MUNICH — On Oct. 24, New York Giants co-owner John Mara publicly expressed confidence in coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen. At that point, the Giants had not yet suffered the three consecutive losses that culminated in Sunday’s 20-17 overtime defeat to the struggling Carolina Panthers, witnessed by an international audience.

Mara’s declaration that “we are not making any changes this season” might be the only reason Daboll and Schoen’s roles aren’t under extreme scrutiny. Recently, a similar loss to the Panthers was the tipping point for a coach: last week, the New Orleans Saints fired Dennis Allen after a 23-22 defeat to Carolina.

Daboll and Allen, both hired in 2022, share parallel records, with Allen leaving New Orleans at 18-25 over two-plus seasons, and Daboll’s record now slipping to 17-26-1 following Sunday’s difficult game.

Mara’s backing of the current leadership, which showed potential in its first season, also came with some flexibility. “I do not anticipate making any changes in the offseason either,” he added.

However, Mara likely did not foresee losing the Giants’ debut game in Germany to the troubled Panthers, a team with its third head coach in three years.

With Mara and co-owner Steve Tisch facing a long transatlantic flight home on Sunday, they must consider whether Daboll and Schoen are capable of leading the team out of the current slump. Mara resents the frequent turnover in coaching and management but may need a stronger justification to keep Daboll and Schoen than just avoiding yet another regime change.

Since an initial 7-2 start, the Giants have posted a 10-24-1 record, tying for the third-most losses in the league over that span. Daboll, chosen for his offensive expertise, took on play-calling from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka after the Giants averaged only 15.6 points per game last season, ranking 30th in scoring. This season, the Giants are once again averaging 15.6 points, narrowly staying above the Miami Dolphins, who play Monday night.

Unlike last season, there’s no excuse related to quarterback injuries. Daniel Jones, given a four-year, $160 million extension after 2022, has been starting in each of this season’s painful losses.

Sunday’s offensive showing was particularly poor, especially considering Carolina’s defense was allowing 32.6 points per game—the league’s worst by a large margin. Yet the Giants were shut out in the first half, including a missed 43-yard field goal by Graham Gano and a red zone interception when Jones, while rolling out, threw a pass that deflected off Jadeveon Clowney’s helmet into Xavier Woods’ hands.

The Giants hung around long enough to tie with a last-second field goal in regulation, but rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. fumbled on the first play of overtime, setting up Carolina for a game-winning field goal just four plays later.

“I believe we have the right people,” Daboll insisted. “The results just aren’t there yet.”

This game may end Jones’ role as a starter, irrespective of his contract’s $23 million injury guarantee. The Giants are 3-13 with Jones starting over the past two seasons, while backups Tyrod Taylor and Tommy DeVito went 5-6 last season.

Backup Drew Lock might not be an improvement over Jones, but it’s worth determining that for certain since Jones’ future with the team seems limited.

Jones’ limitations were clear on a third-and-1 flea flicker at midfield in the second quarter. With the Giants needing explosive plays, Daboll took a calculated risk. An experienced quarterback would throw the ball away if the defense isn’t fooled, preserving the chance to go for it on fourth-and-1.

The Panthers, however, were fooled. Receivers Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson were wide open, yet Jones hesitated, taking a sack instead. Daboll avoided criticizing Jones publicly, despite having previously pointed out the quarterback’s misjudgments in crucial moments.

“Bad coaching,” Daboll said, calling it a decision he’d like to revisit.

It would be convenient to pin the Giants’ issues on Jones, but he’s not solely at fault. Their run defense, for example, allowed a career-high 153 yards to Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard and is yielding a league-high 5.3 yards per carry.

Jones’ tenure as the Giants’ quarterback appears to be coming to an end, leaving the question of whether Daboll and Schoen deserve a chance to select his replacement. Sunday’s loss has positioned the Giants near the top of the NFL Draft, putting a potential franchise quarterback within reach.

To reach that point, Daboll must weather seven more weeks of challenging games. The Giants have lost five straight, dropping to 2-8 for the second season in a row. Daboll continues to emphasize focus on improvement and persistence, but it’s uncertain if his message is resonating.

“I think it is. It just needs to be better understood,” said defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. “It’s just about those critical moments and recognizing them to win.”

Lawrence admitted it’s concerning if the coach’s message needs better comprehension this late in the season.

“It’s frustrating, definitely,” he said. “But I can’t speak for what’s going on in others’ minds. Maybe it needs to be communicated differently.”

Daboll’s ability to keep the locker room’s respect is essential to his future, as losing player support could be his undoing, even if ownership tolerates the losses.

Some signs of unrest are already evident, such as the challenge of getting second-year cornerback Deonte Banks, a former first-round pick, to meet expectations. Banks, who was benched mid-game recently, was briefly replaced by veteran Adoree’ Jackson before returning for the second half against the Panthers.

The locker room was unsettled when the Giants waived versatile corner and key special teams player Nick McCloud last week after he declined an in-season pay cut. McCloud was well-respected by teammates, especially top pass rusher Brian Burns. Leadership’s choice to cut McCloud to save $1 million sent a questionable message to players in a season where full commitment is essential.

At its core, the Giants’ problems go beyond execution; they lack the depth and talent required in Schoen’s third year of the rebuild.

As things stand, there are no signs that the team is on the right track. The Giants’ progress has faltered in Year 3 of this regime.

Mara assured Daboll and Schoen would finish the season. After the bye, they have seven games to demonstrate why they should lead the Giants moving forward. Their case must go beyond just wanting to avoid repeating past quick dismissals.