Agree that special teams and the offensive line are likely huge causes of concern until they’re not.
I do believe this is a team with playoff expectations though. We didn’t draft Barkley, double down on Eli, and spend huge bucks on guys like Solder for this team to be a “work in progress” right or wrong.
I also think the “top heavy”/weak depth” of this team is being a bit overblown. Yes it’s true at WR and maybe CB but I don’t believe it to be the case at QB, RB, TE, DL, LB, or S. Obviously if we lose Odell, Snacks, Jenkins, Eli... those units will take massive hits but that’s true for any team and their top players.
I expect us to pick up a swing vet OT before the season and with Jones, Greco, and possibly Jerry... that’s not really a weak backup OL either. We will likely have an entire reserve line with guys with extensive starting experience.
I still can't believe they brought back Tom Quinn Â
This is not a shutdown defense. If we get any injuries in the secondary we are in trouble. I think at best the defense will be middle of the pack, maybe slightly into the top half. If we lose Jenkins or Collins for ANY games, the giants will need to out score opponents to win.
I think the key to the offense is Eli being close to Pro Bowl level at least. All those weapons don't do any good if he is still in decline.
Another issue is the new helmet rule. A lot of players may get suspended or kicked out of games this year. Landon Collins is an aggressive safety. He may be at risk with this new rule. So its a coin flip. Maybe the Giants get lucky face a team when 1 or 2 really good players are suspended or maybe the giants have guys suspended.
a year in which I'd play my starters in pre-season a bit more than usual. New coaches, new systems on both sides of the ball and a larger than normal personnel turnover.
Couple that up with an opening date with a team that will surely be coming to kick our ass physically, and you've got some solid reasons to make sure your team is ready to come out of the gate.
Just be competitive? We SHOULD win more than half our games this year. I believe playoffs are well within reach. There are absolutely a lot of things that can happen to prevent it, but there are reasons to be optimistic.
First and most important: The league is NOT filled with deep, powerful teams. We have problems but other teams have the same or worse problems.
Next:
On paper, the team has better personnel at almost every position group this year than they had last year.
I believe that the coaching on offense, defense, special teams, and overall are much improved.
The attitude and culture appear to be a lot better.
My biggest worries:
Will Eli be jittery? What does he have left? I believe he can still throw, but is he still willing to pay the price and take the hits you need to take to succeed?
Will our place kicking be reliable?
Can we FINALLY have a season where we are not killed by injuries?
What would I like to see Thursday? I would like to see the offense move the ball. We have not done that in the last 6 pre-seasons.
We COULD turn it around quickly, but I'm not putting on those blue-colored glasses yet. I disagree with Yankee above in that I see a very top-heavy roster with quite a few excellent players with a bunch of guys who could easily be out of the league.
Much depends on the 37-year old QB. If he doesn't turn it around, things could stay ugly. The good news for him is they've surrounded him with the tools to succeed (with the possible exception of pieces of the OL).
I'm more optimistic about the defense because I like the coach and the front seven.
The ST's still look like a mess to me.
So while you're right in that the rest of the NFL is a mess too - the Giants were REALLY BAD last year. I mean REALLY BAD. They were bottom dwellers on offense, defense, and special teams. We weren't competitive.
A lot of the backups like RayRay Armstrong, Robert Thomas, AJ Francis, William Gay, BW Webb, etc all seem to be having good camps. Somebody like McIntosh might get “stashed” on PUP. Guys like Owkwara and Moss might have a hard time making this team.
I agree we were really bad. It was embarrassing. I watch every game to the end, but it was really hard last year. It was a good write-up and much appreciated. I expect a lot from this team.
I liked a lot of the Giants roster going into last season but was concerned with Linebacker, DT rotation, Kicker, Return game, Coverage Teams, the right side of o-line, and running backs.
I was REALLY concerned with coaching on offense and overall approach and playcalling of HC in games. (I thought we were lucky to be 11-5 in 2016) and would not be unless we changed.
To contrast this year I am concerned with depth at ILB and CB. RT on OL. QB and placekicker.
I meant it in the game preview when I said I'm not sure there is a better WR-RB-TE combination than what we have now. That's exciting.
And there aren’t many teams who’s top five defensive players are better than Harrison Vernon Ogletree Jenkins and Collins. Good performances from Tomlinson Hill Goodson Martin and Apple, which isn’t a huge stretch, would make this a solid unit.
Nothing you can really argue with every team has depth issues . The culture change is certainly welcome .
Can't argue with the big three on offense and Shepard is coming into his own as well . I like our RB stable Gallman is a capable back . We have a legitimate HR threat in Barkley and a solid veteran in Stewart . Arguably the best WR in the game and a blossoming threat in Engram .
No reason not to score more consistently . Eli always the key has a ton of miles on that arm but even week 16 last
season he was making some great throws .
Its all about this team getting the system down .
Special teams are worry some . Cross our fingers on the kickers . Long wait is over .I am as excited this season as any .
The defense will be a bitch to run against ujust need to hold up on the back end Darian Thompson big question mark
Nothing you can really argue with every team has depth issues . The culture change is certainly welcome .
Can't argue with the big three on offense and Shepard is coming into his own as well . I like our RB stable Gallman is a capable back . We have a legitimate HR threat in Barkley and a solid veteran in Stewart . Arguably the best WR in the game and a blossoming threat in Engram .
No reason not to score more consistently . Eli always the key has a ton of miles on that arm but even week 16 last
season he was making some great throws .
Its all about this team getting the system down .
Special teams are worry some . Cross our fingers on the kickers . Long wait is over .I am as excited this season as any .
The defense will be a bitch to run against ujust need to hold up on the back end Darian Thompson big question mark
RE: RE: I still can't believe they brought back Tom Quinn Â
Why? When has the ST's unit performed among the top 10 in football during his tenure? Last year they were arguably the worst in the NFL.
They had good special teams when they had good talent for it. Wilson, hixon, feagles, etc. When the punter is matt dogdge what the fuck do you expect? He can make rosas hit field goals..
To boot, he was fired and brought back due to unforeseen circumstances. It's not a big deal.
The problem is that all of the guys you just mentioned were let go by other teams.
We have a ton of players on this roster who are discards. We're not talking about free agents signed away from other teams...guys who the other teams didn't want.
Last year this time I wasn't feeling good about the 2016 last 6 games Giants + Brandon Marshall.
Culture change, scheme, FO, change, like all the moves DG made (except Stewart and Quinn wtf?!?!). Have high expectations this year.
Quinn was brought back bc the new coach has health issues and he's here to assist. If you think that has any bearing on the w/l column I dont know what to tell you.
They have assistant ST coach Anthony Blevins in place already so if McGaughey's health issue is worse than reported Quinn may be the head man again. Think about it, if it was minor why bring back Quinn when you already have Blevins in place to run things while McGaughey is out.
What special teams player can you say that Quinn developed while he was here. Chris Boswell goes to Pittsburgh and becomes one of the league's best kickers. Brandon McManus is also a good PK for Denver. Last year we heard several glowing reports about Rosas. Jeff Feagles said he has a "generational" leg.
Great work Eric you intuitively read the mind of giant fans who have Â
The problem is that all of the guys you just mentioned were let go by other teams.
We have a ton of players on this roster who are discards. We're not talking about free agents signed away from other teams...guys who the other teams didn't want.
Hmmm. I dont think you see teams throwing big dollars at reserves to “steal” them away often. Maybe on a couple guys (Jonathen Stewart/Kareem Martin types who end up semi starters) The salary cap just simply doesn’t afford for that. Bottom of rosters are typically draft picks that aren’t good enough or “vets” that are signed for close to the minimum. I’m just happy most of the guys that are battling for spots have real NFL experience. I’m betting when the 53 is chiseled down the top 45 or so look pretty solid.
They have assistant ST coach Anthony Blevins in place already so if McGaughey's health issue is worse than reported Quinn may be the head man again. Think about it, if it was minor why bring back Quinn when you already have Blevins in place to run things while McGaughey is out.
What special teams player can you say that Quinn developed while he was here. Chris Boswell goes to Pittsburgh and becomes one of the league's best kickers. Brandon McManus is also a good PK for Denver. Last year we heard several glowing reports about Rosas. Jeff Feagles said he has a "generational" leg.
It's the specials team coach that a rookie kicker got traded? Look at spags. When the talent is good he can do his job. When it's shit he cant.
We COULD turn it around quickly, but I'm not putting on those blue-colored glasses yet. I disagree with Yankee above in that I see a very top-heavy roster with quite a few excellent players with a bunch of guys who could easily be out of the league.
Much depends on the 37-year old QB. If he doesn't turn it around, things could stay ugly. The good news for him is they've surrounded him with the tools to succeed (with the possible exception of pieces of the OL).
I'm more optimistic about the defense because I like the coach and the front seven.
The ST's still look like a mess to me.
So while you're right in that the rest of the NFL is a mess too - the Giants were REALLY BAD last year. I mean REALLY BAD. They were bottom dwellers on offense, defense, and special teams. We weren't competitive.
Agreed. The two biggest problems with expecting success are Eli's age, the lack of depth at many positions, especially OL, WR, and CB, and questionable STs. We were also historically bad last season. I give DG and the FO full credit for doing as much as they could in off season, but this was always a two year rebuild for me.
and that's why I think we'll see more bottom roster churn in the next few weeks than we've ever seen with the Giants.
Also agree. I think we're going to make repeated use of our #2 waiver wire claim. At least several of the original 53 will be cut in favor of veterans released by other teams.
Worst case scenario we'll see Webb start a game by week 8. It's not that far fetched.
I'm worried the most about Eli. He's been shellshocked the last few seasons. Can he shake that?
At his best, Eli was always a QB who could feel pressure, step around in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. That is exactly what separated Eli from a better pure passer in Kerry Collins who often times looked at his feet when he felt pressure.
My concern is: Has Eli become Kerry Collins? I want to give Eli the benefit of the doubt because his pass protection has been so terrible that there are rarely any soft spots in the pocket for him to step up into.
In any event, Eli's best pass protection will take the form of handing the ball off to Saquon Barkley. OFTEN. That will then set up some play action passes. At least that's the hope.
Until I see any group of O-linemen get a push at the line of scrimmage and pick up stunts, I will expect nothing from this offense regardless of my high regard for the skill position starters. I recall in last year's preseason simple stunts were more than any of our linemen could handle, and that didn't change all year. If our big fat guys can't block theirs, the offense cannot function. We saw that last year and for much of 2016 as well. So all of the linemen from starters on down the depth chart have something to show me.
Worst case scenario we'll see Webb start a game by week 8. It's not that far fetched.
I'm worried the most about Eli. He's been shellshocked the last few seasons. Can he shake that?
If Eli is toast and Webb falters (when given regular season playing time), they’re F’ed. Gettleman can put together a tremendous roster in a year or two (we’re not there yet), but without a QB, all they’re doing is spinning wheels. And before anyone asks, I’m not a fan of Lauletta either.
two players I wouldn't play at all this preseason Â
Worst case scenario we'll see Webb start a game by week 8. It's not that far fetched.
I'm worried the most about Eli. He's been shellshocked the last few seasons. Can he shake that?
If Eli is toast and Webb falters (when given regular season playing time), they’re F’ed. Gettleman can put together a tremendous roster in a year or two (we’re not there yet), but without a QB, all they’re doing is spinning wheels. And before anyone asks, I’m not a fan of Lauletta either.
Agreed. Even if Eli does ok this year, you have to hope that Webb can be impressive, otherwise we are inching closer to searching for answers at QB, which usually involves a lot of losing. Webb is certainly an easy guy to root for which is nice. Eli has been incredible at avoiding injury but you would have to imagine any actual injury to him would be the end of his career.
RE: RE: I want our season not to be hopeless by Week 5. Â
Many fans have already made the assumption that the team is in better hands with Dave Gettleman and Pat Shurmur. We won’t know if this is true until we see the product on the field over the course of the next few seasons
Last year this time I wasn't feeling good about the 2016 last 6 games Giants + Brandon Marshall.
Culture change, scheme, FO, change, like all the moves DG made (except Stewart and Quinn wtf?!?!). Have high expectations this year.
Quinn was brought back bc the new coach has health issues and he's here to assist. If you think that has any bearing on the w/l column I dont know what to tell you.
Maybe I'm not following but you don't think special teams can win or lose games for you? Go rewatch the Eagles game from 2010 to name one.
WR, CB, Safety aren't issues with depth -- it's guys slated into play now where the team is counting on them doing things they've never done. Forget depth, nickle corner and the other outside WR are problems. That's not a bottom of the roster issue -- those are big snap count positions.
QB coming off a terrible year, news systems on both sides of the ball, best player coming off a prolonged injury, and a brand new HC.
This is what was astounding. The season was over by early October.
The Giants could be 3-5 at the bye and the season will not be over. The front half of the schedule is loaded on paper. A 3-5 start would likely be a good result with a 6-2 second half not out of the question. Patience is going to be needed this year.
I meant it in the game preview when I said I'm not sure there is a better WR-RB-TE combination than what we have now. That's exciting.
I love reading that, but it's speculation/potential.
OBJ is a proven commodity. I'd expect Engram to take the next step and not regress in his soph season.....but Barkley hasn't played a down yet - and will need assistance from the OL which hopefully is improved.
Could it be a great trio...certainly. Let's hope it happens.
RE: RE: I want our season not to be hopeless by Week 5. Â
We COULD turn it around quickly, but I'm not putting on those blue-colored glasses yet. I disagree with Yankee above in that I see a very top-heavy roster with quite a few excellent players with a bunch of guys who could easily be out of the league.
Much depends on the 37-year old QB. If he doesn't turn it around, things could stay ugly. The good news for him is they've surrounded him with the tools to succeed (with the possible exception of pieces of the OL).
I'm more optimistic about the defense because I like the coach and the front seven.
The ST's still look like a mess to me.
So while you're right in that the rest of the NFL is a mess too - the Giants were REALLY BAD last year. I mean REALLY BAD. They were bottom dwellers on offense, defense, and special teams. We weren't competitive.
I agree that the Giants were bad. Hard to watch. But while stats had us "bottom of the barrel," this remains factual:
* lost to the Eagles by 3
* lost to the Bucs by 2
* lost to the Chargers by 5
* lost to the Raiders by 7
* lost to the Eagles by 5
All one-score games - and totaled, 5 losses by 22 points.
The optimist could also look at two 10-point losses (Niners and Redskins), as well.
Seven losses, by a total 42 points (average 6 points per).
As awful as it was to watch, as terrible as the O-line was, as porous as the D was, as deadly as the injuries were, thew Giants lost 7 football games by an average of a touchdown.
I have some relative high hopes - playoffs. Just get in.
to pre-season betting lines but, scanning the ESPN scoreboard, couldn't help noticing that, with all teams playing tonight or tomorrow night, the home team is, as of this writing, favored in every line but one.
I guess the theory is that the home team is more likely to put out an effort for the home crowd.
The one home dog in the entire league is, yes, the Giants vs the 0-16 Browns.
damn have to go to the bar tonight to watch a god damn pre-season game ....
Wasn't long ago you could get all the pre-season game for like
$20 bucks I think its $100 now .
This has to be the first preview where I've disagreed with Eric Â
completely. Though he's not always rah-rah, he usually puts an optimistic spin on things. This sounds direly pessimistic.
While I agree that losing can breed losing, I never once felt like there wasn't optimism for this year. I firmly believe last year was an aberration due to missteps in management. We're not the Browns, guys.
I do believe this is a team with playoff expectations though. We didn’t draft Barkley, double down on Eli, and spend huge bucks on guys like Solder for this team to be a “work in progress” right or wrong.
I also think the “top heavy”/weak depth” of this team is being a bit overblown. Yes it’s true at WR and maybe CB but I don’t believe it to be the case at QB, RB, TE, DL, LB, or S. Obviously if we lose Odell, Snacks, Jenkins, Eli... those units will take massive hits but that’s true for any team and their top players.
I expect us to pick up a swing vet OT before the season and with Jones, Greco, and possibly Jerry... that’s not really a weak backup OL either. We will likely have an entire reserve line with guys with extensive starting experience.
People need to stop with the Tom Quinn shit.
I think the key to the offense is Eli being close to Pro Bowl level at least. All those weapons don't do any good if he is still in decline.
Another issue is the new helmet rule. A lot of players may get suspended or kicked out of games this year. Landon Collins is an aggressive safety. He may be at risk with this new rule. So its a coin flip. Maybe the Giants get lucky face a team when 1 or 2 really good players are suspended or maybe the giants have guys suspended.
Good question. I don't know. Eli has been lobbying to play more so he can get the system down.
But I have a hard time seeing Beckham or Saquon or Engram out there very long.
Couple that up with an opening date with a team that will surely be coming to kick our ass physically, and you've got some solid reasons to make sure your team is ready to come out of the gate.
First and most important: The league is NOT filled with deep, powerful teams. We have problems but other teams have the same or worse problems.
Next:
On paper, the team has better personnel at almost every position group this year than they had last year.
I believe that the coaching on offense, defense, special teams, and overall are much improved.
The attitude and culture appear to be a lot better.
My biggest worries:
Will Eli be jittery? What does he have left? I believe he can still throw, but is he still willing to pay the price and take the hits you need to take to succeed?
Will our place kicking be reliable?
Can we FINALLY have a season where we are not killed by injuries?
What would I like to see Thursday? I would like to see the offense move the ball. We have not done that in the last 6 pre-seasons.
Much depends on the 37-year old QB. If he doesn't turn it around, things could stay ugly. The good news for him is they've surrounded him with the tools to succeed (with the possible exception of pieces of the OL).
I'm more optimistic about the defense because I like the coach and the front seven.
The ST's still look like a mess to me.
So while you're right in that the rest of the NFL is a mess too - the Giants were REALLY BAD last year. I mean REALLY BAD. They were bottom dwellers on offense, defense, and special teams. We weren't competitive.
I liked a lot of the Giants roster going into last season but was concerned with Linebacker, DT rotation, Kicker, Return game, Coverage Teams, the right side of o-line, and running backs.
I was REALLY concerned with coaching on offense and overall approach and playcalling of HC in games. (I thought we were lucky to be 11-5 in 2016) and would not be unless we changed.
To contrast this year I am concerned with depth at ILB and CB. RT on OL. QB and placekicker.
And there aren’t many teams who’s top five defensive players are better than Harrison Vernon Ogletree Jenkins and Collins. Good performances from Tomlinson Hill Goodson Martin and Apple, which isn’t a huge stretch, would make this a solid unit.
VERY TRUE!
Can't argue with the big three on offense and Shepard is coming into his own as well . I like our RB stable Gallman is a capable back . We have a legitimate HR threat in Barkley and a solid veteran in Stewart . Arguably the best WR in the game and a blossoming threat in Engram .
No reason not to score more consistently . Eli always the key has a ton of miles on that arm but even week 16 last
season he was making some great throws .
Its all about this team getting the system down .
Special teams are worry some . Cross our fingers on the kickers . Long wait is over .I am as excited this season as any .
The defense will be a bitch to run against ujust need to hold up on the back end Darian Thompson big question mark
Can't argue with the big three on offense and Shepard is coming into his own as well . I like our RB stable Gallman is a capable back . We have a legitimate HR threat in Barkley and a solid veteran in Stewart . Arguably the best WR in the game and a blossoming threat in Engram .
No reason not to score more consistently . Eli always the key has a ton of miles on that arm but even week 16 last
season he was making some great throws .
Its all about this team getting the system down .
Special teams are worry some . Cross our fingers on the kickers . Long wait is over .I am as excited this season as any .
The defense will be a bitch to run against ujust need to hold up on the back end Darian Thompson big question mark
Quote:
Seriously WTF!
People need to stop with the Tom Quinn shit.
Why? When has the ST's unit performed among the top 10 in football during his tenure? Last year they were arguably the worst in the NFL.
Quote:
In comment 14032517 Jay on the Island said:
Quote:
Seriously WTF!
People need to stop with the Tom Quinn shit.
Why? When has the ST's unit performed among the top 10 in football during his tenure? Last year they were arguably the worst in the NFL.
They had good special teams when they had good talent for it. Wilson, hixon, feagles, etc. When the punter is matt dogdge what the fuck do you expect? He can make rosas hit field goals..
To boot, he was fired and brought back due to unforeseen circumstances. It's not a big deal.
We have a ton of players on this roster who are discards. We're not talking about free agents signed away from other teams...guys who the other teams didn't want.
Culture change, scheme, FO, change, like all the moves DG made (except Stewart and Quinn wtf?!?!). Have high expectations this year.
Culture change, scheme, FO, change, like all the moves DG made (except Stewart and Quinn wtf?!?!). Have high expectations this year.
Quinn was brought back bc the new coach has health issues and he's here to assist. If you think that has any bearing on the w/l column I dont know what to tell you.
What special teams player can you say that Quinn developed while he was here. Chris Boswell goes to Pittsburgh and becomes one of the league's best kickers. Brandon McManus is also a good PK for Denver. Last year we heard several glowing reports about Rosas. Jeff Feagles said he has a "generational" leg.
We have a ton of players on this roster who are discards. We're not talking about free agents signed away from other teams...guys who the other teams didn't want.
Hmmm. I dont think you see teams throwing big dollars at reserves to “steal” them away often. Maybe on a couple guys (Jonathen Stewart/Kareem Martin types who end up semi starters) The salary cap just simply doesn’t afford for that. Bottom of rosters are typically draft picks that aren’t good enough or “vets” that are signed for close to the minimum. I’m just happy most of the guys that are battling for spots have real NFL experience. I’m betting when the 53 is chiseled down the top 45 or so look pretty solid.
I'm worried the most about Eli. He's been shellshocked the last few seasons. Can he shake that?
What special teams player can you say that Quinn developed while he was here. Chris Boswell goes to Pittsburgh and becomes one of the league's best kickers. Brandon McManus is also a good PK for Denver. Last year we heard several glowing reports about Rosas. Jeff Feagles said he has a "generational" leg.
It's the specials team coach that a rookie kicker got traded? Look at spags. When the talent is good he can do his job. When it's shit he cant.
Much depends on the 37-year old QB. If he doesn't turn it around, things could stay ugly. The good news for him is they've surrounded him with the tools to succeed (with the possible exception of pieces of the OL).
I'm more optimistic about the defense because I like the coach and the front seven.
The ST's still look like a mess to me.
So while you're right in that the rest of the NFL is a mess too - the Giants were REALLY BAD last year. I mean REALLY BAD. They were bottom dwellers on offense, defense, and special teams. We weren't competitive.
Agreed. The two biggest problems with expecting success are Eli's age, the lack of depth at many positions, especially OL, WR, and CB, and questionable STs. We were also historically bad last season. I give DG and the FO full credit for doing as much as they could in off season, but this was always a two year rebuild for me.
Also agree. I think we're going to make repeated use of our #2 waiver wire claim. At least several of the original 53 will be cut in favor of veterans released by other teams.
I'm worried the most about Eli. He's been shellshocked the last few seasons. Can he shake that?
At his best, Eli was always a QB who could feel pressure, step around in the pocket while keeping his eyes downfield. That is exactly what separated Eli from a better pure passer in Kerry Collins who often times looked at his feet when he felt pressure.
My concern is: Has Eli become Kerry Collins? I want to give Eli the benefit of the doubt because his pass protection has been so terrible that there are rarely any soft spots in the pocket for him to step up into.
In any event, Eli's best pass protection will take the form of handing the ball off to Saquon Barkley. OFTEN. That will then set up some play action passes. At least that's the hope.
I want to be hopeful. But first things first.
This is what was astounding. The season was over by early October.
I'm worried the most about Eli. He's been shellshocked the last few seasons. Can he shake that?
If Eli is toast and Webb falters (when given regular season playing time), they’re F’ed. Gettleman can put together a tremendous roster in a year or two (we’re not there yet), but without a QB, all they’re doing is spinning wheels. And before anyone asks, I’m not a fan of Lauletta either.
If healthy and Manning has not truly dropped off.
But really can't count on this team staying healthy.
Quote:
Worst case scenario we'll see Webb start a game by week 8. It's not that far fetched.
I'm worried the most about Eli. He's been shellshocked the last few seasons. Can he shake that?
If Eli is toast and Webb falters (when given regular season playing time), they’re F’ed. Gettleman can put together a tremendous roster in a year or two (we’re not there yet), but without a QB, all they’re doing is spinning wheels. And before anyone asks, I’m not a fan of Lauletta either.
Agreed. Even if Eli does ok this year, you have to hope that Webb can be impressive, otherwise we are inching closer to searching for answers at QB, which usually involves a lot of losing. Webb is certainly an easy guy to root for which is nice. Eli has been incredible at avoiding injury but you would have to imagine any actual injury to him would be the end of his career.
Quote:
Is that so much to ask for?
This is what was astounding. The season was over by early October.
I know! I remember thinking "now I have to wait eleven months for meaningful football." One more to go. I just hope we have a chance.
Quote:
Last year this time I wasn't feeling good about the 2016 last 6 games Giants + Brandon Marshall.
Culture change, scheme, FO, change, like all the moves DG made (except Stewart and Quinn wtf?!?!). Have high expectations this year.
Quinn was brought back bc the new coach has health issues and he's here to assist. If you think that has any bearing on the w/l column I dont know what to tell you.
Maybe I'm not following but you don't think special teams can win or lose games for you? Go rewatch the Eagles game from 2010 to name one.
QB coming off a terrible year, news systems on both sides of the ball, best player coming off a prolonged injury, and a brand new HC.
The ceiling for this team is getting competitive.
The flip side is that due to injuries and parity, the floor for most teams could be a disasterous 3-13 season.
There is a reason half the playoff teams churn each year.
Quote:
Is that so much to ask for?
This is what was astounding. The season was over by early October.
The Giants could be 3-5 at the bye and the season will not be over. The front half of the schedule is loaded on paper. A 3-5 start would likely be a good result with a 6-2 second half not out of the question. Patience is going to be needed this year.
I love reading that, but it's speculation/potential.
OBJ is a proven commodity. I'd expect Engram to take the next step and not regress in his soph season.....but Barkley hasn't played a down yet - and will need assistance from the OL which hopefully is improved.
Could it be a great trio...certainly. Let's hope it happens.
Quote:
Is that so much to ask for?
This is what was astounding. The season was over by early October.
Think about how hard that is in the NFL.
Bad teams are still in the hunt into November.
The Giants really blew last year.
Much depends on the 37-year old QB. If he doesn't turn it around, things could stay ugly. The good news for him is they've surrounded him with the tools to succeed (with the possible exception of pieces of the OL).
I'm more optimistic about the defense because I like the coach and the front seven.
The ST's still look like a mess to me.
So while you're right in that the rest of the NFL is a mess too - the Giants were REALLY BAD last year. I mean REALLY BAD. They were bottom dwellers on offense, defense, and special teams. We weren't competitive.
I agree that the Giants were bad. Hard to watch. But while stats had us "bottom of the barrel," this remains factual:
* lost to the Eagles by 3
* lost to the Bucs by 2
* lost to the Chargers by 5
* lost to the Raiders by 7
* lost to the Eagles by 5
All one-score games - and totaled, 5 losses by 22 points.
The optimist could also look at two 10-point losses (Niners and Redskins), as well.
Seven losses, by a total 42 points (average 6 points per).
As awful as it was to watch, as terrible as the O-line was, as porous as the D was, as deadly as the injuries were, thew Giants lost 7 football games by an average of a touchdown.
I have some relative high hopes - playoffs. Just get in.
I guess the theory is that the home team is more likely to put out an effort for the home crowd.
The one home dog in the entire league is, yes, the Giants vs the 0-16 Browns.
little faith - ( New Window )
Wasn't long ago you could get all the pre-season game for like
$20 bucks I think its $100 now .
While I agree that losing can breed losing, I never once felt like there wasn't optimism for this year. I firmly believe last year was an aberration due to missteps in management. We're not the Browns, guys.