There really is no controversy whether Tom Coughlin wants to be back or will be back as head coach of the Giants in 2014, but he opted not to address the issue on Sunday when, after a 20-6 victory over the Redskins, he was asked if he would say he definitely wants to return.
“Don’t ask me that,’’ Coughlin snapped. “I’m not answering that type of question right now. There will be an evaluation of everything, I’m sure and we’ll go from there.’’
Justin Tuck said he would be “very surprised, shocked’’ if Coughlin is not back. Others were quick to state their admiration.
“I want him back,’’ Antrel Rolle said. “I wouldn’t want to play for anyone else. He’s an outstanding coach, he’s even more of a phenomenal person. This is exactly what we need here in this locker room.’’
Jon Beason, a newcomer on the scene this season, said: “The way he carries himself, he’s one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around. The way he prepares, the way he motivated, I think he’s 67 and he has just as much fight and wants to win as much as anybody.’’
CB Terrell Thomas said in addition to his third ACL surgery, he also underwent micro-fracture knee surgery before the season. He did not want to reveal the surgery beforehand to use it as an excuse.
WR Hakeem Nicks finished the season with no touchdowns, but he didn’t break any records for it. He had 896 receiving yards. The NFL record for most receiving yards in a season with no TDs is held by Al Toon (963 yards, no TDs in 1991). Nicks does have the Giants record, previously held by Amani Toomer (747 yards, no TDs in 2004).
CB Trumaine McBride’ had two interceptions, his first of the season and first since 2008 when he played for the Bears.
Josh Brown missed a 50-yard field goal attempt wide left early in the second quarter, ending his team-record stretch of 17 consecutive made FGs. His last miss before this was Sept. 29 in Kansas City.
WR Rueben Randle tried to play despite missing practice during the week with a knee issue but didn’t make it out of the second quarter before taking a seat for good.
LG James Brewer, who was brutal in his audition as a starter, went out in the second quarter with an ankle injury and was replaced by Dallas Reynolds.
RT Justin Pugh became the third Giants rookie first-round pick to start every game in his first season. Pugh is the first since Lawrence Taylor in 1981 to do so.
QB Ryan Nassib was inactive, making it official that the rookie from Syracuse did not get a uniform in all 16 games.