Giants Play Calling Shift: Mike Kafka Takes Reins in OTAs

The New York Giants' Offensive Strategy Shift

The New York Giants are potentially undergoing a significant change in their offensive strategy as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. Recent observations from the team's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) suggest that offensive coordinator Mike Kafka may be taking over play-calling duties from head coach Brian Daboll. This development has sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the team's direction and the potential impact on their performance in the upcoming season.

Mike Kafka's Increased Role in OTAs

During the Giants' recent OTA sessions, several key observations have been made regarding the team's offensive play-calling:

• Mike Kafka has been seen radioing in plays to the quarterbacks
• This marks a departure from last year when Brian Daboll handled play-calling duties during OTAs
• The change was first noticed during rookie minicamp and has continued into the full team OTAs

Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported on this development, stating:

"Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka looks to be radioing in the offensive plays today at the Giants' second OTA practice, which was the first one that was open to the media."

Leonard further elaborated:

"Kafka called the offensive plays during the Giants' first open practice of the spring on Wednesday, while head coach Brian Daboll oversaw the team and spent targeted time with rookie quarterback Jackson Dart."

Historical Context of Giants' Play-Calling

To understand the significance of this potential change, it's important to review the recent history of the Giants' offensive play-calling:

• 2022 season: Mike Kafka was the primary play-caller
• 2023 season: A mix of Kafka, Daboll, and even Shea Tierney calling plays at different points
• 2024 season: Brian Daboll took over play-calling duties

This inconsistency in play-calling responsibilities has been a point of discussion among Giants fans and media, with many questioning the impact on the team's offensive performance.

Ownership's Influence on Play-Calling Decision

The potential shift in play-calling duties may not be solely a coaching decision. Giants co-owner John Mara has reportedly expressed his thoughts on the matter. According to reports, Mara suggested to Daboll that he consider whether it's in his best interest to continue calling plays or if it would be better to delegate that responsibility.

This intervention from ownership adds another layer of complexity to the situation and raises questions about the decision-making process within the organization.

Brian Daboll's Statements on Play-Calling

Despite the observations from OTAs, Brian Daboll has not officially announced a change in play-calling duties. In fact, he has made several statements that leave the situation open to interpretation:

• In April, Daboll stated that no decision would be made on play-calling until the preseason
• He expressed confidence in the coaching staff, including Mike Kafka
• Daboll mentioned that both he and Kafka would be seen with the play-calling equipment during the offseason

Daboll's exact words were:

"Look, I have confidence in our staff. I have confidence in assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. I have confidence in the offensive guys. What changes will be made? I'm going to go through the offseason and OTAs."

He also added:

"You're going to see - I know last year you saw me with the microphone, holding it, the walkie-talkie - you'll see Mike with the microphone at times. This year we will go through that whole process leading to the preseason games and see where we are."

Analyzing the Potential Impact

If Mike Kafka does indeed take over play-calling duties for the 2025 season, it could have significant implications for the Giants' offense:

Potential Benefits:

1. Improved Red Zone Efficiency: Under Kafka's play-calling in 2022, the Giants had their best red zone touchdown rate.

2. Better Third Down Conversions: The team's third-down conversion rate was highest with Kafka calling plays.

3. Increased Fourth Down Success: Kafka's play-calling led to the Giants' best fourth-down conversion rate.

4. Enhanced Two-Point Conversion Rate: The team's success on two-point conversions peaked under Kafka's guidance.

Potential Drawbacks:

1. Underutilization of Daboll's Strengths: Daboll was hired largely based on his play-calling prowess with the Buffalo Bills.

2. Consistency Concerns: Frequent changes in play-calling responsibilities could lead to inconsistency in offensive strategy and execution.

3. Player Adaptation: The offense may need time to readjust to Kafka's play-calling style after a season under Daboll's system.

Comparing Play-Calling Approaches

To better understand the potential impact of this change, let's compare the offensive performance under both Daboll and Kafka:

Mike Kafka (2022)

• Led to Daniel Jones' career year
• Resulted in a playoff win
• Showed creativity in utilizing the team's offensive weapons

Brian Daboll (2024)

• Offense struggled to find consistency
• Red zone efficiency dropped significantly
• Overall offensive production decreased compared to 2022

It's worth noting that various factors, including personnel changes and injuries, can influence these statistics. However, the contrast in performance is notable and may be influencing the decision-making process.

The Bigger Picture: Daboll's Role as Head Coach

If Brian Daboll does indeed hand over play-calling duties to Mike Kafka, it raises questions about his overall role as head coach. Some areas where Daboll would need to excel to justify this change include:

1. Game Management: Improving clock management, challenge decisions, and overall in-game strategy.

2. Defensive Involvement: Taking a more active role in defensive game planning and adjustments.

3. Team Culture: Focusing on building a winning culture and fostering player development across all positions.

4. Quarterback Development: Dedicating more time to working directly with the team's quarterbacks, especially rookie Jackson Dart.

5. Overall Team Strategy: Taking a more holistic approach to team management and long-term planning.

The success of this potential change will largely depend on Daboll's ability to elevate his performance in these areas while allowing Kafka to manage the offense.

League-wide Trends in Play-Calling

It's worth considering how this potential change aligns with trends across the NFL. Many successful offensive-minded head coaches continue to call plays, including:

• Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers)
• Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams)
• Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs)
• Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers)
• Sean Payton (Denver Broncos)

However, there are also examples of head coaches who have successfully delegated play-calling duties to focus on other aspects of team management. The Giants will need to determine which model works best for their organization and personnel.

Fan and Media Reactions

The potential change in play-calling duties has generated significant discussion among Giants fans and media members. Opinions are divided, with some supporting the move to Kafka and others preferring Daboll to retain control of the offense.

Common arguments in favor of Kafka calling plays include:

• His success in 2022
• The potential for Daboll to focus on overall team improvement
• The need for a fresh approach after a disappointing 2024 season

Arguments for Daboll retaining play-calling duties often cite:

• His track record of success with the Buffalo Bills
• The belief that play-calling is his strongest asset as a coach
• Concerns about further inconsistency if another change is made

Looking Ahead: What to Watch For

As the Giants continue their offseason program and move towards training camp and preseason, there are several key things to monitor regarding the play-calling situation:

1. Official Announcements: Keep an eye out for any official statements from the team regarding play-calling duties.

2. Preseason Games: Observe who is calling plays during preseason games, as this may provide the clearest indication of the regular season plan.

3. Player Comments: Listen for any comments from players, especially quarterbacks, about the offensive system and play-calling.

4. Offensive Installation: Watch for any noticeable changes in offensive schemes or tendencies during training camp and preseason.

5. Daboll's Focus: Observe how Brian Daboll allocates his time and attention during practices and games.

Conclusion

The potential shift in play-calling duties from Brian Daboll to Mike Kafka represents a significant development for the New York Giants as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season. While the change is not yet official, the observations from OTAs suggest that the team is seriously considering this move.

Ultimately, the success of this decision will be judged by the team's performance on the field. Giants fans will be eagerly watching to see how this situation unfolds and hoping that whatever decision is made leads to improved offensive production and more wins in the upcoming season.

As the offseason progresses, it will be crucial for the Giants to establish clarity in their offensive leadership and ensure that all coaches and players are aligned in their approach. Whether it's Daboll or Kafka calling the plays, the goal remains the same: to build a consistently competitive team that can contend for championships in the years to come.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-fHh4a9Lgk