Is anyone still really optimistic about this season?

If the team can win a couple close games early on and get better "down the stretch" I think so. The key is consistency on both sides. With Eli Manning and Odell on the field and the defense playing well, yes, I am very optimistic. 10-6. With Odell making plays on the field, of course we'll be good. I like this defense too.

i dont know if this will make you feel better but when people say teams do not game plan and everything is vanilla it also comes into play with the offensive line...

so for example last night the giants continued to run the ball and were not adjusting, they ran the ball on 3rd and 9 woth their 3 wrs on the field, eli never audibled...

that effects the offenaive line because there are no pass protection schemes in place l, so teams with good defnesive lines are going to give teams fits in preseason...

if it was the regular season giants would of adjusted to a spread em out eli in the gun dink and dunk to slow down the pass rush, they never did that it was continuous run run and pass..

the reason the defense has played well because they are basically playing man to man with a 4 man rush, giants dline are beating their man and the secondary is good for the giants...

when it comes to week 1 you will see a completely different offense

a truism, then I'd caution those all pumped up about the Giants D (after all, it's a bit disingenuous to let the offense off the hook with "it's only preseason" while simultaneously crediting the defense with being a monster "in the preseason").

Having said that - what I think is most important is for this Giants team to get a good start to the season for once. They cannot go 0-2 to start the season yet again and expect to beat the odds and make the playoffs. If this team can somehow find a way to start 2-0 (or at least 1-1) it might buy some time for the OL to gel and the offense as a whole to settle in.

But I really can't just dismiss what I saw the last two weeks offensively. The offensive line play was about as bad as I could imagine. I really think we're going to have a very hard time running the ball this year. The pass game will work well as it did last year, but...

I do think it'll get better.. I think there's going to be an adjustment period with Solari here. He knows what he's doing.. he'll get them playing better.

In comment 13091531 baadbill said:

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a truism, then I'd caution those all pumped up about the Giants D (after all, it's a bit disingenuous to let the offense off the hook with "it's only preseason" while simultaneously crediting the defense with being a monster "in the preseason"). Having said that - what I think is most important is for this Giants team to get a good start to the season for once. They cannot go 0-2 to start the season yet again and expect to beat the odds and make the playoffs. If this team can somehow find a way to start 2-0 (or at least 1-1) it might buy some time for the OL to gel and the offense as a whole to settle in.

talented defenses with good secondaries and good defensive lines are always going to play well in preseason..

giants have been basically plahing man to man the entire preseason

McAdoo has been secretive about who is going to call plays this season. Agree or not, he obviously sees this as a strategic advantage, for this year, at least. Now with that in mind, how much of the offense do you think this guy planned to showcase in front of the league? A guy playing guess the play caller with the media all off season isn't going to come out and put it all on for display in front of the country.

Wait until we see what happens with Dallas.

for in preseason is team health. And since the new collective bargaining agreement reduced the practice time, preseason games have even less meaning than before.

The examples of teams who look either really good in preseason or really bad and have the exact opposite look in the regular season are too many to call out.

And the way preseason is viewed by fans is often skewed and even inconsistent. If Cam Newton has a terrible game, it is considered an anomaly - which is spot on. But people don't hold that same standard of logic for the Giants. And we are wildly erratic in applying logic. Some people in previous seasons actually floated the idea that Nassib should get consideration to play more because his preseasons have been decent and Eli generally sucks in the preseason. This year, you'd swear that Nassib was pissing in people's cornflakes the way the masses want him to be cut and claim he's not even an NFL-calibre player.

They're healthy and have a few pass rushers...lots to be optimistic about.

If we were not coming into a year with a new headcoach and question marks on the o-line, TE and even RB, I would chalk it up to just pre-season and coaches trying to practice certain things. However, I would think that the new headcoach wanted to make a MUCH better impression on offense at this point.

To me, it's not about the play calls or making an impression... I completely understand what they were doing last night. What concerned me was the inability of the offensive linemen and TE's and even RB's to execute. They missed blocks, were overpowered and looked totally disjointed. That's not a result of vanilla playcalling or game planning. They were just getting straight up beat by the guys in front of them.

According to NFL.com, their 2015 first unit had 10 points in 3 games and that was with Eli playing all three. Last season, 2 of our top 3 wide receivers were RUEBEN RANDLE and PRESTON PARKER.

The defense is infinitely better than last season. I think it would be ridiculous to be so negative based solely on preseason games.

In comment 13091552 arcarsenal said:

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To me, it's not about the play calls or making an impression... I completely understand what they were doing last night. What concerned me was the inability of the offensive linemen and TE's and even RB's to execute. They missed blocks, were overpowered and looked totally disjointed. That's not a result of vanilla playcalling or game planning. They were just getting straight up beat by the guys in front of them.

I agree to a point. But I don't think the Giants were really even trying to adjust or really even try last night. Maybe the goal this preseason is just to get out of it healthy. They know they are thin so why take the risk.

Ultimately we will know the answer in two weeks.

In comment 13091552 arcarsenal said:

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To me, it's not about the play calls or making an impression... I completely understand what they were doing last night. What concerned me was the inability of the offensive linemen and TE's and even RB's to execute. They missed blocks, were overpowered and looked totally disjointed. That's not a result of vanilla playcalling or game planning. They were just getting straight up beat by the guys in front of them.

That's pretty much how I see it too. Can't sugarcoat how the OL and TEs have looked so far blocking. On the other hand, I think the first string D is looking great, so that is a refreshing change.

We will see on Sept. 11 - Dallas has some problems of their own ...

The Lions were 4-0 in the preseason and looked like worldbeaters the year they went 0-16.

The Eagles looked like they couldnt be stopped last year and were marching up and down the field in the preseason.

Look, im not saying the Giants will be great or that they will stink or that they will be mediocre. Nobody knows that. What i am saying is that im not willing to write off a season on August 28th and act all depressed about it. Why would i not be optimistic?

Everyone is concerns by that. But it is a combination of many factors. The limitations that the offense has are the same limitations they had a year ago. That hardly guarantees the same results, but at least you know they are capable of it. This is not a line that can just go out and dominate the men in front of them. They need to relay on scheme and game planning to overcome their limitations. Without it, we are seeing what the results are. But we have also seen what results they are capable of, producing one of Eli's best seasons to date a year ago. We can only hope they are able to replicate.

Giants will not have success with a traditional set "run first" offense against a good DLine who is expecting it.

Since the team has zero interest in running that kind of offense in that situation, I'm not sure how much that helps me guage their prospects.

A good OL, combined with a dramatically improved defense and continued solid ST's, and this could have been an 11-5 season in my opinion. I can't express my disappointment with Flowers enough in particular. Players generally progress the most in their 2nd years. Look at Collins, Davis, and Odi. They are visibly better players now heading into their 2nd season. Flowers looks exactly the same and it appears we're going to have to accept his inconsistencies and poor technique for the duration of his time with the NYG. Getting back on topic: was hoping the FO/staff mantra of "continuity" on the OL would result in better OL play and an 11-5 year. Now? After a very disheartening preseason, my gut is telling me this OL will hold back this team. 7-9. No playoffs for the 5th straight season.

In comment 13091534 nygiants16 said:

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In comment 13091531 baadbill said: Quote: a truism, then I'd caution those all pumped up about the Giants D (after all, it's a bit disingenuous to let the offense off the hook with "it's only preseason" while simultaneously crediting the defense with being a monster "in the preseason"). Having said that - what I think is most important is for this Giants team to get a good start to the season for once. They cannot go 0-2 to start the season yet again and expect to beat the odds and make the playoffs. If this team can somehow find a way to start 2-0 (or at least 1-1) it might buy some time for the OL to gel and the offense as a whole to settle in. talented defenses with good secondaries and good defensive lines are always going to play well in preseason.. giants have been basically plahing man to man the entire preseason

nygiants16, I agree. The defense isn't likely as good as it looks. And the offense not as bad (geez, how could it be?)... I think the offense needs some breathing room (i.e. Giants CANNOT start this season, yet again, 0-2).

In comment 13091569 The_Boss said:

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After a very disheartening preseason, my gut is telling me this OL will hold back this team. 7-9. No playoffs for the 5th straight season.

It could be worse. You could still be an Eagles fan! j/k

In comment 13091564 UberAlias said:

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Everyone is concerns by that. But it is a combination of many factors. The limitations that the offense has are the same limitations they had a year ago. That hardly guarantees the same results, but at least you know they are capable of it. This is not a line that can just go out and dominate the men in front of them. They need to relay on scheme and game planning to overcome their limitations. Without it, we are seeing what the results are. But we have also seen what results they are capable of, producing one of Eli's best seasons to date a year ago. We can only hope they are able to replicate.

ITA. I'm assuming they're "working on things" because they're using so many personnel groupings and plays that don't fit the strengths of the offense. Coming out and jamming the run into the LOS repeatedly is not going to result in positive outcomes for this group.

In comment 13091564 UberAlias said:

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Everyone is concerns by that. But it is a combination of many factors. The limitations that the offense has are the same limitations they had a year ago. That hardly guarantees the same results, but at least you know they are capable of it. This is not a line that can just go out and dominate the men in front of them. They need to relay on scheme and game planning to overcome their limitations. Without it, we are seeing what the results are. But we have also seen what results they are capable of, producing one of Eli's best seasons to date a year ago. We can only hope they are able to replicate.

Yeah, I certainly expect better in 2 weeks.. I was just hoping to see something a little encouraging before we went to Big D but it doesn't really matter that much as long as they're ready to go.

I do feel good about the fact that we got through basically all of camp and preseason with minimal damage as far as injuries go.

What are you guys...communists?

In comment 13091577 Jimmy Googs said:

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What are you guys...communists?

Yes and they can't spell the coaches name.

12 - 4

.

(forget the year) where the Giants D completely dominated their offensive line. The Pats line looked completely pathetic.

The Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl that year.

Ha!

But I have to say, it has been a while since I was encouraged by the offense performance in the preseason. Maybe since a young Cruz broke out, perhaps?

In comment 13091583 UberAlias said:

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But I have to say, it has been a while since I was encouraged by the offense performance in the preseason. Maybe since a young Cruz broke out, perhaps?

even that game though the starters looked like crap, he did it with nassib and rhett bomar as the qbs...

i cant remember the last time the offense has looked good in the preseason...

In comment 13091580 Mike in Long Beach said:

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.

One of the strangest things about this place, and this place is filled with strange people and strange things.

In comment 13091584 nygiants16 said:

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In comment 13091583 UberAlias said: Quote: But I have to say, it has been a while since I was encouraged by the offense performance in the preseason. Maybe since a young Cruz broke out, perhaps? even that game though the starters looked like crap, he did it with nassib and rhett bomar as the qbs... i cant remember the last time the offense has looked good in the preseason...

not nassib i think it was carr

palmer looked terrible, 2 picks and knocked out of the game...

Most of you believed in December that this was a playoff team last season until about January 8 or so when many of you had an epiphany that the talent level on the team sucked. So the vast majority of the predictions are worthless. You will just need to wait and see.

The Defense is worlds better ...all the way around .
The Special teams are OK Middle of the road ..
Kickers are above average ..
The Offense has decent weapons especially if Cruz continues
to get better . Also Davis and King and Possibly Lewis
can contribute .
The Running backs are average no one is outstanding .
With the current offensive line and the Blocking from the
Tight End position clearly does not help .
Eli is not getting any younger and to me not adding
a couple of Vets and preferably a starter the Offense
will see some of the same struggles that will cost
us games . It would be a shame IMO if this isn't addressed soon .
I still think we can go 10-6 but my optimism is slightly
less now we are getting to the end of pre-season and
the same problems exist ..

In comment 13091533 arcarsenal said:

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But I really can't just dismiss what I saw the last two weeks offensively. The offensive line play was about as bad as I could imagine. I really think we're going to have a very hard time running the ball this year. The pass game will work well as it did last year, but... I do think it'll get better.. I think there's going to be an adjustment period with Solari here. He knows what he's doing.. he'll get them playing better.

this preseason showing is similar to last years preseason offensively which makes me think its a macadoo offensive thing

So yes, I am.

Go Giants!

In comment 13091595 CGiants07 said:

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In comment 13091533 arcarsenal said: Quote: But I really can't just dismiss what I saw the last two weeks offensively. The offensive line play was about as bad as I could imagine. I really think we're going to have a very hard time running the ball this year. The pass game will work well as it did last year, but... I do think it'll get better.. I think there's going to be an adjustment period with Solari here. He knows what he's doing.. he'll get them playing better. this preseason showing is similar to last years preseason offensively which makes me think its a macadoo offensive thing

2014 was kind of the same thing.. I remember in the HoF game it looked like we ran a few plays from the actual playbook or similar looks but then the other 3 games we basically ran nothing but super basic plays that didn't even look like this offense at all. So yeah, it does seem like something McAdoo is doing on purpose.

Like I said, I don't care about the results of the plays as much as I was just concerned about the way the line seemed to be physically overmatched.

If they can perform at a reasonable level this is a playoff team. If they can't, we won't win 8 games. I'm a little upset with the lack of depth on the o-line in the least. It's bad enough worrying about Jerry and Newhouse but what happens if one of the other three go down? Season over?

The defense alone is reason to be optimistic. There's some real talent on this defense this year. There's no reason to think the offense won't be better and it was ranked 8th last year. There's a big question mark at HC but then again, wasn't that also the case with TC?

Gadzooks, I don't remember this much gloom and doom from any other preseasons.

YES. the giants are going to be top ten on defense and top 15 on offense(better with improved OL) we will win the division this season and if they are able to gel as an OL or add one via trade or post cuts...we have a shot to make a deep run. not really a homer, but i believe our defense is going to be awesome...they attack force turnovers etc and we know OBJ is explosive..add cruz and shep to the mix and the offense should be able to pass. i am VERY excited and im typically a pessimist

suspicion Pugh's shoulder injury was caused in the Snacks scuffle? I know shit like that happens but it's still pretty damn irresponsible if true.

but I think he's one of those glue guys that has a stabilizing affect on the rest of the OL. Pugh cleans up for Flowers, and allows him to worry about one side. That alone could have a domino effect on our offense.

Say preseason means nothing in a nutshell..good or bad. What they do, doesn't matter..including individual play.

So, nobody knows how they are til end of sept to midway thru season..to get an idea..if giants are good or bad.

The offense was good last year and I can't come up with any reason they would have regressed. Eli is still in his prime, Odell has entered his, and no one is too old. The defense looks improved, much improved.

Those things give me reason for optimism. I know the preseason has looked like shit, but I won't make a judgement on this team until the season actually starts.

They are set up great for week 1 against a poor Dallas defense and a 4th rookie QB. Where we improved matches up well against the strength of the Dallas team, their offensive line and running attack. We can win that game.

Last, why wouldn't you want to be optimistic? Helluva late better than being a bitter bitch. We'll all know for sure on the 11th.

The offense is basically playing in the preseason the same way they been playing in the preseason the last two years. I don't understand why Giants have traditionally looked like crap in preseason. Actually the only times I been impressed with the Giants in preseason was in 2008 and that was really the defense.

Since Coughlin's tenure I have never liked the offense in the preseason but somehow they manage to get some things together. The fact that the defense is playing this well is my biggest surprise. Everyone was saying it would take time for these guys to get learn how to play together but they look very cohesive to me.

In comment 13091588 nygiants16 said:

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In comment 13091584 nygiants16 said: Quote: In comment 13091583 UberAlias said: Quote: But I have to say, it has been a while since I was encouraged by the offense performance in the preseason. Maybe since a young Cruz broke out, perhaps? even that game though the starters looked like crap, he did it with nassib and rhett bomar as the qbs... i cant remember the last time the offense has looked good in the preseason... not nassib i think it was carr

Yeah even the Giants preseason wins lately have been come from behind wins like that one with Nassib and Washington. Mainly Nassib was just flinging the ball and scrambling. It was effective though.

The mantra has always been it's just preseason.

Is so depressing.
Have we played a game yet?

I'm a fan. I grew up with a team that was Dave Jennings and Defense. Why else be a fan?

Of course

In comment 13091642 PeterinAtlanta said:

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I'm a fan. I grew up with a team that was Dave Jennings and Defense. Why else be a fan?

Agree with this too.

We have a defense. The offense is a better version of last year's even if they haven't played like it yet. In any case, you have already convinced yourself that the Giants will suck, so what does it matter what we think....