Insiders Aren’t Buying Giants’ Offseason Makeover
By Peter Dewey
Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney and Kyle Rudolph are taking their talents to the NFC East, as the New York Giants look to avenge last season’s heartbreaking finish, which saw them lose the division with Washington’s win over a tanking Philadelphia team in Week 17.
Daniel Jones has weapons galore now, but Vegas isn’t feeling the Giants’ roster makeover. New York is projected for 6.5 wins next season on WynnBET, but the over (-165) is favored to the under (+135). In a 17-game season, 6.5 wins is rather low for a team that went 6-10, allowed the 12th-fewest yards in the NFL and played its backup quarterback on four separate occasions in 2020.
Saquon Barkley, who tore his ACL last season, is ready for 2021. Golladay and Toney add some serious punch to a receiving core that already featured Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram. It really comes down to Jones, and whether or not he's able to take the next step for the Giants in 2021.
Jones went 5-9 as the Giants starter last season. He averaged 210.2 passing yards per game, and the Giants finished with the second-worst offensive in terms of yards per game in the NFL. The Duke University product threw just 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions and lost six fumbles. Then again, Engram dropped some easy balls and Jones was the top rusher on the team.
The turnovers have been the main concern in Jones’ young career. It’s impossible to tell if an improved receiving core will also improve his ability to protect the ball. But it was an important step forward.
The added value of having Barkley, easily one of the league’s best running backs, as well as Golladay makes the Giants a lot more potent on offense. Golladay’s ability to win one-on-one on the outside is something New York hasn’t had since Odell Beckham Jr. It should open up more opportunities for Shepard, Toney and Engram underneath.
One thing is for certain, Giants general manager Dave Gettleman is trying to put Jones in a position to succeed. His job is on the line and if they don't win this year you have to think Gettleman won't be around next.
If the Giants can get similar production from their defensive unit in 2021, the Giants’ playoff hopes will come down to Jones and the offensive line protecting him. They play in the weakest division in the NFL and have arguably the most complete roster in the division. But they’re going to have to be a whole lot better than 7-10 if they want to avoid relying on others to capture that division title this season.