By Eddie Castro
New York Football was very difficult to watch this past year if you are either a Jets or Giants fan. Both teams finished third-to-last in their respective divisions posting a combined win-loss record of 9-24. There were quarterback and coaching changes amongst other factors that ultimately decided the fate for both teams. Now that the season for “Big Blue” and “Gang Green”, what does the future look like for both franchises?
With Aaron Rodgers returning to the Jets after a Torn Achilles ended his 2023-24 season, the Jets were poised to be a contender this year hoping to end a new 14-year playoff drought. On October 8th, Owner Woody Johnson decided to part ways with head coach Robert Salah. 20 days later, the team decided to demote offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
A month later after a 3-8 start, the team decided ro let go of General Manager Joe Douglas. All of this combined with a defense that was not as efficient as it was last year and Aaron Rodgers showing signs of what a 40-year old quarterback looks like, it turned into a nightmare year for the Jets.
Having missed the playoffs yet again, the Jets now currently hold the longest playoff drought in All four major sports at 14 seasons. With a win-loss of 5-12, the Jets will have the No. 7 pick in this year’s NFL draft. Whomever the team decided to select at pick No.7, it will be done with a new GM and head coach at the helm. The Jets have already conducted several interviews for positions including Head Coach and General Manager.
As for the Giants, life was a lot more stressful then the team originally thought when they elected NOT to re-sign their star running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley ended up signing with the rival Philadelphia Eagles where he had an MVP-type of season in his first year. After an abysmal start to his season, quarterback Daniel Jones was benched and eventually released during the team’s 10-game losing streak.
The Giants finished this season with a record of 3-14. After the season finale against the Eagles, Giants owner John Mara announced that he would retain General Manager Joe Schoen and Head Coach Brian Daboll for the 2025 season. The team currently holds the No.3 pick in the draft and will look to select a quarterback. The two top quarterbacks are Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders and Miami’s Cam Ward.
Both New York teams will have to press the reset buttons as they prepare for what will surely be complete rebuilds within their organizations. By the end of the draft, which will take place in April, it should be a lot clearer as far as what direction both teams will be heading into, as both franchises will look to put behind long and unsuccessful 2024-25 campaigns.
Sports Notes: (BASKETBALL) The Knicks will look to seek revenge at Madison Square Garden when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder defeated the Knicks 117-107 on January 3rd snapping their current 9-gane winning steak at the time. The Brooklyn Nets will begin a West Coast trip when they battle Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.