Brian Daboll vs. Mike Kafka: Who Should Call Plays for the New York Giants?

The Play-Calling Dilemma in New York

The New York Giants find themselves at a crossroads regarding their offensive play-calling duties. Recent reports from the New York Post suggest that head coach Brian Daboll might be considering handing play-calling responsibilities back to offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. This potential shift has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, raising questions about the team's offensive strategy and leadership moving forward.

A History of Play-Calling Musical Chairs

Since Brian Daboll took over as head coach of the New York Giants, the play-calling duties have been anything but consistent. Here's a brief timeline of the play-calling situation:

• 2022: Mike Kafka was the official play-caller
• 2023: Play-calling duties shifted multiple times between Kafka, Daboll, and even Shea Tierney
• 2024: Daboll announced he would be the primary play-caller

This constant back-and-forth has left many wondering about the stability of the Giants' offensive strategy and the impact it may have on the team's performance.

The Case for Brian Daboll

Brian Daboll was hired as the Giants' head coach primarily due to his offensive expertise and his success in developing Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. His ability to transform the Bills' offense from one of the worst in the NFL to one of the best was a key factor in his hiring. With this in mind, many argue that Daboll should retain play-calling duties for several reasons:

1. Offensive Expertise: Daboll's track record with the Bills showcases his ability to design and call effective offensive plays.

2. Quarterback Development: With the potential of drafting a new quarterback, Daboll's experience in developing Josh Allen could be crucial.

3. Consistency: Keeping play-calling duties with the head coach could provide more stability for the offense.

4. Accountability: As the head coach, Daboll would have direct control over the offense's performance.

The Argument for Mike Kafka

Despite Daboll's credentials, there are compelling reasons why Mike Kafka should be considered for the play-calling role:

1. Previous Success: Under Kafka's play-calling in 2022, the Giants reached the playoffs and won a game against the Minnesota Vikings.

2. Offensive Improvement: In 2022, with Kafka calling plays, the Giants ranked 15th in points per game and 4th in rushing yards per game.

3. Focus on Team Management: Allowing Kafka to call plays could free up Daboll to manage the entire team more effectively.

4. Fresh Perspective: Kafka's background with the Kansas City Chiefs and experience as a former NFL quarterback could bring valuable insights to the offense.

Offensive Performance Under Different Play-Callers

To better understand the impact of play-calling on the Giants' offense, let's look at the team's performance statistics under different scenarios:

2022 (Mike Kafka as primary play-caller)

• 15th in points per game
• 26th in passing yards per game
• 4th in rushing yards per game

2023 (Mixed play-calling)

• 30th in points per game
• 31st in passing yards per game
• 16th in rushing yards per game

2024 (Brian Daboll as primary play-caller)

• 31st in points per game
• 28th in passing yards per game
• 23rd in rushing yards per game

These statistics suggest that the offense performed better when Kafka was the primary play-caller in 2022. However, it's important to note that many factors contribute to offensive performance, including player personnel, injuries, and overall team strategy.

The Bigger Picture: Organizational Dynamics

The play-calling situation is part of a larger narrative surrounding the Giants' organizational structure and decision-making process. Some key points to consider:

1. Ownership Influence: Co-owner John Mara has publicly suggested that Daboll should consider giving up play-calling duties, which may be influencing the current discussions.

2. Team Management: There's a sentiment within the organization that Daboll could better manage the entire team if he's not focused on play-calling.

3. Kafka's Role: Mike Kafka's position within the organization has been fluid, with his responsibilities changing and even having interviews for other jobs blocked.

4. Long-term Strategy: The decision on play-calling could have significant implications for the team's future, especially if they draft a new quarterback.

League-wide Context

It's worth noting that many successful NFL head coaches call their own plays. In fact, 13 head coaches are expected to call plays in the 2025 season, including notable names like Kyle Shanahan, Andy Reid, and Sean McVay. This trend suggests that having the head coach as the play-caller can be a successful model when executed properly.

The Mike Kafka Factor: Potential Departure

Complicating matters further is the possibility that Mike Kafka could leave the Giants for a head coaching position. He has been interviewed for the New Orleans Saints head coaching job, and if he were to be hired, it would significantly impact the Giants' offensive strategy moving forward.

If Kafka does leave for a head coaching position, the Giants would receive two third-round compensatory picks due to the Rooney Rule, as Kafka qualifies as a minority candidate. This potential benefit adds another layer to the decision-making process for the Giants' front office.

Making the Right Call

Ultimately, the decision on who should call plays for the New York Giants in 2025 and beyond will have significant implications for the team's future. Both Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka have their strengths and weaknesses as play-callers, and the choice between them is not a simple one.

Factors to consider in making this decision include:

1. Offensive Philosophy: Whose offensive system best fits the Giants' personnel and long-term goals?

2. Quarterback Development: If the Giants draft a new quarterback, who is best suited to develop and maximize their potential?

3. Team Dynamics: How will the play-calling decision impact the overall team structure and chemistry?

4. Future Considerations: How does this decision affect the Giants' ability to retain or attract coaching talent in the future?

5. Flexibility: Is there a way to create a collaborative play-calling system that leverages the strengths of both Daboll and Kafka?

Conclusion

The New York Giants face a critical decision regarding their offensive play-calling duties. While Brian Daboll was hired for his offensive acumen, the team's performance under his play-calling has been disappointing. On the other hand, Mike Kafka showed promise in 2022 but has since had a diminished role.

The ideal solution may lie in finding a balance that allows both Daboll and Kafka to contribute their strengths to the offense. This could involve a collaborative approach to game planning and play-calling, with clear roles and responsibilities defined for each.

Ultimately, the Giants must prioritize creating an offensive system that is consistent, effective, and capable of developing young talent, particularly if they invest in a new quarterback. Whether that system is led by Daboll, Kafka, or a combination of both, the focus should be on putting the team in the best position to succeed in 2025 and beyond.

As the offseason progresses, Giants fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds. The decision on play-calling duties could very well be the key to unlocking the Giants' offensive potential and returning the team to playoff contention.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdTV_Pd78I0