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?
We know about Cruz and Shepard, so I won't discuss them.
I do think they want to make Shane Vereen a bigger part of the offense and we saw glympses of what he is capable of, at times. Similarly, there is potential in this group of young TEs. If someone outside of the receivers emerged as a legitimate pass catching threat, it could have a big impact on the offense.
With that said, if I had to state one key, I would propably point to the running game. The erratic running game has been holding the offense back for years. For the reasons I stated above, the offense is challenged to overcome unfavorable down and distance situations, and they have found themselves in those situations far too often at the hands of ineffective runs for no gains or losses.
We saw some signs of hope at the end of the season last year. Whatever it was, if they can find a way to build off of that and get some legitimacy to the running game, this could have a major impact to the offense, especially if in conjunction with one of the other adds mentioned. But a running game is transformative, meaning this offense is a whole different animal if they can run on you.
And if he feels he has a bit more time in pocket, he can hold for another second and see if one breaks free. If not, the WCO options should be available.
I don't think we can expect much more than just moderate improvements in the O-line (at best), but I do expect Defenses to be wary of our passing game which might just create the time Eli needs to light em' up.
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If an OT gets injured we could be in trouble unless we sign someone before the season begins.
Flowers must improve for sure and stay healthy. We do lack OL depth as do many teams. My hope is Hart shows enough to be a RT. I mean, if injuries hit we'd have to move Pugh to OT for sure.
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.
Shepard is NOT going to be the #4 WR in game 1. He's the #2 from the get go and the ONLY question is if Cruz can be the #3 or whether he is damaged goods in which case he splits his time with Harris.
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.
The right side of the OL will likely maybe only improve a shade because of coach Solari and just the fact that they have played together in this offense for more than just a year. Experience and continuity are big. I also wonder how much OG Hart develops. If this kid does come on maybe he does start at RT at some point. I doubt he does out of the gates this year as he is only 22 with one game under his belt but I'm hopeful he can show in spots, maybe be our short yardage tackle or guard.
But I disagree on Cruz. I think his coming back to form would put this offense over the top. If Eli has a short underneath wideout that he can trust and rely on more than Randle we'll see less turnovers and more 3rd and short conversions. I'm not sure how many interceptions Randle cost Eli but it was a lot more than should ever be. Cruz's comeback, if it does happen and reports are he has healed, would be huge.
As for Shepherd, I do believe he'll play right out of the gates and produce but as a #4 wideout. No way he starts over a healthy Cruz due to experience. Harris also will be year two in this offense and he is in his prime so he'll see the field as a wideout.
I think as the season progresses we'll hopefully see more of the youth out there producing: Perkins, Shepherd, Adams and so forth. That is the key to late season success as it changes up game film and just produces results. Young guys who step up and surprise, we need that kind of year. Amen.
This year, I think he'll spread the ball around like never before. As for those that believe Shepherd is the #2 WR out of the gates I hope he shows enough to be that but he is a rookie and that is asking a lot.
This team is gonna rock if the OL improves.
I think the starting DL will be strong against the run. I think Vernon, Hankins and JPP will put pressure on the QB.
But a big key is how much the young guys develop as all good defenses rotate the DL's and use situational matchups.
We have to hope Bromley, Wynn and OWA produce. These guys have to be there to rotate in and be effective. Not just bodies. As a season goes on DL's can wear down but if you rotate or have backups that are almost as good as some of your starters you are in a much better position to beat teams down in the the last 10 minutes of a game.
Call me crazy, but I have this feeling that FB Whitlock, who has beefed up and had good pass rush in college and in flashes last year, well that he makes the team and becomes a defacto pass rusher. We need someone to surprise and be a superb pass rusher if even for 3rd and long and spot duty.
I'm not sure how you hold a roster spot for Whitlock given the numbers game but if this kid shows he can rush the passer no way he gets cut. If you can put pressure on a QB in this league you have a shot in every game. Can Whitlock at 250 pounds this year be a surprise guy? A guy who gets those 10 to 15 pass rush snaps a game? A guy who makes the team as the backup FB and special teamer plus pass rusher?
I have a good feeling about Whitlock. Anyone else?
You also want to see the ability to pop a few long runs. Giants were tied for 22nd in the league in runs of 20 yards or more and had zero runs of 40 yards. That has to improve. More often than not, big runs = momentum and translate directly into points.
You also want to see the ability to pop a few long runs. Giants were tied for 22nd in the league in runs of 20 yards or more and had zero runs of 40 yards. That has to improve. More often than not, big runs = momentum and translate directly into points.
It sucks that we could not sign UFA RT Penn as I think he still has a good year or two left in him and he can run block but you can't have everything.
I believe in coach Solari based on what I've read about him on this site. He has produced his whole career. He can motivate and is a great teacher.
If Newhouse and Jerry (who is so big) improve just a shade this offense will in fact run the ball well. I have a good feeling that RB Williams will run well behind a FB like Johnson. I also have a good feeling about RB Dwarka. Call me crazy but he looked good in spots last year and now he will know the offense.
My points are that this offense is now "mature" and has better blocking than any of the previous McAdoo offenses. If we are effective on the ground, and we will be, there is no doubt in my mind that things will be better for our passing game. And vice versa really.
I mean, if Eli is effective throwing things get easier for the run game. Keep moving the chains and getting first downs. Control the ball 35-38 minutes a game or something like that and don't turn it over. We just need that redzone offense to come alive. I think that happens this year with the addition of Johnson at FB; return of Cruz; and, development of TE position. Plus we have to hope a guy like Shepherd or even WR G. Davis or WR Dable (big guys) develop.
The Giants just need to stay healthy and for our youth to develop. I think it can happen and will happen this year. This will be our best offense of the Eli era, at least potentially.
The wildcard for the right side is OG Hart, at least for short yardage offense since Jerry ain't much of a run blocker.
As for Cruz, yes he is a wildcard and I am betting he bounces back. Not like the guy he was in 2011-2012 but the Giants can maybe expect a good "get open" guy who feeds off OBJ. If he improves the #2 wideout spot in terms of making 3rd down conversions and not costing Eli interceptions like Randle did, we've upgraded.
I also think Eli should stick with the 3 step drops and work the field. We should have better and more varied passing options and that means we will move the ball better and hold it longer every game. This is kind of what the Patriots do.
We have one advantage as well: more speed with OBJ and now Shepherd in the passing game. If we run the ball effectively, and we will, even a 3 step drop and throw could lead to big plays down field. And if Eli has time and wants to hold it another half second cause he knows he can look for big plays.
I'm truly stoked for this season's offense.
I'm sorry to say that I think it unlikely that Darkwa makes the team -- his current injury may even make the choice moot.
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My only major contention is that I actually like Dwarka at RB. In spots he flashed last year and now he knows the offense.
I'm sorry to say that I think it unlikely that Darkwa makes the team -- his current injury may even make the choice moot.
I wonder if he recovers in time for camp? I like the guy, saw flashes last year and figure he now knows the offense well so it gives him an advantage.
In truth, my hope is that Perkins really flashes in camp and gets carries right away. I mean, we could use one of those "drafts" where all the picks produce year #1, especially Apple, Shepherd and Perkins with Adams coming through as the year moves on to.
And the reason he'll be the #2 is pretty obvious. If not Shepard (and ignoring Cruz for the moment), then who? If there is any WR on this roster better than Shepard (other than Cruz), then this team is in deep doo doo.
If it isn't Beckham - Shepard - Cruz then it is Cruz who won't be part of the trio - Shepard is a given (and as I said, if he is the #4 as OP suggests (not due to injury), then there is a serious, serious problem. The question isn't Shepard - it's Cruz.
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As for those that believe Shepherd is the #2 WR out of the gates I hope he shows enough to be that but he is a rookie and that is asking a lot.
And the reason he'll be the #2 is pretty obvious. If not Shepard (and ignoring Cruz for the moment), then who? If there is any WR on this roster better than Shepard (other than Cruz), then this team is in deep doo doo.
If it isn't Beckham - Shepard - Cruz then it is Cruz who won't be part of the trio - Shepard is a given (and as I said, if he is the #4 as OP suggests (not due to injury), then there is a serious, serious problem. The question isn't Shepard - it's Cruz.
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In comment 13035618 SGMen said:
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As for those that believe Shepherd is the #2 WR out of the gates I hope he shows enough to be that but he is a rookie and that is asking a lot.
And the reason he'll be the #2 is pretty obvious. If not Shepard (and ignoring Cruz for the moment), then who? If there is any WR on this roster better than Shepard (other than Cruz), then this team is in deep doo doo.
If it isn't Beckham - Shepard - Cruz then it is Cruz who won't be part of the trio - Shepard is a given (and as I said, if he is the #4 as OP suggests (not due to injury), then there is a serious, serious problem. The question isn't Shepard - it's Cruz.
I just am never sold on rookies starting. I figure work your way into the lineup. But I'm reading from another thread how good Shepherd looks so maybe at worst he is the #3 should Crz in fact bounce back nicely. Bottom line: I pray Shepherd is legit, a "mini OBJ" in the sense that he flourishes as a rookie wideout. We need some serious luck.
But that really isn't the point. There isn't another WR on the roster that would start for any team in the league. As I said - if not Shepard, then who? There is ZERO legitimate competition.
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In comment 13035986 baadbill said:
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In comment 13035618 SGMen said:
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As for those that believe Shepherd is the #2 WR out of the gates I hope he shows enough to be that but he is a rookie and that is asking a lot.
And the reason he'll be the #2 is pretty obvious. If not Shepard (and ignoring Cruz for the moment), then who? If there is any WR on this roster better than Shepard (other than Cruz), then this team is in deep doo doo.
If it isn't Beckham - Shepard - Cruz then it is Cruz who won't be part of the trio - Shepard is a given (and as I said, if he is the #4 as OP suggests (not due to injury), then there is a serious, serious problem. The question isn't Shepard - it's Cruz.
I just am never sold on rookies starting. I figure work your way into the lineup. But I'm reading from another thread how good Shepherd looks so maybe at worst he is the #3 should Crz in fact bounce back nicely. Bottom line: I pray Shepherd is legit, a "mini OBJ" in the sense that he flourishes as a rookie wideout. We need some serious luck.
But that really isn't the point. There isn't another WR on the roster that would start for any team in the league. As I said - if not Shepard, then who? There is ZERO legitimate competition.
I'm being overly optimistic with Cruz given his injuriies but I have to believe. I just have to believe.
Not to beat a dead horse over and over but I still think we need WR Cruz to win the #2 role. If Cruz is healthy enough to be the #2 and is an upgrade to Randle due to route running creating less turnovers this offense is going to be special.
Let Shepherd learn in the #3 role this year.
Finally, we still have WR and ST ace Harris at #4 wideout. The potential is there we just have to hope for quick learners and health.
Not to beat a dead horse over and over but I still think we need WR Cruz to win the #2 role. If Cruz is healthy enough to be the #2 and is an upgrade to Randle due to route running creating less turnovers this offense is going to be special.
Let Shepherd learn in the #3 role this year.
Finally, we still have WR and ST ace Harris at #4 wideout. The potential is there we just have to hope for quick learners and health.
In today's NFL and with this Giant's offense, I just don't think in terms of a #1, 2 or 3 WR. The Giants are likely to have 3 WR on the field for the overwhelming percentage of snaps - and who gets the ball will be a function of how the D is playing them. All 3 WR will be equally critical to the success of each other. The Guants have 2 of the 3 in Beckham and Shepard. The only open question is whether Cruz can complete the starting trio. If not - there's a huge drop off to Harris.
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He has tools indeed and looked good in mini-camp. When you hear chatter that a rookie may be your #2 that is good news. It says he has talent and just needs to learn on the field.
Not to beat a dead horse over and over but I still think we need WR Cruz to win the #2 role. If Cruz is healthy enough to be the #2 and is an upgrade to Randle due to route running creating less turnovers this offense is going to be special.
Let Shepherd learn in the #3 role this year.
Finally, we still have WR and ST ace Harris at #4 wideout. The potential is there we just have to hope for quick learners and health.
In today's NFL and with this Giant's offense, I just don't think in terms of a #1, 2 or 3 WR. The Giants are likely to have 3 WR on the field for the overwhelming percentage of snaps - and who gets the ball will be a function of how the D is playing them. All 3 WR will be equally critical to the success of each other. The Guants have 2 of the 3 in Beckham and Shepard. The only open question is whether Cruz can complete the starting trio. If not - there's a huge drop off to Harris.
But the reality is that Harris is on this team for his superb special teams ability. That is a fact.
Anyone know anything about him in terms of whether he sticks as the #2 OC and possibly play OG in a pinch?
Anyone know anything about him in terms of whether he sticks as the #2 OC and possibly play OG in a pinch?
Yeah - he wasn't running with the first or second team this spring
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The ex Canadian league superstar bulked up this off-season. He now has a training camp under his belt and an off-season to learn how OL is played in the NFL. He was so dominant in Canada that when we signed him I thought for sure he'd be no worse than a #1 backup center with serviceable starter ability in the NFL.
Anyone know anything about him in terms of whether he sticks as the #2 OC and possibly play OG in a pinch?
Yeah - he wasn't running with the first or second team this spring
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