Giants’ season is toast. Now it’s decision time: Are Daniel Jones, Joe Judge the right guys for this franchise? Maybe not

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants fumbles as he's hit by Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (45) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

James Bradberry (24) of the New York Giants and Matt Peart (74) of the New York Giants leave the field after the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge argues a non-call on a pass play that could have been pass interference during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Leonard Williams (99) of the New York Giants celebrates a sack of Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants walks off after shaking hands with Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams after the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Devontae Booker (28) of the New York Giants carries during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants fumbles as he's hit by Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (45) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

CJ Board (18) of the New York Giants returns a kickoff as Jamir Jones (45) of the Los Angeles Rams defends during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Devontae Booker (28) of the New York Giants carries as Jordan Fuller (4), Troy Reeder (51)and Taylor Rapp (24) of the Los Angeles Rams combine on the tackle during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants passes during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants passes during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants fumbles as he's hit by Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (45) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants holds his hand after he fumbled during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams passes as Lorenzo Carter (59) of the New York Giants rushes during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Leonard Williams (99) of the New York Giants celebrates a sack of Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants passes during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

CJ Board (18) of the New York Giants is carried off the field in a cart after a kickoff return during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Xavier McKinney (29) of the New York Giants breaks up a pass intended for Cooper Kupp (10) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Devontae Booker (28) of the New York Giants is tripped up after a short gain during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Tae Crowder (48) of the New York Giants trips Darrell Henderson (27) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Leonard Williams (99) and Dexter Lawrence II (97) of the New York Giants combine to sack Matthew Stafford (9) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

CJ Board (18) of the New York Giants returns a kickoff, but would be carried off the field in a cart after the play during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Matt Skura (67) and Billy Price (69) of the New York Giants block Greg Gaines (91) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Daniel Jones (8) of the New York Giants passes to Kyle Rudolph (80) during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Tae Crowder (48) of the New York Giants during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Nate Solder (76) of the New York Giants blocks Terrell Lewis (52) of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Riley Dixon (9) of the New York Giants punts during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Jabrill Peppers (21) of the New York Giants during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Center Billy Price (69) of the New York Giants during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Graham Gano (5) of the New York Giants kicks off during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Raymond Johnson III (91) of the New York Giants during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Oshane Ximines (53) of the New York Giants during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Jabrill Peppers (21) of the New York Giants returns a punt during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Leonard Williams (99) of the New York Giants battles with Joseph Noteboom (70) of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Tight ends Kyle Rudolph (80) and Evan Engram (88) of the New York Giants talk after a successful two point conversion during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Eli Penny (39) of the New York Giants makes a catch as Kenny Young (41) of the Los Angeles Rams makes the hit during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Leonard Williams (99) of the New York Giants during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Jordan Fuller (4) of the Los Angeles Rams trips up Sterling Shepard (3) of the New York Giants after a reception during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Daniel Jones (8) passes to Eli Penny (39) of the New York Giants during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Sterling Shepard (3) of the New York Giants poses with Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (45) of the Los Angeles Rams - both played college football at Oklahoma - after the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

Billy Price (69) and Wes Martin (63) drop back to pass-block of the New York Giants and during the second half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21. The Rams won 38-11.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) takes the field for warmups before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett throws passes with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants offensive coordinator Jason Garrett throws passes with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) talks with head coach Joe Judge before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws passes with offensive coordinator Jason Garrett before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants head coach Joe Judge talks with free safety Jabrill Peppers (21) before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) warms up before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

New York Giants GM Dave Gettleman before the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Kadarius Toney (89) of the New York Giants is pushed out of bounds by Jalen Ramsey (5) and Kenny Young (41) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Kadarius Toney (89) of the New York Giants makes a catch during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Kadarius Toney (89) of the New York Giants is pushed out of bounds by Jalen Ramsey (5) and Kenny Young (41) of the Los Angeles Rams during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

Kadarius Toney (89) of the New York Giants during the first half the NFL football game between the New York Giants and the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 10/17/21.

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One by one, the old Giants walked onto the field at Sunday, celebrating their 2011 Super Bowl championship.

But by this point, MetLife Stadium was only about half full. Many of the fans — having just booed the current, hapless Giants off the field — didn’t bother sticking around for the halftime ceremony. Can you blame them?

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They probably didn’t want another reminder of how long it’s been since this franchise was a winner — and how miserable most of this past decade has felt.

That team had its legit coach and quarterback — Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning. Now, after Sunday’s pitiful 38-11 loss to the Rams, it’s worth wondering: Do these Giants have that in Joe Judge and Daniel Jones?

They might not, especially with how terrible Jones looked Sunday, when the Giants trailed 38-3 until 6:21 remained in the game. Jones — who had a career-high four turnovers, with three interceptions — completed 29 of 51 passes for 242 yards and a 44.7 quarterback rating (the second-worst of his career).

The Giants are 1-5 — another lost season. They’re toast. So these final 11 games are all about determining whether Judge and Jones are actually the right guys for this adrift franchise. How can co-owner John Mara possibly say right now that they are?

Sunday’s game was over at halftime — Rams 28, Giants 3. It was more of the same for the Giants — too many turnovers, an incompetent offensive line, big plays allowed by the defense, rinse and repeat.

The Giants are now 7-15 under Judge. They’re 19-51 since their last winning season, 2016. And they’re 6-30 in September and October since then. General manager Dave Gettleman is well on his way to a firing. But what about Judge, if this keeps spiraling? Ultimately, he’ll probably survive this season, though the jury (forgive the pun) is still very much out on him.

Forget about the Giants clawing back into the NFC East race this season. An underwhelming team won’t win this division, like Washington did last year. The Cowboys are 5-1 after Sunday’s win at New England, so they’ll probably run away with it, now that they have a three-game lead over Washington and the Eagles.

So now the Giants enter evaluate-for-future mode — again.

They desperately need more definitive answers on Jones, in his third season. He mostly look good in this season’s first five games. But his first half Sunday was a disgrace — 11-of-24 passing, 91 yards, two interceptions, a lost fumble, and a 21.4 quarterback rating.

One of his interceptions led to a 14-yard touchdown drive. The fumble — a strip sack on which left tackle Matt Peart got beat easily — resulted in 12-yard touchdown drive. The Giants capped off the half by surrendering a 25-yard touchdown pass. Ball game.

Jones has now started 32 games, and the Giants are 9-23 in his starts. Yes, the Rams came to New Jersey on Sunday with Pro Football Focus’ fourth-rated defense (and No. 5 offense). Still, this was an inexcusably dreadful performance from a third-year quarterback.

Jones wasn’t helped Sunday by the absence of Saquon Barkley, Darius Slayton, and Kenny Golladay — nor by Kadarius Toney and Andrew Thomas getting hurt and not returning. But this was one of Jones’ worst games — and he’s had some major duds.

Jones was supposed to be Manning’s heir. But because of Gettleman’s woeful roster building — a blemished resume that might wind up including Jones as a lowlight — it’s laughable to think the Giants could win a Super Bowl in Jones’ fourth season, as they did with Manning.

Mara — who hired Gettleman and Judge — was nowhere to be seen on the field at halftime Sunday. So fans couldn’t unleash their fury and boos on him during this ceremony, like they did last month during Manning’s jersey retirement.

Coughlin and Manning walked out together for Sunday’s ceremony, carrying the Lombardi Trophy. Fans who decided to bask in the nostalgia were probably groaning, too. Because this sight was yet another reminder of how the Giants have reached the playoffs just once since 2011, with no postseason victories.

Coughlin spent most of his halftime ceremony speech recapping details of that 2011 season — scores of games, records of opponents the Giants beat — as if it was so long ago that fans needed to be reminded about what happened.

It’s easy to forget, isn’t it? Septembers and Octobers like this will do that to a fan base — battering it into numbness, amid so many losses.

So 1-5 — and it could get worse against the Panthers and Chiefs the next two weeks — joins the Giants’ pathetic starts from the past four seasons. There was 1-8 in 2017 (finished 3-13), 1-7 in 2018 (5-11), 2-11 in 2019 (4-12), and 1-7 last season (6-10).

On it goes, reaching new depths — so low that 10 years feels like a lifetime.

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Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com.

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