After months and months of anticipation, the New York Giants are set to kick off the regular season against the Tennessee Titans. The new regime has taken complete control, and the players love this new breath of fresh air led by GM Joe Schoen.
Like the Giants, I am back to provide you with weekly analysis to prepare you for every Giants game. This season is going to be an exciting one, I know it.
So, what can we expect during this week one matchup against Derrick Henry and the Titans? Let’s dive into it.
The First True Test For The Offensive Line
The Giants made some significant moves to fix their offensive line this off-season. From Mark Glowinski to drafting Evan Neal in the first round, this is Daniel Jones‘s best protection group yet. This was clear during a particular play in the preseason, where the pocket was as clean as a whistle.
But, exhibition games don’t mean anything when backups and practice squad players are the ones on the field most of the game. But, the games that matter are finally here. The real test begins.
There will be some rough patches. Neal showed flashes of being a dominant lineman for years to come but playing in his first actual NFL game comes with struggles. Remember when Andrew Thomas struggled his rookie season and people called him a bust? Well, he improved mightily in his second season and is locked in as the team’s left tackle for the long term.
As much as we want Neal to succeed now, we have to lower our expectations. However, with the Titans losing Harold Landry for the season, his job protecting Jones may be a bit easier here in Week 1.
With Shane Lemieux out against Tennessee, head coach Brian Daboll will roll with Ben Bredeson at left guard. In his first season with New York, he finished with an overall 56.2 blocking grade according to PFF.
Free agent acquisition Jon Feliciano will start at center and Glowinski at the right guard position. Feliciano has familiarity with what Daboll expects from his days in Buffalo, and Glowinski was part of a dominant offensive line that helped Johnathan Taylor have a breakout season last year.
It won’t be perfect, but these five linemen should give Jones enough time to find weapons down the field.
Pass Rush Is A Big Concern For The New York Giants
Though I love the preseason, there’s always a risk for players to get hurt and miss out on games that actually matter. That can be said for New York, who may not have a first-round pick, Kayvon Thibodeaux, on the defensive side of the ball. The same can be said for Azeez Ojulari, who is battling a calf injury. Both players are doubtful as of this publishing.
With both guys out, the team’s pass rush takes a major blow. Ojulari recorded eight sacks last season during his rookie year and was expected to take a step forward this season. Thibodeaux brings an injection of burst and ability to get to the quarterback from his days as an Oregon Duck. They both will be missed mightily.
Based on the depth chart, Jihad Ward and Tomon Fox will have the first crack at replacing them. Fox is widely known for his game-winning hit against the Bengals in week two of the preseason.
#Giants just won their second preseason game with this ending: Undrafted rookie Tomon Fox looked like he was shot out of a cannon from the sideline and forced the fumble to end the game.pic.twitter.com/P2SDCUtHR3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 22, 2022
Ward comes in as a free agent after being a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. He appeared in all 17 games, and his size and familiarity with Wink Martindale’s defense will pay dividends if he is called upon.
We can’t forget about Leonard Williams and Dexter Lawrence, who are as capable as anyone to get to the quarterback. But, potentially losing Ojulari and Thibodeaux does sting, especially when this is the debut game for this newly formed Giants coaching staff.
Breathe, Daniel. Breathe
Let’s face it: Daniel Jones has been the recipient of a lot of criticism since last season. Many people, including Giants fans, have been calling for the team to move on from the former Duke product. Questionable turnovers and injuries have been the primary reasons why people want him gone from Big Blue.
But let’s face it: his supporting cast has been either non-existent or battling injuries of his own. There has been a rotating carousel of coaches coming in and out, and the last round of coaching staff was absolutely terrible. Especially when the offensive coordinator believes in solely running up the middle and five-yard curl routes. Deep balls? What is that, Jason Garrett asks.
This year, however, is different. Yes, even if Kenny Golladay doesn’t look the part of a number one wide receiver. As mentioned, his protection in front of him is significantly improved. Saquon Barkley looks as healthy as ever, and favorite target Sterling Shepard is back. Kadarius Toney is healthy, and the front office drafted Wan’Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger to prove more weapons for Jones.
Also, yes I understand the hype around the current college quarterbacks like Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. But, wouldn’t it be nice if the Giants addressed other positions of need next year instead of quarterback?
So, Daniel Jones. Take a breath. Relax. This is your first regular season game with this newly revamped offensive staff. In fact, everyone should take a deep breath. Because this is the year Danny Dimes proves everyone wrong and becomes the next Eli Manning. Take my word for it. After all, we all have gone through enough change these past few years.
Score Prediction: New York Giants 20, Tennessee Titans 16
It will be close. With the Titans likely loading the box against Saquon, it will be up to Daniel Jones to lead this team to victory. The same game plan will be said for the New York Giants defense, who will force Ryan Tannehill to be them with his arm. In the end, the good guys will be victorious.
Thank you for reading! If you want more content on the New York Giants, make sure to visit Belly Up Sports and follow me on Twitter! Thank you for your continuing support, and be on the lookout for more quality content! Also, check out my podcast here!
