After a rough 2023 season, the New York Giants look to rebound and return to the postseason.
But, sportsbooks are not being kind to Big Blue. DraftKings, for example, has their over/under win total set at 6.5 for the upcoming season.
With that said, for a team that just made the playoffs in 2022 plus the new additions to the team, the Giants will exceed expectations in 2024.
Improvements On Offense
The Athletic’s Vic Tafur is one analyst who believes the Giants will exceed 6.5 wins this upcoming season.
The Giants were not surprised that Darren Waller retired this week. And probably not that upset about it either, as injuries and maybe some focus issues rendered Waller less than the dominant tight end he was with the Raiders. The Giants also probably got a chuckle when some people thought Drew Lock was brought in to take Daniel Jones’ job. Jones is not that bad, people. He will be able to get the ball to Malik Nabers. And Brian Daboll didn’t suddenly forget how to coach last season when the Giants disappointed many and fell from 9-7-1 to 6-11.
This is a great bounce-back spot, and a defense led by Dexter Lawrence II and Kayvon Thibodeaux will be much better with the addition of Brian Burns.
Vic Tafur of The Athletic on the Giants’ 2024 season
Sure, Waller retired. But, New York replaces his production with a much better weapon in WR Malik Nabers. The rookie product from LSU is a dynamic playmaker who will be the team’s most dangerous WR since Odell Beckham Jr. He joins Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Jalin Hyatt to form a solid quartet.
“Post more Malik Nabers content!!!” pic.twitter.com/bsCHPtKmDM
— New York Giants (@Giants) June 6, 2024
New York also made major improvements on the offensive line, starting with the hiring of offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo back in January. Then, the team added free agents Jon Runyan Jr and Jermaine Eluemunor this offseason (both will likely take over at the guard positions).
Replacing Waller directly at the tight-end position will be rookie Theo Johnson. The Penn State product is a tall, vertical threat that will look to make an early impact as a rookie. Daniel Bellinger will also look to revert back to being the TE1 he was in 2022.
Yes, everything will depend on Daniel Jones. If the signal-caller can take advantage of the new weapons and reinforcements around him, he will have a breakout year and lead the offense to being a top-15 unit.
Also, Saquon Barkley may be gone. But, a committee of free agent Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, and rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr are capable enough to produce.
Improvements On Defense
Defensively, New York made improvements in the draft and free agency. They traded for EDGE Brian Burns from Carolina, who will line up opposite of Kayvon Thibodeaux and form a solid 1-2 pass-rushing duo.
Underrated linebacker Bobby Okereke is the leader of this defense. He had an outstanding season in 2023, racking up 149 tackles (11 TFL), 10 pass deflections, and two interceptions. Snubbed from the All-Pro team, Okereke looks to show the league why he deserves more recognition.
Don’t forget about Dexter Lawrence, who is arguably the best defensive lineman in the league. The 2x Pro Bowler led the entire league with a 92.9 PFF grade, which was backed up by a solid statistical season that saw him record 53 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 65 total QB pressures.
Dexter Lawrence is the most underrated player in the NFL https://t.co/UhjOpityu5
— Shane Haff (@ShaneHaffNFL) June 11, 2024
In the secondary, second-year cornerback Deonte Banks takes over as the CB1. He had a solid rookie season and will look to be even better in 2024. It helps New York’s new defense under DC Shane Bowen will be more dependent on zone coverage, where Banks has shown to be quite instinctive at.
Opposite of him will likely be Cor’Dale Flott. However, New York did just recently add veteran Tre Herndon, who has shown solid production when on the field.
At safety, they replace the departed Xavier McKinney with rookie Tyler Nubin from Minnesota. The best at his position from the draft, along with Jason Pinnock/Jalen Mills, will hold things down.
With That Said…
Despite a relatively tough schedule, the Giants look like a much-improved team compared to last season. Even with the departures of the aforementioned Barkley and McKinney, they’ve added solid replacements and reinforcements at various positions.
Of course, the main reason the Giants will (or will not) succeed will be the play of quarterback Daniel Jones. We know the defense will do its thing. As long as Jones can manage and get the ball to his playmakers, this team is going to get more than six wins and possibly make the postseason.
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Featured Image: Luke Hales/Getty Images
2 Comments
Yeah. And you must also believe in Santa Claus? Jones is a one-hit wonder.
Just hoping he bounces back! No excuses this year for him. Better weapons + best offensive line in his caree