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Last week the NFL announced that Week 14’s Cowboys and Giants game would be bumped back in time, a rarity for America’s Team, to the under-the-rug 1 PM ET slot.
This is largely in part due to the level of playoff interest that could be surrounding both teams. Things might be a little different now, though. Dallas has new life, and New York has new... well, everything.
#Giants have informed coach Ben McAdoo that he’s been relieved of his duties as coach. Less than a year after making the playoffs. Unreal
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2017
An interim head coach has appeared in the Cowboys and Giants rivalry before, coincidentally during the game in New York. Amazingly, this phenomenon was only eight years ago when Jason Garrett made his Dallas Cowboys debut.
November 14th, 2010. That was the last time the Cowboys/Giants game in New York featured an interim Head Coach. It was Jason Garrett's debut, and Dallas won 33-20.
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) December 4, 2017
Putting it as kindly as possible, the New York Giants are a total disaster right now.
Obviously as Cowboys fans, demise at the expense of the G-Men isn’t exactly one that we’re opposed to, but this is next-level dumpster fire sort of stuff.
Last week the Giants, and the now-departed Ben McAdoo, announced to much vitriol that they would be benching longtime starter Eli Manning, Manning’s first non-start in 210 consecutive games.
McAdoo wasn’t the only up-top official within the Giants to get the axe, either. General Manager Jerry Reese has also reportedly been fired.
The #Giants are also firing GM Jerry Reese, per @AKinkhabwala. A housecleaning.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2017
The Giants are clearly bracing themselves for a massive rebuild. This could have implications that help the Cowboys far beyond whatever the rest of the 2017 season holds. Remember that Odell Beckham Jr. is still waiting for a long-term deal, and signing one with a team starting over is never an enticing thing.
It’s worth noting that the Giants could shift things around and try to save as much face as possible at this point, especially within their own building. This of course would include asking Eli Manning to start once more, and Eli is a much bigger threat than any other Giants QB.
My understanding is that this is coming. Don’t be surprised if Eli Manning is back under center. https://t.co/pALz7uHfVk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 4, 2017
Just like the Cowboys did in 2010 for Jason Garrett, the Giants could rally around a cause in Eli Manning and play with a lot of emotion. This game may appear easy on paper, but consider the likely heart-on-their-sleeves disposition New York could bring, it likely won’t be easy.
Steve Spagnuolo to take over as Giants interim coach, Kevin Abrams as interim G.M. https://t.co/DnQQwTuJZ2
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 4, 2017
Dallas and New York kick off this Sunday at pm CT. Good job bumping out of it, NFL. Enjoy the Seattle Seahawks and Jacksonville Jaguars instead of Eli Manning returning to save the New York Giants against the Dallas Cowboys.