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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) just misses an interception on a ball intended for Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve (87) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Giants strong safety Landon Collins (21) just misses an interception on a ball intended for Cleveland Browns tight end Seth DeValve (87) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
9

New York Giants 11-5

Last week: 2nd, NFC East
Last rank: 9th

Looking Back: It was another rollercoaster year for Big Blue. Only this time, the Giants were back in the playoffs for the first time since 2011. The defense rebounded from a disappointing 2015 and were playing good football entering the playoffs. But the team’s shortcomings on the offensive side of the ball reared their head throughout the year and especially in the lopsided Wild Card loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Looking Forward: First-time NFL head coach Ben McAdoo drew mixed reviews during his debut campaign. The Giants did return to the playoffs but the lack of consistency on offense was perplexing given McAdoo’s forte. Only three teams in the league ran for fewer yards than the Giants. But on a positive note, running back Paul Perkins could bear watching in 2017. A fifth-round draft choice in April, he finished second on the team with 456 yards rushing. He needs to play a bigger role in the immediate future if this offense is to become more balanced. And that can only make an improving defensive unit better.

Offseason needs: Quarterback Eli Manning has wideouts Odell Beckham Jr., Sterling Sharpe and Victor Cruz. But this teams could still use more help at the position. General manager Jerry Reese has some issues to address on the other side of the ball as defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul can test free agency in March. And could the team bring in a veteran to push left tackle Ereck Flowers, who has had his issues in two NFL seasons? The Giants have been a lot busier in free agency in recent seasons than in the past and that’s not expected to change this spring.

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