Cracks are beginning to form in the New York Giants’ foundation and players are starting to get a little loud.
On Tuesday, it was reported that general manager Joe Schoen is not well-liked among some players in the Giants’ locker room, particularly after his handling of cornerback Nick McCloud’s release.
There have also been some eyebrow-raising social media interactions with certain players “liking” comments made by ex-Giants running back Saquon Barkley and a curious comment made by wide receiver Darius Slayton, which he attempted to explain away.
While those issues are subtle, defensive captain Dexter Lawrence was anything but when asked about the benching of quarterback Daniel Jones.
“A little bit of confusion,” Lawrence said, via The Athletic. “(Brian Daboll) just said it was a hard decision. I’m sure it’s hard. He’s the QB1. To me, the best quarterback on the team. But they see things differently. I guess that’s all that matters.
“Teams lose games, not just one player, and I think that should be understood.”
Lawrence is not the only person who feels that way. An anonymous offensive player spoke with NFL insider Jordan Schultz and sounded off on the demotion of Jones.
“We’re not idiots. They did it because of money. So be it. But Daniel has been all class, never complained, and is now being completely disregarded. The team record is bad. You can point fingers everywhere,” the player said. “To try to blame him is trash, and making him third string is weak as (expletive).”
Schultz added that several other players have also expressed their “disappointment” in the decision.
The ship hasn’t sunk but it’s certainly taking on water. Once players begin to gripe — especially team captains — it’s nearly impossible to reel things back in.
Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll are on the verge of losing the locker room and if that happens, there’s nothing co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch will be able to do to save them — even if that would be their preference.
