EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — It was just before 8 a.m. Wednesday in the auditorium at the Giants’ training complex. Somewhat sleepily, more than 50 players were assembled in wide rows and cozy seats as Coach Tom Coughlin marched briskly across the stage to a lectern in front of a 20-foot-wide projection screen.
Coughlin is 69 years old, about four decades older than most of his players. Facing the prospect of his final year as an N.F.L. coach after consecutive losing seasons, Coughlin was charged with rousing his troops and setting the tone for the day’s practice and meetings — indeed for the entire week leading to Sunday’s season-opening game at Dallas.