Brian Daboll won't take Giants' play-calling duties away from Mike Kafka
Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka answers questions from reporters training camp in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 8. Credit: Noah K. Murray
Despite a second-half offensive swoon and a conservative approach that had the Giants essentially playing for the tie in overtime Sunday, coach Brian Daboll insisted he still believes in his playmakers and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
Daboll said he won’t take over play-calling duties for Kafka, adding, “I have a lot of confidence in [him].” He also said his decision to punt in overtime Sunday rather than let Daniel Jones and company try to convert a fourth-and-3 at the Washington 45 was not a sign of lack of trust.
After tying the score in the third quarter, the Giants punted on six straight possessions before a 58-yard field-goal attempt came up short as time expired in overtime, preserving a 20-20 tie, their first since 1997.
“I trust the offense and I trust the supporting cast,” a terse Daboll said Monday.And though he’s often been known to take calculated risks, he indicated that this particular moment wasn’t the time for it. “I’d say each week is different, and we manage it the way we think we need to manage that game,” he said.
Crowder, Williams unhappy
Daboll said he had private conversations with Tae Crowder and Rodarius Williams after the linebacker and cornerback took to social media to complain about lack of playing time. Julian Love said he didn’t discuss it with Williams when players came in on Monday. Playing time “fluctuates with a lot of guys up and down,” Love said. “Matchups are different each week . . . It’s a tough situation. I’ve been there before, but you stay resilient because you know your time is coming. He’s a really talented player and we’re going to need him.”
Extra points
DL Leonard Williams is sore after suffering a neck injury Sunday. His status for this week’s game against the Eagles is unclear, Daboll said . . . It’s too early to tell if safety Xavier Mc-Kinney (hand) and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson (MCL) will be able to practice this week . . . Love, DL Dexter Lawrence and G Mark Glowinski will get veteran rest days Wednesday after carrying heavy loads, Daboll said . . . The Giants’ rematch against the Commanders in Week 15 is getting flexed to Sunday Night Football as the playoff picture continues to develop.
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.
