Stephen A. Smith Tears Into Giants GM Joe Schoen for Team’s Decline: ‘They’ve Been Awful

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back during Thursday’s edition of First Take, where he launched a passionate tirade against New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen, calling out the team’s decline since their Super Bowl win in 2011. The Giants, once a proud franchise in the NFL, have struggled to regain their former glory, with only two playoff appearances in the past 13 years—one in 2016 and another in 2022.

Smith’s frustration boiled over as he dissected the Giants’ management and specifically Schoen’s tenure. The renowned sports commentator criticized the direction the franchise has taken under Schoen’s leadership, pointing to what he perceives as mismanagement and a failure to capitalize on the team’s potential. According to Smith, the Giants’ recent history has been marked by missed opportunities and a series of mistakes that have ultimately hindered the team’s success.

The Decline Since the Super Bowl

Stephen A. Smith began by reflecting on the Giants’ Super Bowl victory in 2011, noting that the team’s success seemed like it could propel them back into the NFL’s elite ranks. However, the reality has been quite the opposite. In the 13 years since that championship win, the Giants have only made it to the playoffs twice—once in 2016 and then again in 2022.

“Since the Giants won the Super Bowl in 2011, they have been to the playoffs twice in the last 13, 14 years,” Smith said. “That’s it. They have been awful.” His words resonated with many Giants fans who have endured years of disappointment and mediocrity.

Despite having had several high draft picks and significant talent at their disposal, the Giants have struggled to find sustained success. Smith’s criticism highlights a growing frustration with how the organization has failed to build on their past success, resulting in a team that has been unable to consistently compete for championships or even make it to the postseason.

Joe Schoen Under Fire

Smith’s main target was Joe Schoen, who has served as the Giants’ general manager since 2022. Schoen’s appointment came with high expectations as a fresh voice capable of revitalizing a team in desperate need of direction. However, Smith argued that Schoen has yet to live up to those expectations, especially when it comes to handling key personnel decisions.

One particular decision that Smith took issue with was Schoen’s handling of running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley, one of the team’s brightest stars, is widely regarded as the best player on the roster. Despite Barkley’s talent, Smith contended that Schoen’s management of the situation has been mishandled, particularly after an incident where Schoen appeared dismissive and disrespectful toward Barkley in front of cameras.

Smith didn’t hold back in his criticism, calling Schoen’s actions as “wearing diapers” in his role. “You’ve got a GM who’s wearing diapers in his position,” Smith remarked. “He just got there, and what does he do? What is he known for? It’s not losing Saquon Barkley. Mistakes happen. Nobody’s flawless. But how do you go, with the cameras rolling, and be all dismissive and disrespectful to clearly your best player?”

The moment in question reportedly occurred during a public meeting where Schoen appeared indifferent to Barkley’s situation, a move that many fans and analysts felt was a bad look for the GM, especially considering Barkley’s importance to the team. While the Giants were engaged in contract negotiations with the star running back, the public display of dismissiveness raised concerns about the team’s relationship with one of its top assets.

The Importance of Saquon Barkley

Barkley’s role in the Giants’ success is undeniable. When healthy, he is one of the most explosive and dynamic players in the NFL, capable of changing the course of a game with a single play. Over the years, Barkley has dealt with a number of injuries that have affected his availability and performance, but when he is on the field, he is a game-changer.

For the Giants, Barkley is more than just a running back; he is a symbol of the team’s hope for a brighter future. The fact that Schoen appeared to handle Barkley’s situation with such disregard frustrated fans, who felt that the GM was not showing the necessary respect for the player who has been one of the team’s few bright spots in recent years.

Smith’s comments about Schoen’s treatment of Barkley reflect broader concerns regarding the management of the Giants. Many feel that the team’s decision-makers have failed to nurture its most talented players, instead focusing on the wrong priorities, which has led to the franchise’s long period of mediocrity.

What Needs to Change?

For the New York Giants to get back on track, several things need to change. First and foremost, the franchise needs stable leadership that can make long-term decisions to build a competitive team. The front office, including Joe Schoen, will have to make strategic choices that prioritize the development of talent, create a cohesive roster, and manage relationships within the team, particularly with key players like Saquon Barkley.

The team also needs to focus on improving the offensive line, quarterback position, and overall depth. While the defense has shown signs of improvement under head coach Brian Daboll, the Giants’ offense has been inconsistent at best. A strong, consistent offense will be critical for the team to make a return to playoff contention.

A Bigger Problem for the Giants

Beyond Schoen’s specific actions, Smith’s broader criticism points to a larger problem for the Giants—organizational dysfunction. For years, the team has been in flux, with inconsistent coaching hires, poor draft decisions, and an inability to build around their star players. While the team showed signs of promise with a playoff appearance in 2022, there is still much work to be done to ensure that this is not just a one-off but the beginning of sustained success.

The Giants’ history is filled with highs and lows, from their Super Bowl victories to long stretches of mediocrity. The frustration of fans and analysts like Stephen A. Smith is palpable, as many have watched the team struggle to regain the competitive edge they once had. The question now is whether Joe Schoen can make the necessary adjustments to put the team back in a position to contend, or if his tenure will continue to be marked by mistakes and missed opportunities.

: Can Joe Schoen Turn It Around?

Stephen A. Smith’s scathing remarks about Joe Schoen and the New York Giants shed light on the frustration that many fans and analysts feel about the team’s direction. The Giants’ inability to build upon their 2011 Super Bowl victory and their long drought in playoff appearances has been a source of disappointment for their loyal fanbase.

Schoen’s handling of the Saquon Barkley situation, along with the team’s overall lack of success in recent years, has put his tenure in the spotlight. For the Giants to get back to being a competitive force in the NFL, the front office will need to make bold moves, and it’s clear that the pressure is on Schoen to prove he can be the leader this team needs.

The road ahead for the Giants is filled with challenges, but with the right decisions and a shift in culture, the franchise can once again become a contender in the NFC. Whether or not Joe Schoen can navigate these challenges will ultimately determine the future of the team. For now, Stephen A. Smith’s comments echo the sentiments of many Giants fans, who are desperate for change and for their team to return to prominence.