HBO is just three episodes deep in Hard Knocks: Offseason with the New York Giants, but we’ve already seen far more behind-the-scenes footage than most NFL teams would ever allow. From getting a chance to see the Giants play hardball with their best skill position player to coaches analyzing draft prospects, we feel like we’ve seen it all.
Fans love the access Hard Knocks is providing, but executives and other NFL personnel members can’t help but cringe when watching all the insight Giants GM Joe Schoen and Co. are revealing. Count former NFL GM Michael Lombardi as one of the biggest critics.
During a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Lombardi couldn’t hold back. He went off on the Giants’ process and how much access they’ve allowed thus far. Remember, the Giants have the final say over what gets aired and what gets cut from the episode.
“I can’t believe the access that we’ve gotten. I think it’s a tremendous show, but I can’t believe the access the Giants have allowed inside their building. For me, it’s a little bit of a difficult to watch, in the sense that the Giants are one of the most historic franchises that I’ve learned a lot from because of my relationship with (Bill) Belichick, my relationship with Bill Parcells and studying the National Football League. When I first started in 1984, the 49ers and the Giants had some similarities in terms of grading systems and all that.”
“What I find missing in terms of what I watch this show is there’s no identity for the Giants. There’s no systematic ‘This is who we are.’ And that started in 1979 when the great George Young came in and said basically, ‘We’re going to create a system of scouting that’s gonna put a team on the field that has great size and speed.’ I watch this show and I see a team that is basically every player is evaluated individually. So, they’re adding talent, not building a team. That’s my one concern.” – Michael Lombardi on New York Giants
We’ve had a lot of the same thoughts when watching the Hard Knocks series following the New York Giants. GM Joe Schoen has often miscalculated the free agency market, and even openly admitted to not having a good feel for what Saquon Barkley’s cost will be. In the end, the Giants lost their two-time Pro Bowl running back, and to a division rival nonetheless. That can’t make team owner John Mara very happy.
Related: Hard Knocks Part 1: Joe Schoen made a New York Giants-sized mistake
Related: Hard Knocks Episode 2: New York Giants thoroughly evaluated drafting Daniel Jones’ replacement
Related: Hard Knocks Episode 3: Joe Schoen ignored New York Giants owner’s desire to keep Saquon Barkley
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