New York Giants: Pat Shurmur’s job is hanging on by a string

It’s an abnormality for star running back Saquon Barkley to record one yard in an entire game. Barkley entered week 10 against the New York Jets averaging 5.0 yards per carry but finished the contest averaging just 0.1. The New York Giants subsequently fell to the Jets, 34-27, primarily on the back of the defense and their lack of ability.

However, the failure to utilize Barkley falls on head coach Pat Shurmur. Now, there were instances where Barkley shied away from his lead blocker and would plunge straight up the middle, but that’s no excuse for Shurmur, who has every right to pull Saquon in favor of Wayne Gallman. The Giants’ star back missed several blocks in pass protection as well, which attests to his lingering ankle injury.

Barkley’s high ankle sprain is undoubtedly still effecting his quality, and every inch of his one-total rushing yard on Sunday tells the story. Going into the BYE week, the Giants need to evaluate if it’s worth keeping Barkley on the field for the remainder of the season. Putting him on IR and ensuring he recovers fully for next season is a priority.

The bigger question:

Should the New York Giants fire Pat Shurmur?

Most believe Shurmur should have been on the hot seat weeks ago, but his relationship and mentoring of rookie quarterback, Daniel Jones, has kept him alive. If his focus weren’t on developing Jones, the loss to the Jets would have guaranteed his departure, but there’s a significant chance he remains the head coach of the Giants into next season.

One realization I have noticed is the lack of urgency from the Giants. Shurmur stressed this factor last week after the loss to the Cowboys, and once again, his team failed to grasp the message. While there is a lack of talent surrounding both sides of the ball, Big Blue has shown they can compete at times, but their lack of motivation and drive has plagued them in the fourth quarter of games.

Ultimately, the fourth quarter has been where the Giants falter, and Shurmur is undoubtedly accountable to a degree.