What Is 2017 New York Giants football team

Overview

The 2017 New York Giants season marked one of the most disappointing in franchise history, finishing with a 3-13 record—their worst since 1980. After high expectations following a playoff appearance in 2016, the team struggled with injuries, poor offensive performance, and defensive breakdowns.

Head coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese were both dismissed mid-season, signaling a major organizational reset. The Giants played their home games at MetLife Stadium and failed to qualify for the postseason for the fifth consecutive year.

• 3-13 record: The Giants finished last in the NFC East, losing 10 of their final 11 games after starting 2-2.
• Ben McAdoo’s firing: McAdoo was dismissed on December 4, 2017, following a controversial decision to bench quarterback Eli Manning.
• Eli Manning’s performance: Despite throwing for 3,468 yards and 19 touchdowns, Manning also threw 13 interceptions and had a 78.2 passer rating.
• Defensive struggles: The defense allowed a league-worst 401.8 yards per game and ranked 31st in points allowed.
• MetLife Stadium: The Giants shared their home venue with the Jets, playing all eight home games at the East Rutherford, New Jersey, facility.

Coaching & Roster Changes

The 2017 season saw significant upheaval in leadership and player roles, reflecting a franchise in transition. Key decisions, including the benching of a franchise icon, triggered widespread scrutiny and fan backlash.

• Benching of Eli Manning: After starting every game since 2004, Manning was benched in Week 13 in favor of Geno Smith, sparking controversy.
• Steve Spagnuolo as interim: Defensive coordinator Spagnuolo took over as interim head coach for the final four games of the season.
• Jerry Reese’s dismissal: General manager Reese was fired alongside McAdoo, ending a 25-year tenure with the organization.
• Odell Beckham Jr. injury: Star wide receiver Beckham played only four games due to an ankle sprain, finishing with 28 receptions and 302 yards.
• Victor Cruz’s release: Veteran wideout Cruz was released in February 2017 after failing to fully recover from injury.
• Offensive line issues: The unit allowed 45 sacks, contributing to constant pressure on the quarterback.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 Giants with their 2016 playoff season across key performance metrics:

The decline from 2016 to 2017 was stark, with the team regressing in nearly every statistical category. The defense, once a strength, became a liability, and offensive production plummeted without consistent health from key players like Beckham and Shepard.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season served as a turning point for the Giants, prompting a complete rebuild in both coaching and player personnel. It highlighted the risks of relying on aging stars and exposed weaknesses in team management.

• End of an era: The benching of Eli Manning symbolized the close of a championship era that included two Super Bowl wins.
• Rebuild initiation: The firing of McAdoo and Reese cleared the way for Dave Gettleman to become GM and begin a roster overhaul.
• Draft implications: The 3-13 record secured the Giants the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, used on Saquon Barkley.
• Defensive overhaul: The poor defensive stats led to major changes, including the eventual hiring of Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator.
• Ownership accountability: The season intensified scrutiny on ownership and front-office decision-making under John Mara and Steve Tisch.
• Fan disillusionment: Attendance and viewership dipped, reflecting growing frustration among the Giants’ fanbase.

The 2017 season remains a cautionary tale in NFL mismanagement, but it also laid the foundation for future changes that would eventually shape the Giants’ direction in the 2020s.