How the New York Giants can win the NFC East

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 23: New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs to the outside during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 23: New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) catches a deep pass over the middle of the field during the NFL game between the New York Giants and Indianapolis Colts on December 23, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Stretch the field offensively

A year ago, the longest pass play by the New York Giants covered just 58 yards. And of course, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is now a member of the Cleveland Browns. This past season, the prolific big-play performer finished second on the team with 77 catches, good for 1,052 yards and six scores – this despite missing the final four games of 2018.

To offset the departure of Beckham, general manager Dave Gettleman opted to sign veteran wideout Golden Tate. The highly-productive pro split time with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles this past season after being dealt to the then-defending Super Bowl champions. He finished the year with a combined 74 catches for 795 yards and four scores while averaging only 10.7 yards per grab. Sterling Shepard averaged 13.2 yards per reception this past season, totaling 872 yards and four scores on 66 catches. Wide receivers Bennie Fowler, Cody Latimer and Russell Shepard are back as well, the trio combining for 37 receptions, four for scores in ’18.

But could the team’s best deep option actually be tight end Evan Engram? The 2017 first-round pick missed five games in his second season. However, he averaged 12.3 yards per catch, snaring 45 passes for 577 yards and three scores.

So is Gettleman done addressing the passing game this offseason? In any case, the Giants’ pass protection must be better if Eli Manning is going to find receivers deeper downfield. And that would be a big plus for an offense that appeared to be very limited this past year.

Next: No. 1

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