Brian Daboll ‘done with’ talking about Wink Martindale situation, but not with the jokes

Head coach addresses media as Giants begin their bye week

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll addressed the media before his counterpart Joe Schoen’s bye-week press conference on Monday afternoon. The media session was interesting and involved insight into Tommy DeVito’s field vision, the availability of currently injured players, and the Jay Glazer report about Daboll’s ostensible fractured relationship with defensive coordinator Wink Martindale.

Glazer is a well-respected individual who is well-connected, and for the second consecutive day, Daboll downplayed the possible friction with Martindale and made a food-oriented joke:

Whether it’s donuts or pizza, something seems odd, especially with the report coming from the guy who broke the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. When asked to elaborate, Daboll said simply “I’m done with that.”

Is this an erroneous story? Was it a plant by the Giants organization to sus out a mole like The Departed? Maybe time will tell, maybe not, I don’t know.

The one aspect Daboll addressed before he became terse was the competitive nature of the industry. That, perhaps, could insinuate Daboll’s fieryy sideline personality, which may, or may not, mesh well with the calm nature of Daboll; but again, I’m not sure. I’ll say this, though, some Giants players were surprised by the story.

Adoree’ Jackson said he was shocked by the report before he praised Martindale as a coach and teacher. This story is not over, but a welcomed bye week may and curt responses from Daboll may temporarily quell questions from the media.

Tommy DeVito

It was great to hear Daboll talk about quarterback Tommy DeVito. Below is Daboll’s response about DeVito’s success as an undrafted quarterback, and the difficulty of developing that position:

“It’s an important position to try to develop. It’s a hard position. This guy, like I said, since OTAs he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do,” Daboll said. I thought he’s had two good mentors in there in terms of players. I think (quarterback coach) Shea (Tierney) does an excellent job with him, (offensive coordinator Mike) Kaf(ka) does a great job with him. Him and I meet once a week. We have since OTAs and discussed a lot of different things. I actually just met with him just now right before I came down here. So, he’s got the right mindset, a lot of work to do. He’s a young, young player, but he’s made some progress and he’s done a good job for us.”

A follow-up question about DeVito’s penchant to let it rip downfield was asked, and Daboll responded with this:

Hearing Daboll elaborate on DeVito’s ability to articulate what he sees is one of the many reasons I appreciate Daboll as a coach. He understands the quarterback position and understands how to develop the position.

Daboll also discussed the development and bright spots of other young players like Jalin Hyatt, Deonte Banks, Wan’Dale Robinson, and DeVito.

“It’s a long season. I think from – even guys like (inside linebacker) Micah (McFadden) and (outside linebacker Kayvon) Thibodeaux, that have played quite a bit of football for us.” Daboll said.

“That’s the objective is to get players in your system that you think have a good skillset, the right mindset and play them and get them to improve and those guys have done a good job. (Tight end Daniel) Bellinger, guys who have played behind. (Tight end Darren) Waller’s out, now Bellinger’s in, so those guys have got the right mindset. I think the coaches work hard with them; they work hard to improve but we still need them to keep improving.”

Injuries

Daboll did not have a ton of insight on the injured Giants and their availability for return. He said both Tyrod Taylor and Darren Waller are “getting better”, but he’s yet to discuss their availability post-bye with the training staff.

Daboll had a similar answer for Evan Neal. Daboll was asked if he is going to play again this season, and Daboll responded with:

“Do I know? Not for certain but I think he’s getting better so I’m hopeful.”