The lesson for the Giants to learn from the Washington Commanders’ roster construction isn’t about the importance of finding a franchise quarterback.
It’s about the value of prioritizing leadership and culture on the field and in the locker room.
The first free agent class of Commanders GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn included the signings of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, tight end Zach Ertz, interior offensive linemen Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti, running back Austin Ekeler and edge rusher Dorance Armstrong, among others.
All of those players either added a veteran leadership component, a heightened level of professionalism, improved performance or some combination of the three to Washington’s dynamic.
Combining those personalities with incumbent leaders like Terry McLaurin and Jeremy Reaves — and longtime interior presences Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne — created the resilient group that has complemented and supported star rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels in these big games.
The Giants can learn something from all four teams represented in Sunday’s NFC and AFC Championship Games.
And the first is the reminder to never again underestimate or overlook the significance of culture and leadership in their locker room.
That’s what GM Joe Schoen did when he let captains Saquon Barkley and Xavier McKinney walk in free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers, respectively, after parting with Julian Love and Leonard Williams the year before.
He left the Giants roster not only undermanned in talent but in character, makeup and leadership, too.
Quarterback Daniel Jones didn’t even have the front office’s full confidence, and everyone knew it. Dexter Lawrence, although an excellent individual talent, didn’t have the ability to fill Barkley’s shoes.
Edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux was still a young player figuring out how to be pro, and new edge Brian Burns was still learning the lay of the land.
So when the Giants faced their inevitable adversity, they buckled. Lawrence shouted at teammates on the sideline. Malik Nabers said the team was “soft as f–k.” Jermaine Eluemunor said not everyone was giving 100%.
By midseason, veteran right guard Greg Van Roten of all people — who had only signed with the team at the start of training camp — was standing up after games speaking to the rest of the team.
If Schoen learns anything from this year’s NFL Final Four, he should be taking notes on how much leadership, character and professionalism matter to a team. In fact, based on how poorly he has done in this area, he should probably refamiliarize himself with what they are.
EAGLES LESSON: MOVE NEAL TO GUARD
There is a laundry list of lessons the Giants can learn from the Eagles. But Mekhi Becton’s successful move from tackle to right guard in his fourth NFL season and fifth year is a reminder that Giants right tackle Evan Neal may be salvageable if Schoen and Brian Daboll move him inside.
At least it wouldn’t hurt to try.
Schoen incredibly said the topic of Neal possibly playing guard didn’t come up in Neal’s exit meeting at the end of his third NFL season.
But Neal played one season at left tackle, one season at left guard and one season at right tackle in his three college years with Alabama. He’s comfortable on the left side. And if Schoen doesn’t find a new spot for his former No. 7 overall pick immediately, it’s hard to imagine he’s going to be a part of this team soon at all.
Philadelphia and O-line coach Jeff Stoutland made it work with the Jets’ former first-round tackle pick Becton. The Giants need to try it with Neal before he leaves and someone else does.
CHIEFS LESSON: COACHING MATTERS
Kansas City’s defense sacked Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud eight times in last weekend’s 23-14 Divisional round win, holding Houston to one touchdown all day.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s impact on the game was obvious, particularly when George Karlaftis recorded all three of his sacks in the fourth quarter.
Spagnuolo’s scheme and checks got Karlaftis isolated on Texans tight end Dalton Schultz twice, with dummy blitzes from the inside linebackers confusing Houston’s front.
Giants players consider defensive coordinator Shane Bowen an approachable and smart coach, but he did not have game-changing answers and in-game adjustments like his predecessor Wink Martindale.
The backfiring of Daboll’s power play on Martindale — which led the former DC to resign — created the 2024 defensive disappointment that co-owner John Mara lamented on breakup day. And it’s going to be difficult to regain that edge without changing the head coach and/or coordinator.
BILLS LESSON: WINNING IN DIVISION MATTERS
The Bills won the AFC East for the fifth straight year. They’re in the playoffs for the sixth straight season. They’re in the AFC Championship Game for the second time in five years. And they’ve reached the Divisional round in five straight years.
It starts with controlling their division. The Bills went 5-1 in the AFC East this season, and they boast a remarkable 24-6 record in 30 division games during their five-year run in first place.
The Giants, on the other hand, are 4-14-1 in the NFC East including playoffs. And they have two third-place finishes, one fourth-place finish and one postseason appearance in three years.
New York must start by getting its first win over Dallas (0-6) in the Schoen/Daboll era, along with turning the tide on their embarrassing 1-6-0 mark against the Eagles.
Come to think of it, however, their 3-2-1 record against Washington isn’t looking so promising now, either, with Daniels in the fold and the Giants 0-2 against him already.
Oh, well. Nothing they can do about it on Sunday, other than watching to see which division opponent is going to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl.