ tasks for the offseason.
Coaching
We cannot speak of the new 2016 Giants without addressing the changing of the guard likely to take place.
It’s no secret that the 69-year-old Tom Coughlin is on the hot seat. Coughlin has had a memorable tenure with the Giants—one which started in 2004 and is adorned by two Super Bowl victories. However, the Giants of today are no longer a team with the raw materials to make the Super Bowl that needs a coach like Coughlin to build it. The Giants are now set to miss the playoffs for four straight years. This year in particular has been marred not only been conspicuous breaches on defense, but an inability to finish games—the Giants have 6 loses after being ahead or tied in the final minute of regulation. This marked inability to get wins has left Giants fans crying for a change of culture. As of now, who Coughlin’s successor will be if he does indeed leave is still uncertain. But one thing’s for sure: a new regime is sure to bring with it new culture, philosophy, and schemes, which will have a direct impact on the type of players the Giants target in the offseason. But as of now, we can still analyze the Giants’ needs at various positions.
