In the latest episode of the “One Giant Step” podcast, hosts Shawn Morash and Bryce Gelman reflect on the disappointing current season of the New York Giants, discussing the critical home finale against the Indianapolis Colts. With the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays behind them, the hosts dive into the Giants' attempt to avoid a historically winless season at MetLife Stadium, along with broader topics concerning NFL strategies and quarterback evaluations.
As the Giants gear up for their last home game of the season against the Colts, Morash sets the stage by expressing concern over the team's performance and their quest to avoid going winless at home. Gelman contributes by wishing a Merry Christmas to listeners, framing the discussion around the dim prospects for the Giants as they look to end a challenging season.
The primary focal point of this game against a struggling Colts team is the recent announcement that Drew Lock will be starting as the quarterback. This decision raises eyebrows, as many fans and analysts are puzzled by the choice to revert to Lock, especially considering backup Tommy DeVito’s resilience after returning from concussion protocol.
Morash and Gelman offer two theories regarding the coaching staff's decision to start Lock. Theory one suggests that as the season is lost, the coaches choose to play Lock to utilize his ability to target rookie talent Malik Neighbors effectively. Theory two speculates that management might have guaranteed job security to the coaches, allowing them to roll the dice on a potential negative outcome in the hopes of securing a top pick in the upcoming draft.
Both hosts find merit in each theory but express skepticism about the long-term implications of such decisions, particularly considering John Mara's potential role as the team owner in navigating through this stormy period.
Analyzing League Trends: Winning With Quarterbacks
The discussion shifts to a broader analysis of NFL trends with the hosts comparing the Giants’ situation to that of the Pittsburgh Steelers and other teams that have successfully drafted franchise quarterbacks. Morash argues that the Giants need to aim for a franchise quarterback rather than settle for mediocrity, while Gelman concurs, stressing that drafting a quarterback should be the team's priority.
The hosts dissect the pitfalls of becoming a "no man's land" team like the Steelers, who maintain consistent but unremarkable seasons without proper elite quarterback play. They emphasize the critical need for the Giants to take a swing at drafting a promising quarterback when they have the opportunity, acknowledging that it is a high-risk but potentially high-reward choice.
The podcast features a mailbag segment where insights from listeners generate conversations about the current team dynamics and future strategies. The hosts discuss various points, including the future of the coaching staff and the implications of player performance on potential offseason moves.
They address listener sentiments about fears of drafting the wrong quarterback and acknowledge the frustration that accompanies the team’s performance this season. By engaging with passionate fans, Morash and Gelman underscore the collective anxiety and hope surrounding the team’s future.
In the latter part of the episode, fantasy football insights take center stage as Morash predicts that Malik Neighbors will be a focal point in the Giants' offense. Despite the challenging circumstances, he highlights Neighbors as a strong contender for receiving yardage and touchdowns. On the other hand, Gelman anticipates the Giants will struggle against the Colts and expresses his concerns regarding the team’s defense, questioning whether they will be able to rise to the occasion against Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson.
Morash makes a grim prediction on the game’s outcome, foreseeing a 27-10 defeat for the Giants, while Gelman believes the Giants will lose by an even wider margin of 34-12. The conversation encapsulates their disillusionment but also hints at optimism for the upcoming offseason.
Concluding Thoughts
In wrapping up the episode, the hosts convey a mix of frustration over the current state of the Giants while expressing eagerness for the opportunities the offseason may hold. Emphasizing the importance of rejuvenation, Morash insists on approaching the upcoming draft and free agency with hope for a brighter future.
The episode successfully captures the essence of being a Giants fan during this turbulent season, with both hosts remaining steadfast in their support for the team. With just one game left to endure, listeners can expect continued discussions shaped by their shared experiences and expectations as the 2023 NFL season draws to an end.
Part 1/8:
Overview of the One Giant Step Podcast Episode
In the latest episode of the “One Giant Step” podcast, hosts Shawn Morash and Bryce Gelman reflect on the disappointing current season of the New York Giants, discussing the critical home finale against the Indianapolis Colts. With the Christmas and Hanukkah holidays behind them, the hosts dive into the Giants' attempt to avoid a historically winless season at MetLife Stadium, along with broader topics concerning NFL strategies and quarterback evaluations.
Giants vs. Colts: Home Finale Anticipation
Part 2/8:
As the Giants gear up for their last home game of the season against the Colts, Morash sets the stage by expressing concern over the team's performance and their quest to avoid going winless at home. Gelman contributes by wishing a Merry Christmas to listeners, framing the discussion around the dim prospects for the Giants as they look to end a challenging season.
The primary focal point of this game against a struggling Colts team is the recent announcement that Drew Lock will be starting as the quarterback. This decision raises eyebrows, as many fans and analysts are puzzled by the choice to revert to Lock, especially considering backup Tommy DeVito’s resilience after returning from concussion protocol.
The Quarterback Controversy
Part 3/8:
Morash and Gelman offer two theories regarding the coaching staff's decision to start Lock. Theory one suggests that as the season is lost, the coaches choose to play Lock to utilize his ability to target rookie talent Malik Neighbors effectively. Theory two speculates that management might have guaranteed job security to the coaches, allowing them to roll the dice on a potential negative outcome in the hopes of securing a top pick in the upcoming draft.
Both hosts find merit in each theory but express skepticism about the long-term implications of such decisions, particularly considering John Mara's potential role as the team owner in navigating through this stormy period.
Analyzing League Trends: Winning With Quarterbacks
Part 4/8:
The discussion shifts to a broader analysis of NFL trends with the hosts comparing the Giants’ situation to that of the Pittsburgh Steelers and other teams that have successfully drafted franchise quarterbacks. Morash argues that the Giants need to aim for a franchise quarterback rather than settle for mediocrity, while Gelman concurs, stressing that drafting a quarterback should be the team's priority.
The hosts dissect the pitfalls of becoming a "no man's land" team like the Steelers, who maintain consistent but unremarkable seasons without proper elite quarterback play. They emphasize the critical need for the Giants to take a swing at drafting a promising quarterback when they have the opportunity, acknowledging that it is a high-risk but potentially high-reward choice.
Part 5/8:
Mailbag Segment: Listener Interaction
The podcast features a mailbag segment where insights from listeners generate conversations about the current team dynamics and future strategies. The hosts discuss various points, including the future of the coaching staff and the implications of player performance on potential offseason moves.
They address listener sentiments about fears of drafting the wrong quarterback and acknowledge the frustration that accompanies the team’s performance this season. By engaging with passionate fans, Morash and Gelman underscore the collective anxiety and hope surrounding the team’s future.
Fantasy Football Takes and Game Predictions
Part 6/8:
In the latter part of the episode, fantasy football insights take center stage as Morash predicts that Malik Neighbors will be a focal point in the Giants' offense. Despite the challenging circumstances, he highlights Neighbors as a strong contender for receiving yardage and touchdowns. On the other hand, Gelman anticipates the Giants will struggle against the Colts and expresses his concerns regarding the team’s defense, questioning whether they will be able to rise to the occasion against Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson.
Part 7/8:
Morash makes a grim prediction on the game’s outcome, foreseeing a 27-10 defeat for the Giants, while Gelman believes the Giants will lose by an even wider margin of 34-12. The conversation encapsulates their disillusionment but also hints at optimism for the upcoming offseason.
Concluding Thoughts
In wrapping up the episode, the hosts convey a mix of frustration over the current state of the Giants while expressing eagerness for the opportunities the offseason may hold. Emphasizing the importance of rejuvenation, Morash insists on approaching the upcoming draft and free agency with hope for a brighter future.
Part 8/8:
The episode successfully captures the essence of being a Giants fan during this turbulent season, with both hosts remaining steadfast in their support for the team. With just one game left to endure, listeners can expect continued discussions shaped by their shared experiences and expectations as the 2023 NFL season draws to an end.