begs a question: How can the Giants be considered a even a playoff team, let alone a real contender for 2015, when ALL 3 units on defense have "critical need", Offensive line is a "critical need" and TE is a "substantial need"? Does anyone really think that 1 draft and FA session is going to turn this team into a contender?
This is telling us that , surprise!, the Giants are a bad team with a bad roster and aren't going to be a contender for at least 2 more years.Stunning considering they were 6-10 and 7-9 the last 2 years (and lucky to be that good) and 16-24 in there last 40 games.
look the Giants have holes but take a look at Dallas from a Dallas fan POV--their OL is great but they have FAs to contend with and future high salaries to contend with there...ok fine, they are loaded at OL even worst case...RB? Murry is very possibly out...WR outside of Dez is a huge question mark. Witten is another year older. The O is solid and even great at times but there are questions there.
The defense in dallas is a total disaster. The DL is average at best and that's being generous. Honestly the DL is terrible. The LBs are solid assuming Lee comes back...the secondary is average at best.
Philly? That team is nowhere near as talented or unknowingly dangerous as the 2013 squad that took the NFL by surprise. Who is rushing the QBs in that defense? Who is covering WRs? Who is running the ball and who is catching passes in that offense outside of Maclin and MAtthews? They have huge question marks along the entire roster and oh wait, who the fuck is playing QB?
Skins? Lol..please
Even Seattle, one of the most talented teams in the league, has questions up and down the roster. Same with the Pats.
Every team has holes and question marks, some more than others but you make it sound like the rest of the NFC East let alone the NFL is loaded with star studded teams with depth all over the roster. Not true. The teams that win are the ones that dominate in some specific area enough to cover up the warts of the rest of the team. Think 2011 NYG or 2010 GB or 2009 Saints...etc etc...
The 2013 - 2014 Hawks are a rare breed of team that had a lot of depth and could skin a car in many different ways. Most good teams get by on top heavy rosters and quietly the GM and coaching staff are praying every night before bed that the roster holds up for 3-4 months.
The Giants are getting closer to fielding a dangerous team. Eli to BEckham is a field tilting advantage. We just need a little more talent along the OL/Running game and a little more talent on D. The D just has to get in the way once in a while...
I shouldn't dismiss the Skins because they have talent too. If they could ever get the QB situation straightened out and build some continuity in the font office and coaching staff, they'd be dangerous too.
To say there's a fine line between the winning and losing teams is an understatement. The difference between 6-10 and 10-6 and a playoff run is literally 2-3 plays spread out over 4 games or so.
We needed a lot to go right in 2014 to field a 10 win team and sadly, most of it went wrong. We needed Jennings and the OL to stay healthy all year. Didn't happen. We needed the secondary, where a lot of money was allocated, to stay healthy and cover up some of the warts at LB and even DL--that too didn't happen. We needed Beckham and Randle and Cruz to stay healthy all year long or long enough---did NOT happen.
If the Giants can put forth a 'B' type effort this off-season, and add some long term talent in this draft--maybe 2 players that have legit staying power, this team should have more error margin heading into 2015. Maybe Jennings isn't the end all be all RB and we can live with him as the #3 or utility back assuming Williams is a year wiser and tougher and they add another RB talent to the mix. Maybe the OL doesn't need to have a perfect season of health if they add another FA that can start and they add a talent in the first few rounds of the draft. If they can add another DT or DE, the trenches may be able to buy that high priced and hopefully healthy secondary the time it needs to force turnovers.
The Giants scored points with Donnell last season. They can score pts with Donnell next season. IF they have chance to add a stud TE in the draft by all means do it but the TE position is at least stable. Robinson also seems to be coming along.
begs a question: How can the Giants be considered a even a playoff team, let alone a real contender for 2015, when ALL 3 units on defense have "critical need", Offensive line is a "critical need" and TE is a "substantial need"? Does anyone really think that 1 draft and FA session is going to turn this team into a contender?
This is telling us that , surprise!, the Giants are a bad team with a bad roster and aren't going to be a contender for at least 2 more years.Stunning considering they were 6-10 and 7-9 the last 2 years (and lucky to be that good) and 16-24 in there last 40 games.
Been saying this for awhile, it's going to be a few off seasons to get up to par..however, some don't think so and they can do it in one offseason.
djm: re "This team is a few starters away." assumes that
tell me you were high on the Giants before the 05 season or before the 07 season or before any good period in their history. I highly doubt it.
This nonsense that any NFL team is years away is just that, nonsense. The Jaguars could bounce back overnight if they got a little lucky. They probably won't because the QB is still unknown but some of you are way beyond pessimistic. Two more years? The Giants could have won 9 games in 2014 if they make 1 more play in 3 games.
Whatever...the doom and gloomers have the ammo to support their beliefs but I think the current NFL landscape allows for any team to improve literally overnight. The gulf isn't that wide between the good and not so good and the Giants actually have the QB. Laughable to proclaim that this team is 2 more years away.
the worm is turning for this franchise. It's not unrealistic at all to cautiously expect some or most of the younger talents like Richburg, Pugh, Randle, BEckham, Williams, Wynn, Hankins, Moore, Kennard, Prince...etc etc...to progress and become NFL reliable players that can carry this team forward along with some of the veterans. Some are already there.
Is it really that crazy to think the Giants can get 2 starters in FA and add some decent young talent in a draft that sees them picking 9th? I don't think that's crazy at all. I am always going to give this regime benefit of the doubt. I trust them. I know they have had a bad 2 years but that's not really something to be ashamed of when you look at what the franchise did from 05-12. They were due to hit hard times. I think there are some clear cut signs that things are headed in the right direction. Don't believe me? I'm not the only one saying that...Gil BRandt and many NFL insiders are as well. Mike Francessa even confirmed this not long ago that many NFL people have the Giants pegged as a team on the way back.
1) Thank you Eric. I agree with just about everything you wrote.
2) WR - I think, even with his warts, Randle is decent in this offense because he is no longer the #1. That is clearly Beckham. He will be the #2, but in 3 and 4 receiver sets is probably not the 2nd option. The problem, to me, is getting a decent WR via FA. It likely isn't going to happen. Who would want to come to a team with one of the most dynamic players in the league already at the position and then having Cruz and Randle on the roster. They would be picking from the rest of the #3 and #4 WRs for the most part. I think if you address this position this off season, it is going to be via the draft.
3) DB - I would sign just about any of the S on your list. Any of them is an upgrade over what we have under contract and is an instant starter.
4) LB is a tough position to diagnose. McClain was signed to play OLB and is now being judged on playing most of the season at MLB, which isn't really fair. I think Kennard will be a playmaker and probably gets slotted for WLB. So, the real trick is assessing Beason. Do they release him? Restructure? If he can actually stay healthy, Beason in the middle of McClain and Kennard is not a bad trio. But, they have absolutely no depth even if he starts.
5) There are a couple of interesting options at RB. Spiller is one. Bush is another. Helu is another. Spiller is probably still looking to at least have a shot at starting. Bush or Helu could be the type of 3rd down/change of pace back we need.
6) Back to LB, there are a couple of decent, if not overwhelming options. Harris is one. McClain is another.
Agree. WR I think will and should be upgraded in the draft, if it is, not something I see as a FA target. And the rbs, add antone smith to that list. I like helu, those may be some of the cheap targets that I think could make sense. Someone like spiller, $ and playing time will be better elsewhere I think. I prefer the draft for rb usually, but there are so many options this year in FA, I think one can come cheap, and would be low risk depth. Several with little wear too.
Thank you for taking the time to write the Giants' 2015 FA preview.
Please add Virgil Green to the list of potential FA tight ends. I believe he is an unrestricted tight end; and he can block.
How many players on the Giants roster can you say without any doubt, can play at this level?
The Giants seem to spend a lot of time finding guys that are more of the same. We frequently hear names of players getting signed that might be able to play in this league; not definitely. BBI correctly calls them 'projects'. The Giants need to start seeing players for what they are now; not what they might become under ideal conditions.
Offensive line: Pugh is looking more and more like a guard. That's fine, but Reese said he couldn't find anything wrong with him. Well, maybe Reese doesn't know what a tackle looks like? I question Reese's ability to identify offensive linemen. I think that is one of his weaknesses.
OL - at least one starter and serviceable backup OT
FS - we need a center-fielder
LB - pray that Beason, McClain and Kennard start 16 games each and play "well enough" - yikes!
CB - we lose Thurmond, Bowman we need another veteran
DT - Jenkins, Patterson, Kuhn not the answers
DE - even if we sign JPP, who starts opposite him if not Ayers / Moore rotating or something? Yikes.
TE - We could always use an upgrade but I hold out hope TE Robinson finally sees the light in year 2 of this offense and year 4 in the league.
We have a LOT of holes but OT, FS and DT are the biggest ones IMHO.
Fasano would be a good get. I'd add Matt Spaeth to the list, too. Not much of a receiver, but a hell of a blocker.
This is telling us that , surprise!, the Giants are a bad team with a bad roster and aren't going to be a contender for at least 2 more years.Stunning considering they were 6-10 and 7-9 the last 2 years (and lucky to be that good) and 16-24 in there last 40 games.
The defense in dallas is a total disaster. The DL is average at best and that's being generous. Honestly the DL is terrible. The LBs are solid assuming Lee comes back...the secondary is average at best.
Philly? That team is nowhere near as talented or unknowingly dangerous as the 2013 squad that took the NFL by surprise. Who is rushing the QBs in that defense? Who is covering WRs? Who is running the ball and who is catching passes in that offense outside of Maclin and MAtthews? They have huge question marks along the entire roster and oh wait, who the fuck is playing QB?
Skins? Lol..please
Even Seattle, one of the most talented teams in the league, has questions up and down the roster. Same with the Pats.
Every team has holes and question marks, some more than others but you make it sound like the rest of the NFC East let alone the NFL is loaded with star studded teams with depth all over the roster. Not true. The teams that win are the ones that dominate in some specific area enough to cover up the warts of the rest of the team. Think 2011 NYG or 2010 GB or 2009 Saints...etc etc...
The 2013 - 2014 Hawks are a rare breed of team that had a lot of depth and could skin a car in many different ways. Most good teams get by on top heavy rosters and quietly the GM and coaching staff are praying every night before bed that the roster holds up for 3-4 months.
The Giants are getting closer to fielding a dangerous team. Eli to BEckham is a field tilting advantage. We just need a little more talent along the OL/Running game and a little more talent on D. The D just has to get in the way once in a while...
To say there's a fine line between the winning and losing teams is an understatement. The difference between 6-10 and 10-6 and a playoff run is literally 2-3 plays spread out over 4 games or so.
We needed a lot to go right in 2014 to field a 10 win team and sadly, most of it went wrong. We needed Jennings and the OL to stay healthy all year. Didn't happen. We needed the secondary, where a lot of money was allocated, to stay healthy and cover up some of the warts at LB and even DL--that too didn't happen. We needed Beckham and Randle and Cruz to stay healthy all year long or long enough---did NOT happen.
If the Giants can put forth a 'B' type effort this off-season, and add some long term talent in this draft--maybe 2 players that have legit staying power, this team should have more error margin heading into 2015. Maybe Jennings isn't the end all be all RB and we can live with him as the #3 or utility back assuming Williams is a year wiser and tougher and they add another RB talent to the mix. Maybe the OL doesn't need to have a perfect season of health if they add another FA that can start and they add a talent in the first few rounds of the draft. If they can add another DT or DE, the trenches may be able to buy that high priced and hopefully healthy secondary the time it needs to force turnovers.
The Giants scored points with Donnell last season. They can score pts with Donnell next season. IF they have chance to add a stud TE in the draft by all means do it but the TE position is at least stable. Robinson also seems to be coming along.
This team is a few starters away.
This is telling us that , surprise!, the Giants are a bad team with a bad roster and aren't going to be a contender for at least 2 more years.Stunning considering they were 6-10 and 7-9 the last 2 years (and lucky to be that good) and 16-24 in there last 40 games.
Been saying this for awhile, it's going to be a few off seasons to get up to par..however, some don't think so and they can do it in one offseason.
I hope you're right, but realistically that is a lot to ask.
This nonsense that any NFL team is years away is just that, nonsense. The Jaguars could bounce back overnight if they got a little lucky. They probably won't because the QB is still unknown but some of you are way beyond pessimistic. Two more years? The Giants could have won 9 games in 2014 if they make 1 more play in 3 games.
Whatever...the doom and gloomers have the ammo to support their beliefs but I think the current NFL landscape allows for any team to improve literally overnight. The gulf isn't that wide between the good and not so good and the Giants actually have the QB. Laughable to proclaim that this team is 2 more years away.
Is it really that crazy to think the Giants can get 2 starters in FA and add some decent young talent in a draft that sees them picking 9th? I don't think that's crazy at all. I am always going to give this regime benefit of the doubt. I trust them. I know they have had a bad 2 years but that's not really something to be ashamed of when you look at what the franchise did from 05-12. They were due to hit hard times. I think there are some clear cut signs that things are headed in the right direction. Don't believe me? I'm not the only one saying that...Gil BRandt and many NFL insiders are as well. Mike Francessa even confirmed this not long ago that many NFL people have the Giants pegged as a team on the way back.
They have to prove it though.
2) WR - I think, even with his warts, Randle is decent in this offense because he is no longer the #1. That is clearly Beckham. He will be the #2, but in 3 and 4 receiver sets is probably not the 2nd option. The problem, to me, is getting a decent WR via FA. It likely isn't going to happen. Who would want to come to a team with one of the most dynamic players in the league already at the position and then having Cruz and Randle on the roster. They would be picking from the rest of the #3 and #4 WRs for the most part. I think if you address this position this off season, it is going to be via the draft.
3) DB - I would sign just about any of the S on your list. Any of them is an upgrade over what we have under contract and is an instant starter.
4) LB is a tough position to diagnose. McClain was signed to play OLB and is now being judged on playing most of the season at MLB, which isn't really fair. I think Kennard will be a playmaker and probably gets slotted for WLB. So, the real trick is assessing Beason. Do they release him? Restructure? If he can actually stay healthy, Beason in the middle of McClain and Kennard is not a bad trio. But, they have absolutely no depth even if he starts.
5) There are a couple of interesting options at RB. Spiller is one. Bush is another. Helu is another. Spiller is probably still looking to at least have a shot at starting. Bush or Helu could be the type of 3rd down/change of pace back we need.
6) Back to LB, there are a couple of decent, if not overwhelming options. Harris is one. McClain is another.
Please add Virgil Green to the list of potential FA tight ends. I believe he is an unrestricted tight end; and he can block.
How many players on the Giants roster can you say without any doubt, can play at this level?
The Giants seem to spend a lot of time finding guys that are more of the same. We frequently hear names of players getting signed that might be able to play in this league; not definitely. BBI correctly calls them 'projects'. The Giants need to start seeing players for what they are now; not what they might become under ideal conditions.
Offensive line: Pugh is looking more and more like a guard. That's fine, but Reese said he couldn't find anything wrong with him. Well, maybe Reese doesn't know what a tackle looks like? I question Reese's ability to identify offensive linemen. I think that is one of his weaknesses.
OL - at least one starter and serviceable backup OT
FS - we need a center-fielder
LB - pray that Beason, McClain and Kennard start 16 games each and play "well enough" - yikes!
CB - we lose Thurmond, Bowman we need another veteran
DT - Jenkins, Patterson, Kuhn not the answers
DE - even if we sign JPP, who starts opposite him if not Ayers / Moore rotating or something? Yikes.
TE - We could always use an upgrade but I hold out hope TE Robinson finally sees the light in year 2 of this offense and year 4 in the league.
We have a LOT of holes but OT, FS and DT are the biggest ones IMHO.