NFL

Giants coach Daboll eyes turnaround as chance to snap playoff drought looms

By Sports Desk November 30, 2022

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll wants his team to relish the opportunity to end their playoff drought ahead of a crucial December, despite back-to-back losses.

The rookie boss has taken his unfancied side to a 7-4 record this term, winning six of his first seven matches in charge after arriving from the Buffalo Bills backroom to succeed Joe Judge.

However, consecutive defeats to the Detroit Lions and the Dallas Cowboys have checked momentum to stall hopes of both a first regular-season winning record and a playoff spot since 2016.

But Daboll believes his side can turn things around ahead of a vital four-game run that will see them pitted against key rivals the Washington Commanders twice over the next month.

"When you play meaningful games in December, I think that's why we all do this," he said. 

"I've been on teams that have played meaningful games in December, and I've been part of teams that haven't.

"It's not a lot of fun when you're not playing meaningful games. So, let's come to work with a great attitude, a positive mindset [and] keep getting better."

The Giants' sterling start to the campaign has been slowed in recent weeks, with Daboll's side off the pace of their earlier exploits, while a torn ACL looks to have ended wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson's season.

But their coach feels they are showing a steady approach, win or lose, adding: "I think the way they're handling winning [is how they handle losing]. They're consistent.

"We've all been in this league a long time. The last time that you haven't faced adversity will be the first time. You're going to face it. Week 1, Week 5, Week 10. The approach is to be consistent."

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