New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is aware of the number of times he has faced the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout his coaching career.
On Monday night, he will go up against the Steelers (5-2) for the 18th time, marking his first encounter as a head coach as the Giants (2-5) aim to end a two-game losing streak in Pittsburgh.
Daboll regards the Steelers as a model of consistency, particularly under head coach Mike Tomlin, who is in his 18th season and has never finished with a losing record. Tomlin followed in the footsteps of Hall of Famers Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher.
“Different faces, but the same mentality regarding the toughness and grit that team exhibits, how they dominate the line of scrimmage on both sides, run the football, and utilize the play-action game,” Daboll remarked Thursday. “Defensively, it’s just plug and play.”
Daboll aspires to cultivate a similar environment with the Giants. He led them to the playoffs in his first season in 2022, but the last two years have been challenging. New York finished with a 6-11 record in 2023 and has encountered difficulties this season, particularly following a 28-3 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles and former teammate Saquon Barkley.
This predicament has sparked speculation about the job security of both Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen, who was also hired in 2022.
Co-owner John Mara addressed rumors about potential changes within the New York Giants organization during a screening of the film “The Duke, The Giant Life of Wellington Mara” in New York, which chronicled the life of his father, who had an 81-year career that ended with his death in 2005.
“Obviously, we’re all very disappointed with where we are right now,” Mara stated. “However, I want to make it clear that we are not making any changes this season, and I do not expect any changes in the offseason either.”
Mara opted not to discuss specific players or groups until the conclusion of the season. Meanwhile, head coach Brian Daboll remained tight-lipped about Mara’s show of support during Thursday’s press conference.
“I think you should concentrate on what you can control. I’ve said this many times: we have a very good communication process and a strong relationship,” Daboll remarked regarding ownership. “Again, no one is happy about the results or the record, but I believe in the communication, the process, and the people involved.”
Daboll expressed a desire for his team to emulate the Steelers, who have recorded 14 winning seasons and three seasons with a .500 record under coach Mike Tomlin.
“They’re well coached, they play tough and physical, and they have a distinct style of play. The atmosphere at their stadium is one of the best; it’s a tough place to play against a very formidable opponent,” he added.
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones echoed Mara’s sentiments, noting their importance.
“I think that’s significant,” Jones said Thursday after practice. “Right now, our focus is on preparing to face the Pittsburgh Steelers and winning that game. That’s what’s at the forefront of our minds. Obviously, Mr. Mara’s job, Dabs’ job, and Joe’s job are very different from mine. My responsibility is to get ready to win, so that’s my main focus.”