The key to this year's offense could be WR V. Cruz. If he recovers to be an 85-1050-7 TD guy, a solid #2 and clear improvement over WR Randle, this offense could truly get to the next level. We need some luck with injuries this year and our #1 hopeful is WR Cruz.
A second key is the TE position. I think we really have some possibilities here with TE W. Tye especially. With OBJ drawing and beating double coverages if our other positional players improve and /or heal this pass offense could be special.
My big question is our running game and who will start at RB. Does Jennings have another year left in him or does Dwarka need to step up? Who runs the ball?
This offense can be special if it stays healthy and the young guys develop.
What players do you think really need to step up?
And yes, I think Shepherd is key too. I have this feeling he'll be solid out of the gates as a 4th WR and develop into our #3 during the season. An effective #3.
if Tye and Donnell stay healthy and produce, if Will Johnson is the multi tool back he appears to be and if Sheppard can earn at least 20 snaps a game and Cruz can be a real participant, and if Perkins and Rainey can push the RB corps -- this will be a top 3 offense and really light it up
I realize these are a lot of ifs -- but everything above is definitely in play
If the line can help offense can expand it's repertoire (incorporate a play-action, long passing attack) ...
If the line can help the running game be more effective (and eat up the clock), the defense will improve because it is better rested
2) Sheppard
3) The TE/FB group producing in all aspects.
I leave Cruz as a bonus, the whipped cream and nuts atop the sundae.
If we get #1 & #3, the running game will fall into place whoever totes the rock.
2) Sheppard
3) The TE/FB group producing in all aspects.
I leave Cruz as a bonus, the whipped cream and nuts atop the sundae.
If we get #1 & #3, the running game will fall into place whoever totes the rock.
Shephard/Cruz will be better than Randle. If, like you said, Cruz has those numbers or anyway close, the league will be in difficult position to stop us. Add Tye and an effective FB/H-Back Johnson and that makes it more difficult to stop us on a continued basis.
If what we are hearing from the coaches/reporters than Williams has been much improved, that would be a wow and it would be extremely nice to have a 1000 yard runner on this team. I do not care who does it.
Of course, there is the line. Weston and Pugh are gold. If Jerry is technically better (didn't he go to some camp?) then the middle three could be solid. Flowers was hurt and played hurt a good chunk of the year, and was out of "position" (he should be on the right side, but we gots what we gots). We can hope Solari tweaks him enough to be good. I am on my knees praying that Newhouse can be good, too. Keeping Eli afloat (that's the Navy in me) and adding a running game conceivably makes us playoff capable.
Again, great thread, and yes there can be a lot of positives on offense this year.
Offensively we could be that good to great and I am more hopeful this year than in the past couple due to the offenses potential.
Then there's the D.....
Shephard/Cruz will be better than Randle. If, like you said, Cruz has those numbers or anyway close, the league will be in the difficult position to stop us. Add Tye and an effective FB/H-Back Johnson and that makes it more difficult to stop us on a continued basis.
If what we are hearing from the coaches/reporters than Williams has been much improved, that would be a wow and it would be extremely nice to have a 1000 yard runner on this team. I do not care who does it.
Of course, there is the line. Weston and Pugh are gold. If Jerry is technically better (didn't he go to some camp?) then the middle three could be solid. Flowers was hurt and played hurt a good chunk of the year, and was out of "position" (he should be on the right side, but we gots what we gots). We can hope Solari tweaks him enough to be good. I am on my knees praying that Newhouse can be good, too. Keeping Eli afloat (that's the Navy in me) and adding a running game conceivably makes us playoff capable.
Again, great thread, and yes there can be a lot of positives on offense this year.
Offensively we could be that good to great and I am more hopeful this year than in the past couple due to the offenses potential.
Then there's the D.....
As for the defense, I agree it was our weak point last year and may in fact have been the league's worst defense by far. However, I do believe the DL this year will be better due to signings and return to health of Hankins and JPP. I think Bromley and Wynn will improve as well. A big key is Kennard at LB being a force because he has ability.
Assuming we can do that I love our offense....
We were what? 8th last year? I see us as slightly better across the board with potential to be top 5.
-Cruz/Sheppard easily is much better than Randle/Harris
-Will Johnson should be better than Whitlock
-Our running back stable should be stronger with some real play making ability in Perkins. Vereen should be deadly underneath year two in our system/better WR core.
-Our TE stable has two guys that have now been around the block in this system who are no longer green (Donnel/Tye) and a really solid 3rd TE to groom in Adams.
-Our line should be at LEAST as good as last year. Another year of improvement for Flowers, Pugh, and Richburg. Jerry is supposed to be in fantastic shape. (again I still want another body added though)
The Giants really like Jennings
The Giants really like Jennings
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I see four MAX. Jennings, Vereen, and Perkins are locks. That leaves Williams, Darkwa, and Rainey probably fighting for one spot. I guess it could go to Williams if he's ready to take on a short yardage/endzone type role.
I am NOt sold on Jennings being a lock only because he is 31. There haven't been many runners with big years at age 31. I like Perkins, Vereen, Williams (if reports of developing are true....) and Dwarka. Jennings could be a late cut and told to stay in shape. Just a hunch.
Wow. I would be shocked if Jennings was cut barring some sort of injury in Training camp/Pre-season. He's the likely starter let alone one of their top 4. He might get phased out or replaced as the year moves along but I can't see him cut early if healthy.
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In comment 13035222 ZGiants98 said:
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I see four MAX. Jennings, Vereen, and Perkins are locks. That leaves Williams, Darkwa, and Rainey probably fighting for one spot. I guess it could go to Williams if he's ready to take on a short yardage/endzone type role.
I am NOt sold on Jennings being a lock only because he is 31. There haven't been many runners with big years at age 31. I like Perkins, Vereen, Williams (if reports of developing are true....) and Dwarka. Jennings could be a late cut and told to stay in shape. Just a hunch.
Wow. I would be shocked if Jennings was cut barring some sort of injury in Training camp/Pre-season. He's the likely starter let alone one of their top 4. He might get phased out or replaced as the year moves along but I can't see him cut early if healthy.
Listening to Jennings on NFL Network just, reinforces my feeling on Victor Cruz. I think he will make it back to form to pair with Beckham and Shepard, giving the Giants a lethal WR corps.
Will Johnson will be a terror in run blocking with flexibility in the passing game as an H-back FB or TE.
The stable of TE's may prove to be a strength as well. The competition will be intense this preseason making the final contingent solid.
The RB rotation will be decided during the preseason but, I think Perkins will become impactful as the season evolves, like Bradshaw 2007. Jennings will be the workhorse early but will be complimented will solid depth.
That is one of the parallels to 2007 when major contributions came from draft class: CB Ross 1st round, WR Smith 2nd round, TE Boss 5th round and RB Bradshaw 7th round. 2016 we have CB Apple 1st round, WR Shepard 2nd round, RB Perkins 5th round and TE Adams 6th round.
Last year the O was top 10 with only one true dynamic play-maker. This year Eli will have a plethora of options, with Beckham, Cruz and Shepard single coverage will prove to be a nightmare. Given coach Solari's track record the run blocking should much improved, with the stable of RB's this years Offense may be the Best in franchise history.
Listening to Jennings on NFL Network just, reinforces my feeling on Victor Cruz. I think he will make it back to form to pair with Beckham and Shepard, giving the Giants a lethal WR corps.
Will Johnson will be a terror in run blocking with flexibility in the passing game as an H-back FB or TE.
The stable of TE's may prove to be a strength as well. The competition will be intense this preseason making the final contingent solid.
The RB rotation will be decided during the preseason but, I think Perkins will become impactful as the season evolves, like Bradshaw 2007. Jennings will be the workhorse early but will be complimented will solid depth.
That is one of the parallels to 2007 when major contributions came from draft class: CB Ross 1st round, WR Smith 2nd round, TE Boss 5th round and RB Bradshaw 7th round. 2016 we have CB Apple 1st round, WR Shepard 2nd round, RB Perkins 5th round and TE Adams 6th round.
Last year the O was top 10 with only one true dynamic play-maker. This year Eli will have a plethora of options, with Beckham, Cruz and Shepard single coverage will prove to be a nightmare. Given coach Solari's track record the run blocking should much improved, with the stable of RB's this years Offense may be the Best in franchise history.
I also wondered before the draft if we'd trade TE Donnell and a pick for an opportunity to move up and draft a RT. I didn't happen.
I really see great production from TE this year. I see us moving the ball on the ground; throwing short; and even surprising with TE Adams later in the year as he has speed but just needs to learn.
Oddly, but I also think TE plus FB Johnson will be the reason our redzone offense will really improve.
TE Donnell is a really big body and if he stays healthy I think he'll key the redzone. When he is in along with FB Johnson teams won't know whether to key on the run or pass.
Also, Cruz is a solid short area receiver when healthy and he appears to be healthy.
I have a good feeling we will produce inside the 20 yard line this year.
His former player swear by his coaching ability, therefore the discerning mind should lean in favor of optimism. I believe he will know fairly quickly what potential they can achieve. One thing I can asure you they will be well prepared and function as a cohesive unit. Sometimes that can make all the difference.
His former player swear by his coaching ability, therefore the discerning mind should lean in favor of optimism. I believe he will know fairly quickly what potential they can achieve. One thing I can asure you they will be well prepared and function as a cohesive unit. Sometimes that can make all the difference.
And Cruz is the reason.....one, until he goes out there and can show he has the same cutting ability and quickness.....two, that, that knee can take a hit......and three, that he can play a full season......we have been let down by him, the last three seasons......to count on him is a mistake....he should be looked at as a bonus, if he indeed does play....
That's why Shepard is the #1 key to this offense.....he has to replace Randle, by game one......That is a lot of pressure to put on a rookie receiver, especially if Cruz fails or comes around slowly......
If Cruz fails, that's OBj, SS, and Harris......we need someone to step up, and be the 3rd or 4th guy.....
It seems that the Giants are prepared to go with the OL that finished the year......these 5 have played together for a year.....I think they will be better...but there is no depth......we have to hope Reese finds someone's outcast, as an upgrade to the backups we have....
It seems to be the same situation with the TE's....they are going with what they have...
We needed a RB, and we were lucky that Perkins was still on the board....but he is a rookie, and while potentially better than what we already have, he is still an unknown.....We will probably ride Jennings as long as we can, but Vereen, Darkwa, Williams, and Co. are not the answer......
This is a team, with no depth on offense or defense.....we have to avoid major injuries.......we can probably tolerate minor injuries to key players.....
If we get lucky with Cruz, if Perkins and Shepard, can work their way into the starting lineup, and if we can avoid the injury bug that has plagued us for several seasons, there is no reason this team can't take the division, and make the playoffs....
And Cruz is the reason.....one, until he goes out there and can show he has the same cutting ability and quickness.....two, that, that knee can take a hit......and three, that he can play a full season......we have been let down by him, the last three seasons......to count on him is a mistake....he should be looked at as a bonus, if he indeed does play....
That's why Shepard is the #1 key to this offense.....he has to replace Randle, by game one......That is a lot of pressure to put on a rookie receiver, especially if Cruz fails or comes around slowly......
If Cruz fails, that's OBj, SS, and Harris......we need someone to step up, and be the 3rd or 4th guy.....
It seems that the Giants are prepared to go with the OL that finished the year......these 5 have played together for a year.....I think they will be better...but there is no depth......we have to hope Reese finds someone's outcast, as an upgrade to the backups we have....
It seems to be the same situation with the TE's....they are going with what they have...
We needed a RB, and we were lucky that Perkins was still on the board....but he is a rookie, and while potentially better than what we already have, he is still an unknown.....We will probably ride Jennings as long as we can, but Vereen, Darkwa, Williams, and Co. are not the answer......
This is a team, with no depth on offense or defense.....we have to avoid major injuries.......we can probably tolerate minor injuries to key players.....
If we get lucky with Cruz, if Perkins and Shepard, can work their way into the starting lineup, and if we can avoid the injury bug that has plagued us for several seasons, there is no reason this team can't take the division, and make the playoffs....
And yes Shepherd could indeed end up being a key piece to the offense should Cruz falter.
New Coaching for Williams - ( New Window )
Anyone know how developed Perkins is? Is he sort of NFL ready with the ability to pick up the blitz and so forth?
I am really hoping Dwarka, Perkins, Vereen are all ready out the gates. I know Vereeen is but he isn't a regular back.
So for 2016, Shepard showing up as the guy he's been purported to be is the biggest key to this offense. Randle had his flaws, but he also scored a lot of touchdowns. We need someone to offer similar production. If Shepard even copies the production and doesn't make the mental errors that would be a huge plus. And I think that would guarantee a potential repeat of Eli's production last year.
Secondly, a RB coming out behind Jennings proving to be a future starter would also be a huge boon. Either Williams or Perkins, if they can carry the ball over a hundred times for near 4.5 yards a carry, that too would be a huge pick up for our offense. (This is obviously assuming Rashad starts the whole season.)
Lastly, while Tye produced good numbers, he's not a threatening offensive weapon. If he or Donnell can show some consistency at that position that would give the team some stability. Even if it's not those two, a consistent starter from the TE position would really help this offense going forward. If Adams can get off the line and make some catches, that duel threat - like with the RB position - would give Eli a lot of flexibility and defenses a lot of difficulty with trying to plan for Eli's attack.
So for 2016, Shepard showing up as the guy he's been purported to be is the biggest key to this offense. Randle had his flaws, but he also scored a lot of touchdowns. We need someone to offer similar production. If Shepard even copies the production and doesn't make the mental errors that would be a huge plus. And I think that would guarantee a potential repeat of Eli's production last year.
Secondly, a RB coming out behind Jennings proving to be a future starter would also be a huge boon. Either Williams or Perkins, if they can carry the ball over a hundred times for near 4.5 yards a carry, that too would be a huge pick up for our offense. (This is obviously assuming Rashad starts the whole season.)
Lastly, while Tye produced good numbers, he's not a threatening offensive weapon. If he or Donnell can show some consistency at that position that would give the team some stability. Even if it's not those two, a consistent starter from the TE position would really help this offense going forward. If Adams can get off the line and make some catches, that duel threat - like with the RB position - would give Eli a lot of flexibility and defenses a lot of difficulty with trying to plan for Eli's attack.
I thought Te was pretty nifty last year and improved. I think Adams has the most physical talent and upside. I also believe the OL, if healthy and together through camp, will be better due to experience and coach Solari. Good reply and I appreciate much of what you say.
I like Tye, but I think his height limits his use in certain situations. I also think Donnell is better at contested grabs. Both together offer options that are valuable. But, yeah, is Adams can become Donnell like in his offensive value, that would be a huge option for Eli.
I agree about the OL getting better with experience, but I think we may draft a RT next year and I think that would be a good thing. I don't dislike Newhouse, but I think we could use a more solid run blocker on the right side though. Newhouse as depth would be fantastic.
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I thought Te was pretty nifty last year and improved. I think Adams has the most physical talent and upside. I also believe the OL, if healthy and together through camp, will be better due to experience and coach Solari. Good reply and I appreciate much of what you say.
I like Tye, but I think his height limits his use in certain situations. I also think Donnell is better at contested grabs. Both together offer options that are valuable. But, yeah, is Adams can become Donnell like in his offensive value, that would be a huge option for Eli.
I agree about the OL getting better with experience, but I think we may draft a RT next year and I think that would be a good thing. I don't dislike Newhouse, but I think we could use a more solid run blocker on the right side though. Newhouse as depth would be fantastic.
But if you want a "key" to the O, it's run blocking. We have a nice stable of backs. No real game breakers, but Jennings is reliable as an every down back as long as he's healthy, Vereen changes things as a receiving threat where they can split him out and Perkins as apparently our future full timer will be a dynamic back when giving Jennings a break assuming he can block. Who knows what Williams is gonna do. I'd like to believe he can thrive behind some good run blocking because him getting to the 2nd and 3rd levels sounds scary to me for other teams to have to deal with.
If we can get a viable, and consistent running game to go with what we can do through the air, we will be a top five offense in the league with arguably the most clutch an. You give Eli options to audible in and out of, he is literally the best an in the game. Then, it's all up to the defense.
Man I have a very good feeling about this year.
Link - ( New Window )
Agree with this.