NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The New York Giants must find a way to turn things around before they began to be mentioned with the likes of the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. These are the teams with little talent who are now considered doormats for the rest of the NFL. No team wants to be circled on any opponent’s schedule as an easy win. 2022 has to be a resurgence year for the Giants and that goes from the front office to the players on the field.
What About The Giants’ Offense
The Giants will once again be led by 4th-year QB Daniel Jones. Jones has had his fair share of ups and downs since joining the Giants and this has to be the year where he takes that leap or his job is gone. with Tyrod Taylor waiting in the wings as an experienced backup, it’s safe to say that Jones is on a short leash. but the QB position is not the only place where the Giants have question marks. As good as Saquon Barkley has been, he may not be the right fit for the Giants.
Since being drafted in 2018, Barkey has missed 18 games in 3 years. Needless to say, he can’t be counted on to be that featured back the Giants were banking on. As for their receivers, the Giants shave spent money on Kenny Golladay but he has yet to earn any of that cash. Who will step up in 2022? Will it be Darius Slayton or Kadarius Toney? As far as the offensive line goes, improvement is key.
Last season the Giants ranked 31st in Passing Yards, 30th in Passing TDs, 24th in Rushing Yards, and 31st in Rushing TDs. The Giants also ranked dead last in receptions over 20+ yards with just 31 and only 90 rushes for First Downs.
What About The Giants’ Defense
The Giants’ defense is one that offers mass confusion. While they rank in the middle of the pack in terms of Passing Defense, it’s stopping the run where the Giants have failed. The run sets up the pass and in a league where teams have gone to using a rotation of backs, the G-Men must find a way to help their defensive backs and get pressure on the QB. Last season, the Giants ranked 15th in Passing Yards allowed but then ranked 25th in Rushing Yards allowed.
Their front is the key to everything working. Leonard Williams should be the anchor here. If he can apply consistent pressure (6.5 sacks) that will open the door for Dexter Lawrence and Azeez Ojulari to make plays. Their LBs are not All-Pro but they can get the job done. Led by Tae crowded (130 tackles), this core will have to provide balance. A healthy Blake Martinez should be a good look with Crowder for 2022.
The strength of the defense was in the secondary but after losing James Bradberry, Logan Ryan, and Jabril Peppers this offseason, the Giants will look to the younger generation to step up and give consistent production in a division where receivers can take over a game. The person to take that mantle should be CB Adoree Jackson. This season is about growth for this young secondary.
What Will The Giants’ Record Be
Let’s throw all the cards on the table and be real here. The New York Giants are facing an uphill battle in 2022. No one in the front office picks the teams they have to play this may be the season where the Giants wish that was the case. The Giants Bye Week is Week 9 and by the time that rolls around, the G-Men could be staring at a record of 2-6. They will open the season against the Tennessee Titans followed by the Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Raven, Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Seattle Seahawks.
After the Bye, the Giants will do battle against the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles, Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Indianapolis Colts, and Eagles. It’s pretty hard to find more than 5 wins in that bunch. The Giants have a rebuild going on, especially on the defensive side of the ball and the offense has yet to find itself. Final record–3-14
