With Giants at 2-8, coach Brian Daboll wavers in his commitment to Daniel Jones

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Riding a five-game losing streak and coming off a loss in Germany to the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants coach Brian Daboll is thinking about benching quarterback Daniel Jones.

This is the first time Daboll has wavered about playing his $160 million quarterback this season, and it comes after Jones' inconsistent performance in Sunday's 20-17 overtime loss.

If a move was made, either Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito would start for the Giants, who have an NFC-worst 2-8 record.

Daboll didn't say Monday he was making a change, but every time he has been asked about Jones this season, he has quickly said Jones was his guy.

“We're evaluating our team at the bye week, that's what we are doing,” Daboll said when asked why his response was different.

Lock has only seen action in a mop-up role and DeVito, who led the Giants to a brief winning streak last season, has been the third quarterback on Sundays.

Daboll, who is under pressure with a second straight losing season almost a certainty, said he and his coaches would look at schemes, situational play, technique and the players' performance during their evaluation.

The No. 6 overall pick in 2019, Jones is in the second year of a four-year contract. His best season was in 2022, Daboll's first year. They led the Giants to the playoffs for the first time since 2016.

Daboll sidestepped a question about whether benching Jones was throwing away money.

“Again, what we’ll do is we’ll go back, we’ll evaluate the tape and we’ll make the decision that we think is best for our team,” he said.

Jones finished 22 of 37 for 190 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in the red zone. Those picks played a big part in New York falling into the conference cellar.

Had the Giants managed a field goal on either of those drives, they might have won.

The interceptions weren't the only cause for concern. Jones missed an open Malik Nabers for a first down on third-and-8 from the Carolina 38 on New York's opening series. He also failed to see two open receivers on a flea-flicker near midfield in the second quarter with the Giants trailing 10-0.

The Giants have this week off and face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 24 at MetLife Stadium, where New York is winless in five games.

There are seven games left, and Daboll and his staff would likely see better results if they can get Jones and his teammates to improve. Switching to Lock or DeVito doesn't seem like the answer.

The running game has done well the last three games, except for a fumble by Tyrone Tracy in overtime. New York has gained 157, 164 and 167 yards rushing the past three weeks. If Jones can hit a few more passes and connect with open receivers, the offense will be more effective.

The Giants need to show up on time. They have played 10 games and scored 22 points in the first quarter. They have trailed in seven of the 10, led once and were tied twice.

Evan Neal. The No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 draft got his job back at right tackle for the first time since last season, when an ankle injury ended his season and required surgery. His rehabilitation was slow and he lost his job to Jermaine Eluemunor. New York moved Eluemunor to the left tackle and Neal started.

He played well. No penalties, no sacks allowed. It's the type of game every tackle wants.

Jones. The 27-year-old quarterback can't continue to be inconsistent. As well as he played in rallying New York from a 10-point to force overtime, he hindered the offense at other times.

None were reported after Sunday's game.

3 — Turnovers by the Giants, the last a fumble by Tracy on the first play from scrimmage in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal.

A healthier Giants team faces the Bucs on Nov. 24.

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New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns jumps over Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. celebrates after scoring against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Lennart Preiss)

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers catches a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Lennart Preiss)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones plays against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scores against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young greets New York Giants linebacker Brian Burns after their overtime win in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Lennart Preiss)

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young greets New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones after their overtime win in an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Lennart Preiss)

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro kicks the game-winning field goal in overtime against New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Lennart Preiss)

Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro celebrates after kicking the game-winning field goal in overtime against New York Giants during an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll attends a news conference after an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Munich, Germany. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Since 2002, foster parents Mrs Ip and her husband have opened their hearts and home to nine foster children, including the two currently under their care. Many of these children have special needs, but for Mrs Ip, fostering is more than just a career, it is a calling.

Screenshot from news.gov.hk.

“When children feel that you treasure them, they will treasure you in return. I wish them all a happy ever after, and I will take care of them. I will not leave them.”

Mrs Ip cherishes every memory of her foster children, carefully keeping thank you cards and student handbooks as mementos of their time together. Reflecting on her journey, she shared: “Most of the foster children were raised by me since they were just babies. It is hard to let them go. Watching them improve brings me great joy. Helping them become healthier and learn is truly fulfilling. This is a vocation.”

Unforgettable moments

Mrs Ip recounted both the joys and challenges of fostering, in particular, a special two-month-old baby girl.

“As soon as I started caring for her, I realised she was experiencing severe asthma at night. Despite multiple consultations with a paediatrician and several hospital visits, her condition did not improve. Eventually, after discussing with a social worker, further examinations revealed the baby had a lung disease.

“It was difficult, but the process taught me so much about perseverance and love,” Mrs Ip said.

She also shared the story of a baby boy she cared for since he was less than a month old. Now 17, the boy has moved into a hostel but still visits frequently.

“He comes back for a ‘staycation’ every week. He loves the room I reserved for him, filled with his favourite cartoons. He always says he will take care of us in the future, which makes us so happy.”

Screenshot from news.gov.hk.

Positive impact

Fostering has not only impacted the lives of the children Mrs Ip has cared for but also her own family. Her husband and two sons have played an important role in supporting her journey.

“My sons treasure the foster children. When they go out, they walk hand in hand, just like elder brothers. I have been able to foster for so long thanks to their support.”

Her youngest son has even chosen a career in special education, a path Mrs Ip believes may have been influenced by their fostering experiences.         

Fostering incentive

Foster care services in Hong Kong are provided by 11 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) overseen by the Social Welfare Department’s (SWD) Central Foster Care Unit.

To encourage more people to become foster parents, the SWD nearly doubled the incentive payment for foster families in April. This led to a 35% increase in fostering enquiries from April to November compared to the same period last year. By the end of November, over 1,000 registered foster families were providing care for children in need.

According to Central Foster Care Unit Officer-in-charge Tsung Ka-yee, anyone who is healthy, committed to providing love and time for foster children, and can offer a safe living environment may apply to become a foster parent.

“Any adult, regardless of their sex, marital or employment status, can apply. Applicants must complete a home suitability assessment and pre-service training to ensure they are prepared to provide proper care.”

Foster homes must meet specific safety requirements, such as installing window grilles or safety devices for balconies. They must also provide adequate living space, including separate beds and activity areas for the children.

Support network: Foster parent Mrs Ip acknowledges that without her family’s support, it would have been difficult for her to serve as a foster parent for 22 years. Source from news.gov.hk

Tailored support

Foster parents receive a monthly incentive payment based on the type of service they provide, with additional payments for caring for children with special needs or those under the age of six. 

To support foster families, the Central Foster Care Unit and 11 Foster Care Agencies offer professional assistance. Social workers conduct regular home visits, interviews, and phone check-ins to monitor the children’s adjustment and provide guidance to foster parents. For children with special educational needs, social workers also offer tailored advice, parenting support and psychological consultation services, ensuring the well-being of both the children and their caregivers.

Full assistance: Central Foster Care Unit Officer-in-charge Tsung Ka-yee says social workers regularly contact foster families to monitor the children’s adjustment and provide appropriate support. Source from news.gov.hk