Stephen A. Smith pumps brakes on Giants hype with harsh John Harbaugh reminder

The arrival of John Harbaugh has created something unfamiliar around the New York Giants: genuine optimism. Stephen A. Smith, however, is not ready to join the parade.

While discussing the Los Angeles Rams’ schedule Monday on ESPN’s First Take, Smith pushed back after Peter Schrager suggested the Giants could challenge Los Angeles in Week 2. Although Smith acknowledged Harbaugh’s credentials, he quickly pointed toward the coach’s shortcomings in Baltimore.

“I respect the hell out of John Harbaugh. I truly, truly do. He’s a Super Bowl champion,” Smith said. “Man ain’t won a Super Bowl since 2012 now.”

Smith then brought up the late-game collapses that followed Harbaugh during his 18 seasons with the Ravens.

“How many double-digit leads has he lost since 2008?” Smith asked. “The man’s been around for a while. He’s lost more double-digit leads than anybody. Come on. I think the number’s at 46. Let’s not act like he’s invincible now.”

John Harbaugh has entirely too many fourth-quarter losses

The number Smith referenced was slightly different from the more specific statistic. Baltimore blew 46 fourth-quarter leads during Harbaugh’s tenure, tied for the second most in the NFL over that period, according to NFL Research. Eighteen of those losses came after the Ravens held a double-digit advantage in the second half.

That history carries an uncomfortable connection to Harbaugh’s new team.

The Giants went 1–7 in one-score games last season and squandered five fourth-quarter leads. Harbaugh has already made late-game situations a major part of training camp, an apparent attempt to address the exact weakness that repeatedly destroyed New York in 2025.

Smith is right to question the rush to crown Harbaugh as the Giants’ savior. His Baltimore tenure ended with an 8–9 season, and his lone Super Bowl championship came more than a decade ago. He was hired to fix a franchise that has posted three consecutive seasons with fewer than seven victories. A whistle and a fiery speech will only carry this operation so far.

Harbaugh should provide stability for the Giants

Still, dismissing the Giants because Harbaugh is not “invincible” misses the point. New York does not need him to be perfect. It needs him to provide competence, stability and a clue during the fourth quarter. Those have not exactly been standard features at MetLife Stadium lately.

Harbaugh finished his Ravens tenure with 11 double-digit-win seasons and 12 playoff appearances. The Giants have reached the postseason only twice since 2012. Even a slightly faded version of Harbaugh represents a substantial upgrade over what this franchise has endured.

The concern raised by Smith is legitimate, especially for a team that spent last season turning late leads into weekly disasters. It also explains why Harbaugh is already drilling those situations in August.

He knows why Baltimore eventually showed him the door. The question is whether he learned anything while walking through it.