What We’ve Learned About the Giants Through Half of 2025

It’s been a wild ride so far for the Giants this year. It’s hard for me to believe I was watching a Russell Wilson-led offense just a mere six weeks ago. Last Sunday’s loss to the 49ers put the first half of 2025 in the rearview mirror, so how should fans be feeling so far? Here are five lessons we’ve learned so far about the New York Giants:

1. Not Even Jaxson Dart Can Save Brian Daboll

Going into this season, the biggest story was not if, but when Brian Daboll would lose his job. Most fans were fed up with the yearly disappointment, and most were not ecstatic about the QB Daboll had tied his job to. Jaxson Dart has been a pleasant surprise, not lighting the world on fire, but given the situation he’s in, he’s done everything fans could have hoped for and more.

If you had told most Giant fans in July that at the trade deadline, the team would be 2-7 and the team would make no trades, they probably would have laughed at you and said, “Well, who’s our next coach going to be?”. Dart is really the only reason that Daboll is still around, and even then, with the team being neither buyer nor seller at the trade deadline, it seems the writing is on the wall.

The team has been undisciplined, ranking top-5 in most false starts, delay of game penalties, DPI, and total penalty yardage. Additionally, it seems that the collapse in Denver broke this team’s resolve, and the ensuing injury to rookie RB Cam Skattebo the next week didn’t help. I’ve never been a fan of firing Daboll, but even I think it’s time for a change.

2. The (Offensive) Future Looks Bright

Dart might not be able to save Daboll’s job (nor should he have to), but he may be able to make New York an attractive destination for a strong head coaching candidate. Dart isn’t putting up Jayden Daniels’ numbers from a year ago, but he is a favorite to win offensive rookie of the year. Say what you want about it being a QB popularity contest, but the Giants haven’t had an OROY winner since OBJ in 2014 and Saquon Barkley in 2018.

Dart, along with Skattebo and Malik Nabers, who will both hopefully be back to start 2026, make up a formidable trio that, with more help, could be cornerstones of a top 10 offense for years to come. Dart leads all rookies in EPA per play and success rate, while being nearly top 10 overall in both stats. Before his injury, Skattebo led all rookies in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns. Adding a certified top-10 receiver talent in Nabers back into the fold and a few more weapons through free agency or the draft, and this Giants offense looks scary. The defense, however, is a different story.

3. The Defense Has Been Disappointing

When the Giants drafted Abdul Carter with the third overall pick, the idea was clear: the defense, and especially the pass rush, is going to be dangerous. Through 9 games, the results have been very disappointing. Especially on Sunday against the 49ers, they allowed 6.1 yards per play to a depleted offense led by Mac Jones.

Brian Burns has been on an absolute tear, leading the league in sacks with 11. However, the defense is fourth-worst in the league in total yardage allowed per game and tied for the third-least turnovers created with a measly 6 through 9 games. Even if you didn’t know that and only watched the fourth quarter of the Cowboys and Broncos game, you’d know that Shane Bowen has to go.

The worst part is that, unlike the other bottom-feeder defenses, there isn’t a lack of talent on this team. Burns is joined by two top-five draft picks on the defensive line, along with All-Pro Dexter Lawrence. The players are there; now it’s up to the coaching staff to put them in the right spots.

4. Give Me Carnell Tate or Give Me Death

A lot of fans and media are claiming that the Giants are “failing Jaxson Dart”. However, I wouldn’t take it that far. Yes, the team is 2-7 and trending toward a top-5 draft pick in May. But is that really such a bad thing? Dart is performing well, and he’s been throwing to (no offense) Wan’Dale Robinson, Jalin Hyatt, Beaux Collins, and the tight ends. With Nabers and Skattebo coming back, and a new voice calling the shots inevitable at this point, Dart could be in a much worse situation, especially with the possibility of more help coming in the draft.

If the Giants do get a top-5 pick, the best thing they can do is give Dart more help. Enter: Carnell Tate. The 6’3 Junior from Ohio State may not be as decorated as his younger teammate, but he is special all the same. He is currently averaging over 18 yards per reception, with seven touchdowns in 8 games. He can be the perfect running mate alongside Malik Nabers. Yes, there are other holes on this roster, but ask Bengals fans what a dynamic receiving duo can do for a quarterback. And the Giants don’t need nearly as much help on the defensive end as Cincy.