Giants coach Brian Daboll breaks ‘tension’ after win

If the relationship between New York Giants coach Brian Daboll and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale is rocky, perhaps their second consecutive win put those feelings on hold.

In fact, Daboll rewarded Martindale with the game ball Sunday after the Giants’ defense held the Patriots to one touchdown and 283 total yards in their 10-7 win. It also forced three turnovers, all interceptions, against quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe.

BUY GIANTS TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

“I’m so damn proud of you, fellas. Good work, man,” Daboll said in a video posted on X by the Giants of his post-game speech. “That’s a great job. You never wavered regardless of how it went.

“Defensively, turnovers — keep them coming, man. There’s things we got to fix. So that’s two in a row. Hey, Wink, game ball, buddy.”

The Giants roared in celebration as Martindale received the ball and broke down the locker room with a “Giants on three” countdown.

Prior to Sunday’s game, Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported that people with the Giants told him the “tension” between Daboll and Martindale was palpable and the two were in a “bad place,” to the point that he didn’t “see them actually continuing their relationship after this season — maybe not even during this season. There could be a mutual parting of ways.”

Daboll told reporters after the game that he’s “got a lot of respect for Wink” and that he’s “glad” he’s part of the staff.

Martindale was a key hire for Daboll’s staff heading into last season, Daboll’s first as a head coach. The Giants have eight takeaways in the last two games and have generally played better since giving up 524 yards in a 31-16 Week 5 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Jimmy Hascup may be reached at jhascup@njadvancemedia.com.