Season really comes down to Pugh and Vereen returning and bringing stability to pass protection.
Let's be real, the Giants aren't going to magically find an impact run game this late in the season. We're top 10 in pass play-percentage, I predict we'll be close to the top by season's end.
Flowers really benefits from Pugh next to him. Pugh knows the instincts of a left tackle, having played the position and played next door to the position. Newhouse has filled in beyond what I expected, but Pugh coming back will improve 2 spots on the line.
B in Alb pointed out something earlier in the week, re: how the TEs really don't help the tackles out at all. I would extend that to the backs. Not to pile on one play, but the play Sunday night with the rusher leap frogging Jennings typified the support the backs have been giving in pass pro.
When Vereen shakes off the rust I want to see a lot of him. He's the craftiest blocker we have in the backfield and chip and goes very well.
I hope to see even less balance on the play sheet, and supplement the little we do run with more of the short passing game. Pugh and Vereen should really help with that.
He's critical IMO too, especially against Dallas. Wynn or Okwara against that OL and that running game is not going to be pretty.
I don't think we make any real noise without him, but I can't imagine we win 2/4 without drastically improving the pass protection for Manning.
I'm talking going from pretty bad to good enough on offense, and I think we win a playoff game.
Getting one in the mix I think will push is into average territory.
I agree there will be rust - but in 3+ games Vereen's stats stack up pretty good against Perkins in 10 games.