Offseason Analysis Series: New York Giants

Meaningful Additions: HC Brian Daboll, Edge Kayvon Thibodeaux, OT Evan Neal, QB Tyrod Taylor, OG Mark Glowinski, TE Jordan Akins, WR Wan'Dale Robinson, OG Joshua Ezeudu

Meaningful Losses: HC Joe Judge, DB Logan Ryan, TE Evan Engram, DB James Bradberry, DB Jabrill Peppers

---

What Happened Last Year?

(4-13) Last in NFC East

Offense

Two words: quarterback sneak. The Giant's entire season on the offensive side of the ball can be summed up by one play. Trailing 3-0 in the 2nd quarter of a week 17 game against the Washington Football Team, third string quarterback Jake Fromm lined up under center for a 3rd and 9 from the Giant's own 4-yard line and plunged up the middle for a gain of one yard. The crowd at MetLife Stadium rained down boos as the Giants offense trotted off the field for the punting unit. The play call signaled defeat and was downright embarrassing. The Giant's passing attack was anemic, and the combined play of Daniel Jones (10 TDs 7 INTs), Mike Glennon (4 TDs 10 INTs), and Jake Fromm (1 TD 3 INTs) left a lot to be desired. These quarterbacks combined for the second worst passer rating and the worst yards per attempt in the league. Big-time free agent acquisition, wide receiver Kenny Golladay, was practically invisible and did not catch a single touchdown pass while speedster Darius Slayton took a step back. Rookie gadget receiver Kadarius Toney had one monster week against New Orleans but struggled to stay on the field. On the ground, Saquon Barkley did not look the same and lacked his signature big play ability. With just 593 yards rushing, Barkley tied Devontae Booker for the team lead. One great sign was that left tackle Andrew Thomas had his best NFL season in 2021 and looked to be on his way to developing into an elite tackle.

Defense

The Giant's defense was middling at best during the 2021 season. Their pass defense performed well, finishing the season in the upper half of the league. The group anchored by 2022 cap casualty James Bradberry, allowed the 15th fewest passing yards and came away with 15 interceptions (12th best in the NFL). Safety Xavier Mckinney made a name for himself and had a breakout season snagging 5 interceptions and recording 93 tackles. Up front, the Giants finished in the bottom half of the league in both rushing yards allowed (23rd) and sacks (22nd). The loss of team captain and tackle machine Blake Martinez to a torn ACL after just 3 games played a role in those numbers being as low as they were. Leonard Williams continued his solid play in the heart of the defense leading the team with 14 quarterback hits and rookie edge rusher Azeez Ojulari looked explosive leading the team with 8 sacks and 8 tackles for loss.

---

What's Changed?

Brian Daboll

Brian Daboll was brought in during the offseason to give the Giants offense some life. The hope within the organization seems to be that Daboll can turn Daniel Jones into Josh Allen. Under Daboll's tutelage, Allen has developed into an elite quarterback and is the current frontrunner to win MVP. I should note that Allen is an incredible player who has homed in on his own abilities to elevate his play, but I think it is fair to give Daboll some credit for putting the right system around him. Jones who was a first-round pick like Allen, has struggled mightily in his first three seasons as the Giant's starter throwing for 45 touchdowns and 29 interceptions while being sacked 105 times. The Giant's offense finished the 2020 season with the second worse passing attack and the 2021 season with the fourth worse. Where did the Daboll led Bill's offense finish in those years? Third and ninth best. In this upcoming season, I will be interested to see how Daboll deploys Jones as a runner. Jones is not nearly as bulky and strong as Allen, so I do not expect the Giants to line up and run power with their QB, but Jones is faster and is an extremely underrated runner.

Make or break for Danny Dimes

The Giants declined Daniel Jones' fifth year team option during the offseason in a move that signaled that this could be his last as an NFL starting quarterback. I expect Brian Daboll to put more of an emphasis on the short passing game to aid Jones in his decision making. The Giant's current weaponry at receiver should be sufficient enough to stress opposing defenses and get defenders out of place with their collective quickness and run after the catch abilities. If Jones cannot put together an excellent year, I see the Giants starting over at signal caller in 2023.