I know the Giants are in the midst of their bye week, but that doesn't mean they're off limits on the Beast. Coach Tom Coughlin listened to all the grumbling about offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride's play calling when the Giants had the chance to put the Chargers away. He's heard all the talk about how defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan isn't putting his unit in good situations.
For now, though, he would rather take all the blame. It's admirable on his part -- and it's also appropriate. Coughlin has emerged as a master motivator since the Giants' Super Bowl win two years ago. But his all-or-nothing approach to the Chargers game can certainly be questioned. Here's what Coughlin said earlier this week about where the blame should be placed right now:
"It is my responsibility, and that is where it stops -- right here,” Coughlin said. “Nobody else is to blame. So let’s not continue to [feel] around trying to figure that situation out."
Coughlin earned the benefit of the doubt in 2007, but some of that feels like it's starting to fade. The New York media, which for the most part has praised Coughlin's work, has started to pick apart his assistants. If the Giants don't make the playoffs, it's hard to imagine Sheridan keeping his job. That might sound harsh, but it's the nature of the beast.
The Giants can point to key injuries on defense, but so can a lot of other teams around the league. The Eagles are on their third starting middle linebacker of the season and their best linebacker, Akeem Jordan, will probably miss Sunday's game in San Diego. They're also missing two key members of their secondary.
The Giants have to find a way to win games no matter who's on the field. The good news is that cornerback Aaron Ross should be able to return soon and Michael Boley and Chris Canty hopefully knocked some of the rust from their extended absences during the Chargers game.
But Coughlin has it right. This four-game losing streak is on him.
For now, though, he would rather take all the blame. It's admirable on his part -- and it's also appropriate. Coughlin has emerged as a master motivator since the Giants' Super Bowl win two years ago. But his all-or-nothing approach to the Chargers game can certainly be questioned. Here's what Coughlin said earlier this week about where the blame should be placed right now:
"It is my responsibility, and that is where it stops -- right here,” Coughlin said. “Nobody else is to blame. So let’s not continue to [feel] around trying to figure that situation out."
Coughlin earned the benefit of the doubt in 2007, but some of that feels like it's starting to fade. The New York media, which for the most part has praised Coughlin's work, has started to pick apart his assistants. If the Giants don't make the playoffs, it's hard to imagine Sheridan keeping his job. That might sound harsh, but it's the nature of the beast.
The Giants can point to key injuries on defense, but so can a lot of other teams around the league. The Eagles are on their third starting middle linebacker of the season and their best linebacker, Akeem Jordan, will probably miss Sunday's game in San Diego. They're also missing two key members of their secondary.
The Giants have to find a way to win games no matter who's on the field. The good news is that cornerback Aaron Ross should be able to return soon and Michael Boley and Chris Canty hopefully knocked some of the rust from their extended absences during the Chargers game.
But Coughlin has it right. This four-game losing streak is on him.
Sort comments by: Most Recent | First Posted
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Matt Mosley
Mosley, an award-winning writer for The Dallas Morning News for seven years, joined ESPN.com in January 2007. Mosley, a Baylor graduate, writes columns, features and blogs for ESPN.com.
