Bulls coach Brian Daboll doesn’t feel he’s running out of a locker room despite the players complaining about the lack of effort

If you hear a top player say the team played “soft as f—” after another loss, the head coach will be asked if he still has the power to control the locker room.

That’s what happened to Brian Daboll on Monday morning following the New York Giants’ 30-7 home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Rookie receiver Malik Nabers, frustrated that he didn’t see a single target on freshman quarterback Tommy DeVito in the first half, wasn’t specific about his team’s postgame evaluations, which Daboll said led to the discussions.

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“Leek and I talked last night. We talked this morning. He is a very competitive person,” Daboll told the media. “Also, he wants to put the ball in his hands, and I’ve got to do a better job of putting the ball in his hands early. He’s a smart young guy and very competitive. When you lose like that, it’s frustrating, but we had good communication like we always have.”

Daboll added that he would keep what was said in-house, but Nabers wasn’t the only one who felt the team lacked effort in the first game after Daniel Jones was released.

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Team captain Dexter Lawrence, who has been vocal about Jones’ condition, also said the team was playing “soft” on Sunday, while offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemnor said, “I personally don’t think everybody is giving 100%.”

With a 2-9 record now and the organization nearly making the season with the release of Jones, who many believed was the best player on their roster despite his struggles, it’s difficult to rally the troops to finish the year strong.

But Daboll continues to say he believes in the process and culture he and the coaching staff have in the locker room.

Malik Nabers on the bench during the Giants’ 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at MetLife Stadium. (MAGN)

“I believe in what we are doing. It is clear that the results have not yet shown themselves,” said Daboll. “I believe in people, and we will continue to work as hard as possible, but of course you think about the things you need to change, whether it’s the games – whatever it might be. You always think about what you can do better. , and obviously there are things you can do better.

“I feel good about our communication with the players, with the coaches. Of course I’m not happy with the results, but I expect a lot from these guys, and they should expect a lot from me. Again, there is a good communication process, but when you lose like that, it’s a frustrating thing.”

Daboll, does not want his players to talk about their frustration in public, but as he said, he respects their opinions on this issue.

It’s tough for the Giants, though, because there are still six games left on the schedule, including a quick turnaround against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving this week. The players are frustrated with the results, and losing six straight games is exhausting in the locker room no matter the game.

New York Giants coach Brian Daboll looks on before the game at MetLife Stadium. (Photos by Vincent Carchietta-Imagn)

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But in the NFL, finishing strong is important for players who want to stay on the team, or get a new contract. For coaches, finishing strong can be the difference between another year leading the team, or looking for a new job next season.

That’s real bad luck for Daboll and other players in the locker room who find themselves among those games left on the schedule.

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