Giants fans fly ‘dumpster fire’ banner as team loses again

Giants Fans Fly ‘Dumpster Fire’ Banner as Team’s Struggles Continue in Loss to Saints

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — If you thought things couldn’t get worse for the New York Giants, think again. On a day when the team dropped its eighth straight game, the frustration of the fan base reached new heights—literally. Before the Giants even took the field at MetLife Stadium, a plane circled overhead with a banner that read, “MR MARA ENOUGH – PLZ FIX THIS DUMPSTER FIRE,” directly addressing team president and CEO John Mara.

It was a bold, public plea for change, and it set the tone for what would be another disheartening chapter in the Giants’ 2024 season. The team found yet another way to lose, this time with a blocked field goal in the final seconds of a 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints. The blocked kick, courtesy of Saints rookie Bryan Bresee, sealed the Giants’ fate and left fans shaking their heads in disbelief.

When asked about the banner after the game, Mara declined to comment. The stunt was reminiscent of a similar protest in the late 1970s when fans flew a banner that read, “15 Years of Lousy Football…We’ve Had Enough.” Unfortunately for Giants fans, history seems to be repeating itself.

Another Season to Forget

The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a grim picture for the Giants. With a 2-11 record, the team has now missed the playoffs in 11 of the past 13 seasons. This year, which also happens to be the franchise’s 100th season, is shaping up to be one of the worst in its storied history. Not exactly the kind of milestone anyone was hoping to celebrate.

Head coach Brian Daboll didn’t mince words when asked about the banner and the state of the team. “Look, we won two games. I’m not happy, either,” Daboll said. He admitted he wasn’t aware of the pregame stunt until reporters brought it up but seemed more focused on the team’s on-field issues than the off-field embarrassment.

And there were plenty of issues to go around. The Giants committed 12 penalties for 112 yards in Sunday’s game. A holding penalty wiped out a 56-yard punt return touchdown, and a personal foul negated a field goal. These mistakes have become all too familiar for a team that can’t seem to get out of its own way.

“I’m disappointed we have two wins,” Daboll said. “So just going to keep on grinding it out, trying to keep developing these young players. Get ready for next week.”

Fan Frustration Boils Over

The banner wasn’t the only sign of discontent from the fan base. Inside the stadium, some fans wore paper bags over their heads with messages like “2-10 Sell the Team” and “One Giant Mistake!” The crowd was sparse, with empty seats scattered throughout MetLife Stadium despite the pleasant December weather. Those who did show up were treated to more of the same offensive struggles that have plagued the team all season.

The Giants are now 0-7 at home this year and rank dead last in the NFL in scoring, averaging just 14.9 points per game. At home, that number drops to a dismal 10.1 points per game. It’s no wonder fans are fed up.

Quarterback Drew Lock had a rough outing, starting the game with eight straight incompletions and finishing 21-of-49 with an interception. When asked about the banner, Lock admitted he didn’t see it but acknowledged the lengths fans are going to in order to make their voices heard. “That’s going to pretty far lengths to try and take a message but, no, I did not see it,” he said.

What’s Next for the Giants?

With four games left in the season, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Next week, the Giants will face the Baltimore Ravens, who are coming off a bye and will likely be heavy favorites. It’s hard to imagine the fan base being any more patient with a team that hasn’t won a game since early October.

Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers summed up the team’s struggles in a way that felt all too fitting. “That is just football. That is just the New York Giants this year,” he said. It’s a sentiment that seems to echo throughout the locker room and the fan base alike.

Key Takeaways

• The Giants are now 2-11 and have missed the playoffs in 11 of the past 13 seasons.
• Fans flew a banner over MetLife Stadium calling the team a “dumpster fire.”
• The Giants are averaging just 14.9 points per game, the worst in the NFL.
• Next week, they face the Baltimore Ravens, who will be heavy favorites.

As the season winds down, one thing is clear: the Giants have a lot of work to do to regain the trust and support of their fans. Whether that starts with changes in the front office, coaching staff, or roster remains to be seen. For now, the frustration continues to mount, and the losses keep piling up.