Giants HC Brian Daboll reveals key detail about New York’s offense ahead of Week 1 showdown vs. Washington Commanders
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll finally revealed who would be calling plays this season ahead of their Week 1 game against the Washington Commanders.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll finally revealed who would be the playcaller for the offense this season.
Per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan, offensive coordinator Mike Kafka will take back his play-calling duties after Daboll held the role in 2024. Additionally, Daboll was incredibly complimentary of Kafka, saying he has confidence in his abilities.
Giants OC Mike Kafka to call plays
There was a collection of offensive uncertainties for the Giants heading into this season. From the availability of certain players to quarterback ordering, several issues need answers before they kick off their 2025 season against the Washington Commanders.
One looming question was whether Mike Kafka would revert to being the offensive playcaller after he relinquished the role to Daboll. Kafka and Daboll have both been regarded as brilliant offensive minds, but the Giants’ offense has yet to carry its weight.
In 2024, with Daboll as the playcaller, the Giants were 30th in total yards per game and 31st in points per game. In 2023, with Kafka at the helm, the Giants were 29th in yards per game and 30th in points per game. 2022 was Kafka’s strongest year, finishing 18th in yards per game and 16th in points per game.
This will be the first season Daniel Jones will not lead the offense, so there is optimism for the team improving with Russell Wilson or Jaxson Dart.
When asked about what earning the role back meant to him, Kafka provided a team-first answer.
“I haven’t really had a whole bunch of time to think about that. I’ve just been thinking about the
players, thinking about the guys and how we can make them great, thinking about our coaches and the coaching staff and how I can help them and be a servant to them, how we can make this organization better and how I can make our offense better.”
At times, there can be power struggles in coaching rooms, especially when teams are struggling. It is encouraging to hear from Kafka that his priority is helping the team perform at its best.
Kafka discusses Jaxson Dart’s readiness
When speaking to the media on Thursday, Kafka also shared insight into how ready he feels Dart is to play.
“I think he’s right on schedule. I think we’re right where we’re supposed to be in terms of the game plan and tomorrow. Today is the most important day. Tomorrow is another big day. That prep will continue to go all the way up until game time.”
It was announced earlier this week in the Giants’ first unofficial depth chart of the 2025 season that the rookie Dart would be the team’s backup quarterback. It was speculated that the decision to place him ahead of the veteran Jameis Winston was an indication that the team trusted Dart to play in a pinch.
Kafka wasn’t overly revealing when addressing where Dart was standing in his development. But his statement of being on schedule is another green flag for the rookie being ready to make an impact this season.
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