He might have been born in Waterloo, NY, but Tom Coughlin knows a little about what the California wildfires in late October might have felt like. No disrespect to the fine people of the Golden State, but Coughlin has known nothing but heat since taking over as head coach of the New York Giants.
Now he deserves the respect he has rightfully earned.
Three years ago when Coughlin came to town, the G-Men were a bumblin’, stumblin', fumblin’ batch of miscreants who couldn't get out of each other’s way. Since then the Giants have qualified for the NFL playoffs for the third consecutive time and seemed to have established a foundation for the future.
But soon after Coughlin took the reins, he ruffled a few feathers. Remember 10 minutes early or you’re late? Yeah, that bothered a few overpaid athletes.
Remember that tailback who couldn’t hang onto the ball? Coughlin stuck with him and taught him how handle the pigskin. Three years later that tailback gained the most yards from scrimmage.
What did Coughlin get in return? He was thrown under the bus, blamed for expediting the retirement of a smug athlete.
Remember when Coughlin made the decision to go with a rookie quarterback? He stayed with him through what seemed an endless barrage of botched snaps, bad reads, overthrown passes, and interceptions. Now that QB has a playoff win under his belt thanks to Coughlin's confidence in him.
Two weeks ago Coughlin’s Giants threw a scare into the New England Patriots' perfect season—one that even this long-time fan didn’t think was ever possible.
Coughlin then took his gang on the road to Tampa Bay and brought home a convincing 24-14 victory over the Buccaneers.
Hopefully the peanut gallery that’s been calling for Coughlin’s head the past two years will be quieted for now as he leads his team once again into the playoffs.
3 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
John Fennelly about 1 year ago
Good article, Paul. Tom is a stand-up guy that has had nothing but heartache since he took this job. He's handled it like a pro and with class. As a longtime Giant fan myself, I was not happy with him until this season, so I am one of the guilty ones.
As time has unfolded we have seen who and what the problems were. Eli has been inconsistent and no coach will be successful with a QB that cannot get the job done. He is doing everything he can to help Eli get to where he needs to be. Hopefully, it works.
Tiki Barber may have been one the greatest players in NYG history, but he was probably one of the more selfish players ever to walk these hallways. His criticisms were directed to hurt Tom, and they did just that. I do not miss him, and neither do most of his ex-teammates.
Michael Strahan and Jeremy Shockey also did not buy in to Coughlin's ways. But now they appear to have, albeit for different reasons. Strahan needs the money and needs New York. Shockey is threatened by the lack of his greatest suuporter (Wellington Mara) and the emergence of Kevin Boss.
Keep up the good work and good luck in Dallas
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Sean Crowe about 1 year ago
Coughlin's still a little too insane for my taste....but if he wins this weekend, he's earned my respect.
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Paul Gotham about 1 year ago
Insane yes - the Tom Coughlin face is second only to the Tommy Hill face.
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