PHILADELPHIA — The New York Giants “crash landed” within the divisional spherical of the playoffs in Philadelphia. These had been the phrases of coach Brian Daboll following a 38-7 loss to the Eagles.
Now, New York faces main questions and selections pertaining to its future. The contracts of quarterback Daniel Jones and operating again Saquon Barkley are expiring on the finish of this season. Each are free brokers.
Barkley, who had contract discussions with the crew through the bye week, made his need to return clear.
“I do not need to soar to any conclusions. I have been vocal about how I really feel and the place I need to be,” he mentioned. “That is exterior of my management. I needed to indicate the Giants, present them that the man that they drafted continues to be right here. I hope I did that.
“Everybody is aware of I might like to be a Large for all times. However I actually cannot give a 100% reply. It is out of my management. Someday this week, I am going to get a dialog with my agent Kim [Miale] and see what’s up.”
Jones left his need as extra of thriller. The Giants declined the fifth-year possibility in his rookie contract previous to this season, in what turned out to be the most effective of his younger profession.
“Like I mentioned, we are going to cross that bridge once we get there. I actually loved taking part in right here,” Jones mentioned. “I recognize all of these guys within the locker room. It’s a particular group of fellows and I’ve actually loved being part of it.
“We’ll determine the place that goes, however I’ve nothing however love and respect for this group and the group of fellows within the locker room.”
Jones and the Giants fell behind 28-0 within the first half on Saturday evening. They by no means actually bought it going.
Jones threw for less than 135 yards with no touchdowns and an interception towards the Eagles. He was pressured on 64% of his dropbacks within the first half, which was tied for the third-highest share of any quarterback in a half of a playoff recreation since ESPN started monitoring pressures in 2009.
It was that type of night. Barkley had simply 9 carries for 61 yards.
“Properly, crash touchdown right here. Give Philly credit score. They did every part higher than we did [Saturday],” Daboll mentioned. “Robust recreation. We actually bought beat in all sides, so it wasn’t one factor specifically. It was a crew recreation and we simply did not get it performed. Congratulations to Philly. They get to maneuver on and sadly we do not.”
It would not take away from what the Giants achieved of their first yr below Daboll and normal supervisor Joe Schoen. They inherited a franchise that had 5 straight double-digit loss seasons. The Giants and Jets had been tied for the worst file of any crew over the earlier 5 years.
Jones and Barkley had been integral components to the turnaround. They had been crew leaders, captains, who performed a number of the finest soccer of their careers in Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka’s offense.
Given the way in which the crew has talked about them in latest weeks, it could seem they need them to return. The Giants have repeatedly gushed about Barkley and look at him because the face of their franchise. Co-owner John Mara not too long ago talked about how “gratifying” it was to see Jones dwell as much as his draft standing.
Jones, who was the No. 6 total decide in 2019 out of Duke, dedicated simply 9 turnovers in 18 video games, together with the playoffs. He completed the common season Prime 10 in QBR.
Barkley, in the meantime, rushed for a career-best 1,312 yards whereas getting his first style of the playoffs. It was the primary postseason look for a majority of the roster.
“It sucks, this was a enjoyable crew. The blokes right here, coaches, every part that we had been capable of construct this yr,” Barkley mentioned. “The best way we performed for one another this yr, it was particular. Clearly it did not finish the way in which we might have needed it to finish. Not simply due to the file or as a result of we made it to playoffs, that is most likely considered one of my favourite groups of all time.”
Daboll wasn’t about to make any massive image declarations about the way forward for a few of his greatest names and finest gamers. That can occur in what he described as a protracted offseason that sits on the horizon.
The time for these conversations in his estimation was not Saturday evening. It might be down the highway. Daboll was nonetheless processing what went down on the sphere in Philadelphia reasonably than assessing the crew’s future.
“I am disillusioned,” he mentioned. “I want we may have performed a greater job. I want I may have performed a greater job. I really feel like crap. That is as sincere as you could be.
“You’re employed extraordinarily exhausting to get to this spot. You don’t take it as a right. This can be a exhausting place to get to, the division spherical, and to maneuver ahead. I really feel extra for the gamers and the coaches as a result of we put every part we had into it. We simply did not get it performed.”