Brian Daboll seems prepared to return play calling responsibilities to Mike Kafka for the Giants.

Wilson Reflects on Coaching with Daboll

Russell Wilson recently shared his thoughts on his new head coach, Brian Daboll, and their journey of learning a new offensive system together this summer.

“Daboll has a beautiful heart and a unique perspective on the game,” Wilson expressed after practice on Wednesday.

Interestingly, it seems Daboll is planning to hand back the play-calling responsibilities to Mike Kafka, the former offensive coordinator. Kafka had faced challenges last season, so it’s notable that Daboll would consider such a shift.

This summer, Daboll has kept his focus on Kafka’s play-calling duties. It wouldn’t quite add up for Daboll to take on those responsibilities again, especially entering his fourth year with the Giants.

“I believe Kafka has an equally great heart,” Wilson added.

The Giants could use every ounce of positivity available as they seek a more competent offense. Since Daboll’s arrival in 2022, he and general manager Joe Shane decided that Kafka would take the lead on calls.

The previous season was marked by a cautious offense, heavily relying on Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones, averaging 21.5 points—decent but not impressive. The situation deteriorated when Jones suffered a torn ACL and the team’s scoring plummeted to 15.6 points per game late in the season under Kafka’s call.

Now, there hasn’t been any formal announcement yet regarding who will handle the play-calling for the upcoming season, but indications suggest Kafka will remain in that role.

This arrangement seems to suit the front office just fine. Shane likely believes that letting the head coach focus on other areas, rather than solely on the plays, is the best approach.

Reflecting on last year, Daboll acknowledged, “I let Kafka handle the calls. I was involved with scripting and such. He did a commendable job. We all collaborated, but I’m still active across the board, and I plan to keep it that way.”

Kafka, who’s 38, finds himself at an interesting crossroads in his career. He’s had head coaching offers since the 2022 season and continues to attract interest. Now, he has an experienced NFL quarterback in Wilson as he leads the offense.

“We’ve maintained an open line of communication, and I’ve shared my preferences with him,” Kafka mentioned.

Wilson, known for being a vocal leader, also ensures that those around him know their roles clearly. Meanwhile, Kafka, with his experience as a quarterback, brings a unique perspective that resonates well with the team’s dynamics.

“Kafka sees the game through the eyes of a quarterback, which is invaluable,” Wilson remarked, noting the productive collaboration they’ve had.

In comparison, Daboll was more aggressive in his play calls, while Kafka may adopt a more measured approach, potentially with a focus on Wilson’s ability to make deep passes. Given that Kafka learned under Andy Reid, he’s well-equipped to maximize the offense’s potential if they can maintain stability along the line.

As the season approaches, both players and coaches seem to be adjusting and optimizing their strategies. It might just be the right mix this time around.