What Is 2017 New York Giants season

Overview

The 2017 New York Giants season marked a significant downturn for the franchise, ending with a 3-13 record—their worst win-loss performance since 1976. After a promising 2016 season that included a playoff berth, the team struggled with injuries, poor defensive play, and coaching decisions.

Head coach Ben McAdoo was dismissed midseason after a controversial decision to bench veteran quarterback Eli Manning in favor of Geno Smith, sparking fan backlash. Interim coach Steve Spagnuolo took over, but the team failed to improve, losing 10 of their final 11 games.

• 3-13 record: The Giants finished last in the NFC East, their lowest win total in over four decades, falling to 3-13 after a Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Ben McAdoo’s firing: McAdoo was let go after just 24 games as head coach, becoming one of the shortest-tenured coaches in franchise history due to the Manning benching decision.
• Eli Manning’s durability: Despite being benched briefly, Manning started all 16 games, maintaining his streak of consecutive starts that dated back to 2004.
• Odell Beckham Jr.'s injury: The star wide receiver played only four games due to a high ankle sprain sustained in Week 5, severely limiting the team’s offensive potential.
• Defensive collapse: The Giants allowed an average of 384.6 yards per game, ranking 31st in the league, and gave up 31.9 points per game, second-worst in the NFL.

Performance & Coaching Changes

The 2017 season was defined by instability, both on the field and in the coaching staff, as once-promising players underperformed and key decisions backfired.

• Geno Smith benching decision: In Week 13, McAdoo benched Manning for Smith, claiming it was to evaluate younger players, but the move was widely criticized and contributed to his dismissal.
• Steve Spagnuolo’s interim role: The defensive coordinator was elevated to interim head coach and oversaw a slight defensive improvement, though the team went 1-3 under his leadership.
• Larry Donnell’s release: The tight end was cut midseason after failing to meet expectations, part of a broader roster overhaul during the losing streak.
• Defensive injuries: Key players like Landon Collins and Janoris Jenkins missed multiple games, weakening an already porous secondary.
• Victor Cruz’s release: After a decade with the team, Cruz was released in February 2018, symbolizing the end of an era for the Giants.
• Offensive line struggles: The unit allowed 47 sacks—third most in the NFL—contributing to constant pressure on Manning.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2017 Giants to their 2016 campaign highlights a dramatic decline in nearly every statistical category.

The table illustrates a steep regression, especially on defense. The 2016 Giants made the playoffs with an 11-5 record and a top-10 defense, while the 2017 version collapsed under poor tackling, coverage breakdowns, and lack of pass rush. Offensive production also dipped due to injuries and lack of cohesion.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season had long-term implications for the Giants’ roster, coaching staff, and organizational direction, setting the stage for a multi-year rebuild.

• End of McAdoo era: His firing signaled the front office’s dissatisfaction with leadership, leading to a complete coaching overhaul in the 2018 offseason.
• Draft position: The 3-13 record secured the Giants the 2nd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, which they used on quarterback Saquon Barkley.
• Eli Manning’s future: The benching raised questions about Manning’s long-term role, ultimately leading to his eventual replacement in 2019.
• Rebuilding phase: The poor season forced the Giants to reevaluate talent, leading to major free-agent signings and trades in subsequent years.
• Front office changes: GM Jerry Reese was also fired midseason, indicating a top-to-bottom reset of football operations.
• Fan disillusionment: Attendance and viewership declined, reflecting growing frustration among the fanbase after a once-successful era ended abruptly.

The 2017 season remains a cautionary tale of how quickly a team can decline due to injuries, mismanagement, and poor decision-making, marking a low point in Giants history.