Solak's Week 10 lessons: What now for Brian Daboll, plus the splitting of the 2024 quarterback class
Ben Solak sizes up Daboll's legacy and post-Giants prospects, the 2024 first-round QBs, trades that weren't made and Week 10 trends to watch.
- Sports

Ben Solak sizes up Daboll's legacy and post-Giants prospects, the 2024 first-round QBs, trades that weren't made and Week 10 trends to watch.

The conclusion of Week 10 in the NFL season brought a range of events that garnered attention. Notable occurrences included unexpected outcomes in Miami and Carolina, strong showings by Seattle and Detroit, and tightly contested games in Chicago and Houston. The New York Giants made an organizational decision to part ways with head coach Brian Daboll after 61 games. During Daboll's tenure, the Giants began the season with a 2-8 record for the third year in a row, resulting in an overall record of 20-40-1, which translates to a win percentage of 32.7%. This prompted the team to consider a new direction. Interestingly, Joe Schoen, the general manager who was hired alongside Daboll, remains in his position and will lead the search for a new head coach.
In other NFL news, attention is turning toward the 2024 quarterback draft class, which has been a topic of interest for some time. As the draft approaches, USC's Caleb Williams is anticipated to be a top pick, potentially by the Chicago Bears. LSU's Jayden Daniels and North Carolina's Drake Maye are also expected to be highly sought after. Michigan's J.J. McCarthy, along with Michael Penix Jr. and Bo Nix, are generating interest, with varying opinions on their draft prospects.
The draft landscape shifted when the Atlanta Falcons selected Penix as the fourth quarterback off the board, despite having recently signed Kirk Cousins to a substantial contract. Following this, McCarthy was picked by the Vikings, and the Denver Broncos chose Nix, marking a record for the earliest selection of a sixth quarterback in the draft.
As the current season progresses, these quarterbacks are encountering challenges. McCarthy, in particular, has had a difficult sophomore year, though his limited experience provides some context for his performance. Penix has faced difficulties, especially in games where he has been under pressure, which has affected his completion rates and decision-making. Nix has been part of a successful Broncos team but has displayed inconsistency, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Looking at the broader NFL landscape, several teams made strategic decisions at the trade deadline. The Buffalo Bills explored trades but ultimately did not make significant moves. The Miami Dolphins, following a victory, retained key players despite being out of playoff contention. The New England Patriots and New York Jets also made notable decisions, with the Jets opting to keep Breece Hall, who played a key role in their recent win.
In New York, the departure of Brian Daboll as head coach of the Giants has sparked discussions about his future. Despite the team's struggles, Daboll's offensive strategies have shown potential. His ability to adapt and develop players could make him a valuable asset as an offensive coordinator elsewhere.
As Week 10 concludes, the NFL landscape continues to evolve, with teams assessing their strategies and personnel decisions. The focus remains on the upcoming draft and the potential impact of emerging quarterback talents, as well as the ongoing developments within teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Who is the best fit for New York with Daboll out? What effect will this have on the locker room?