In wake of the team's bye week, general manager Joe Schoen and safety Julian Love each joined WFAN's Tiki Barber and Brandon Tierney to reflect on the rebuild, trade deadline and the team's future.

Love connected with Barber, the franchise's all-time leader in yards from scrimmage, agreeing that New York is the "greatest sports city in the world." Though Love is a four-year Giants veteran, he admitted that this year feels different than previous seasons.

"We learned early on that we're a team that's capable of doing great things," Love said.

Schoen agreed with Love's assessment and said it takes four or five games to gauge any team's identity. This year, resiliency triumphs. The "next man up" mentality is paramount to the team's success, and Schoen praised players like Fabian Moreau and Tyre Philips – two men who were not with the Giants for training camp. Their ability to step in and produce on the field is a testament to the player and coaching staff.

"He hit a homerun. He hit a good mix of experience and also youth," Schoen said about Daboll's staff.

Schoen detailed the unique process of interviewing coaches, where each new hire was asked to evaluate candidates for the next position. The smart, tough, dependable mantra permeated into their hiring process.

"There's a standard set across the organization," Schoen said, "and you've got to meet that standard regardless of where you are in the organization."

Perhaps one of Schoen's most challenging feats to date was navigating the trade deadline. Love spoke about his own expectations: "You kind of have an ear to it, but when it comes down to it, I trust(ed) Schoen to make the right call at the right moments." He added, "I knew they were going to make the moves not only for the short term, but for the long term and what's best for the team."  

Schoen addressed the team's relative absence in the trade market. Despite a projected need at wide receiver, "the value never lined up." He reiterated the importance of safeguarding the team's longevity, which starts with the current roster. Schoen also said the final nine games will be an evaluation period for all 53.

 "Every week is going to be a dogfight for us," Schoen replied when faced with the reality that a playoff berth is attainable. "The guys are working hard. They're holding each other accountable, and I'm just proud of where we are."