The instability of Brian Daboll and Wink Martindale does not surprise former Giant Jon Feliciano……..
LAS VEGAS — According to Jon Feliciano, two trains were racing along the same track at full speed. There was a possibility that one of them would stray and the emergency would be avoided.
But perhaps not, in which case a head-on collision was inevitable.
Feliciano, the starting centre for the Giants in 2022, saw the interplay between Brian Daboll and Wink Martindale in this way.
Feliciano, who is currently the starting right guard for the 49ers, stated, “I think it was unfortunate how that Wink and Dabes thing ended up.” As coaches, I adore them both. I mean, it might be magic or it might turn out the way it did once you got to know Wink and Dabes.
The day after the Giants concluded their season with a 6-11 record, Martindale stormed out of the room after shouting at Daboll, leaving Daboll and the Giants in need of a new defensive coordinator.
Feliciano remarked, “I think they’re both strong personalities, and as you’ve seen, Dabes can explode.” “As a guy who knows him, I can tell you what to expect, and it’s not personal in the slightest—Dabes just wants to win badly.” Now that he is the head coach at Buffalo, he has additional responsibility. What has gone wrong with him that is ruining the moment? Wink is also one tough guy. That’s most likely what took place.
Although Feliciano says he had a great time playing for the Giants, he is moving on to greater and better things. He’s getting ready to guard Brock Purdy and block for Christian McCaffrey as the 49ers right guard takes on the Chiefs in Super Bowl 2024.
Superb left tackle Not surprisingly, Trent Williams is the team’s best lineman, but Feliciano is the second-best after 16 games and seven starts for his new squad. Not bad for a 31-year-old who signed a $2.25 million, one-year contract.
Feliciano, along with general manager Joe Schoen, was part of the cultural infusion that Daboll and Schoen intended to bring to the Giants after the three spent three seasons together with the Bills. Feliciano began fifteen games in the centre.
“They haven’t played well in a number of years, so to go with them to a new spot where there are no expectations,” Feliciano remarked. “It meant much more to go there, be a leader, and help them turn things around so we could make it into the playoffs and win one there in New York.”
There was discussion about bringing Feliciano back, but he accurately surmised that the Giants preferred to take John Michael Schmitz in the second round of the 2023 draft in order to get younger at centre. Feliciano was also plagued by another issue.
“There was some talk with the Giants at that point, when things were getting close to the wire with the Niners,” Feliciano remarked, “but ultimately, I thought the Niners could get to the Super Bowl, and look where we’re at.”
Observe where they are.
Feliciano, who plays centre for the Giants, had a Pro Football Focus grade of 58.2 the previous season. He has performed admirably for the Niners at right guard, registering an 81.2 grade while giving up no sacks in 257 pass-block snaps. Feliciano moved in beside right tackle Colton McKivitz, so the 49ers no longer have to worry about McCaffrey getting into the right side of the field on runs.
It happened gradually. When Aaron Banks had a toe injury, Feliciano took over as left guard for the first time. Feliciano was called up to start at right guard on Thanksgiving when Spencer Burford was hindered by a knee injury. Feliciano was inside and would not leave.
He led the team to wins in the playoffs against the Packers and Lions, and there’s no reason to think he won’t be starting for the Chiefs on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
While Feliciano assisted Saquon Barkley in setting a career record for yards rushing last season with 1,312 rushes, he regards McCaffrey as “the best running back in the league.” His decision to sign with the 49ers paid off handsomely.
“Christian’s great at making that safety miss and taking a play that’s blocked for 4 or 5 for 15, 25, sometimes a home run, especially when you’re on such a good team,” Feliciano remarked. “You handle your block well.” “That also makes you look good.”
