What Is 2019 New York Giants football team

Overview

The 2019 New York Giants season marked the franchise's 95th in the National Football League (NFL) and the second under head coach Pat Shurmur. The team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 4-12 record, placing last in the NFC East division.

Despite high hopes following the offseason draft of rookie quarterback Daniel Jones, the Giants failed to improve on their 5-11 2018 record. Shurmur was fired at the end of the season, and general manager Dave Gettleman remained under scrutiny for roster decisions.

• Drafted Daniel Jones 6th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, signaling a shift from longtime starter Eli Manning, who retired after the season.
• Started the season 0-5, losing key games to the Cowboys, Redskins, and Patriots, which set a negative tone early in the campaign.
• Played home games at MetLife Stadium, sharing the venue with the New York Jets, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
• Eli Manning started the first two games before being benched in favor of Jones, ending Manning’s 16-year tenure as the team’s primary quarterback.
• Defensive struggles were evident, as the unit allowed an average of 27.4 points per game, ranking 27th in the league in points allowed.

Season Performance Breakdown

The 2019 campaign was defined by transition, injury, and underperformance across multiple units. While the front office aimed for long-term growth, on-field results did not reflect progress.

• Week 1 loss to the Cowboys (35-17) exposed offensive inefficiencies, as the Giants managed only 17 points despite strong rushing efforts.
• Daniel Jones made his debut in Week 3 against the Buccaneers, throwing for 336 yards and two touchdowns in a surprising 32-31 comeback win.
• Only four wins all season, with victories against the Buccaneers, Jets, Redskins (twice), and Eagles in Week 17 when Philly rested starters.
• Saquon Barkley rushed for 1,000 yards despite missing two games, finishing with 1,003 yards and three touchdowns on 201 carries.
• Special teams were inconsistent, with kicker Aldrick Rosas missing 8 field goals and converting just 76% of attempts (19 of 25).
• Defensive turnover issues plagued the team, as the Giants recorded only 15 takeaways, ranking 28th in the NFL for turnover differential (-10).

Comparison at a Glance

How the 2019 Giants compared to the previous season across key performance metrics:

The table shows marginal offensive improvement but a decline in overall competitiveness. The team scored slightly more per game but allowed more points and generated fewer turnovers, indicating a weakening defense. The drop in win total from 2018 to 2019 signaled regression despite the rookie quarterback’s emergence.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a pivotal moment in franchise history, marking the end of the Eli Manning era and the beginning of a rebuild around Daniel Jones. The Giants’ performance underscored deeper organizational challenges in coaching, talent development, and strategic planning.

• Pat Shurmur was fired on December 30, 2019, ending his two-year tenure with a 9-23 record, the worst among active head coaches at the time.
• Daniel Jones showed flashes of potential, throwing for 3,027 yards and 24 touchdowns, but also 12 interceptions, highlighting growing pains.
• The offensive line remained a weak point, allowing 46 sacks—the fifth-most in the league—hampering both Jones and Barkley.
• MetLife Stadium attendance dipped, averaging 75,000 fans per game, reflecting fan disillusionment with the team’s performance.
• The draft strategy drew criticism, as selecting Jones over other top prospects like Quinnen Williams raised questions about long-term vision.
• Set the stage for Joe Judge’s hiring as head coach in January 2020, beginning a new chapter focused on culture and discipline.

Ultimately, the 2019 season served as a transitional year, closing one era and launching another with uncertain outcomes. While disappointing, it provided critical lessons for future roster and coaching decisions.