Giants’ success gauged in progress of youngsters, not wins
The New York Giants are expected to win many games, but if the young players shine, the campaign is a rollicking success.
Best-case scenario
Eli Manning is rejuvenated in year two of head coach Pat Shurmur’s system. He takes advantage of a heavy focus on Saquon Barkley, not having to key on a star receiver, and a vastly-improved line. The young pass rushers step up and the defense is at least average. A renewed focus on special teams pays dividends, which helps the Giants win several close games. This leads to meaningful games down the stretch.
Daniel Jones is brought in a few times in blowout games to take real NFL snaps and showcase his ability. General manager Dave Gettleman’s plan begins to gain traction, as the success on the field matches up with his philosophy. The Giants head into the offseason off an improved year with a quarterback of the future and loads of cap space.
Worst-case scenario
The wheels fall off immediately.
Barkley gets nicked up early and New York drops several embarrassing games to the low-level competition it starts off against. After the tumultuous start, the fans’ plea for Jones reaches a fever pitch. He comes in and looks lost, never connecting with his teammates in any way. The defense is haunted by the lack of elite pass rushers. Dexter Lawrence doesn’t flash much and Lorenzo Carter takes a step back in year two. The weak linebacking core, usually the staple in a 3-4 defense, gets roasted by tight ends all year long.
Radio pope Mike Francesa is proven right and lambastes Gettleman and the Giants daily leading to even more friction. The Giants limp to another 3-5 win season and the fans are calling for Shurmur and Gettleman’s heads, while the failure to rip everything up and start over is exemplified tenfold.
Confidence level (Low, medium or high)
Low.
The Giants have one of the worst quarterback situations in the league, while not possessing much game-breaking talent at receiver. If Barkley goes down New York easily has the worst offense in football.
In an era where having an elite passing offense and pass rush is paramount, the Giants are near the bottom of the league in both. Pat Shurmur has never proven to be a successful coach and seems to lack fire. The 3-4 defense seems antiquated in this day and age. Much more is going to have to break right for New York to be decent. This year is really about gaining any kind of momentum.
X-Factor
Lorenzo Carter.
The former Georgia Bulldog showed loads of promise and athletic ability last year on a team lacking both, especially in the pass-rush department. He needs to work on slowing down a bit and getting all the way home, but his burst and hand leverage are both off the charts.
If Carter can look decent in space and against the run while providing an elite pass-rush, this defense will be worlds better. It’s unfair to put a number on how many sacks he needs, especially when we know overall pressure is more important, but double digits would be successful.
Turning point
Week 5 against Minnesota.
Normally a turning point would be a bit later, but this team needs to start well. If the Giants weather the storm out and split their first four against favorable competition, this game is going to mean everything. With a matchup against the Pats in Foxborough the following week, this game is a must.
Win it, and New York can afford to drop the next one as the schedule gets easier again. Lose it, and the Giants are looking at two straight and a potential unraveling. With a tough schedule down the stretch, making up ground will be difficult.
Best moment in team history
The helmet catch in the Super Bowl XLII.
Real fans remember how bad the vibe around the team, specifically Eli Manning was before that season. This year was a real turning point. Without some real success, Manning is likely cut and head coach Tom Coughlin fired. Instead, they made this magical run where Manning and receiver David Tyree make this all-time play against an undefeated team. The rest is history.