Last season, the New York Giants (6-11) struggled severely overall as a team, however they showed glimpses of hope late in the season. Despite showing highlights, the team is in desperate need of an offensive renaissance. Especially, with the release of former Giants star running back Saquon Barkley. This offseason, some believe there will be a magnifying glass on Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, specifically to justify the renewal of his contract in 2023, ultimately signing for $160 million over four years. Previously, there proved to be a distraction in the locker room with many choosing sides of Jones or Barkley. Moving forward, the distraction has appeared to disappear, yet only time will tell.
“You always prefer to have everybody out there because you need continuity,” Giants offensive lineman Andrew Thomas states. “But the reality of this business is guys go down, and we have to be prepared, we saw that last year.”
Can the Giants Gel with Moving Pieces?
Nonetheless, due to the lackluster record of last season, the Giants have acquired several new pieces and have returned to full form on the offensive line. The Giants allowed the most sacks in all of the NFL last year, and now they have a new offensive line coach and the returning of Evan Neal should benefit them greatly in the run game. Not to mention, the new acquisition of exciting rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers. Despite the tons of movement on the offensive side of the ball, there’s still an emphasis on building on the positives from last season and most importantly establishing an identity.
“I would say the first thing is just to be dominant in the run game,” Thomas continues. ”I think that opens the offense up so well when you can consistently run the ball for four or five yards, and then in the passing game, just protect DJ (quarterback Daniel Jones). Last year we had, I think it was the most sacks ever, so our job this year is to protect DJ, give him an opportunity because we have skill guys so give him time, he can make plays.”
“I would say the first thing is just to be dominant in the run game,” @allforgod_55 continues. “I think that opens the offense up so well when you can consistently run the ball for four or five yards, and then in the passing game, just protect DJ”
Article: https://t.co/yggb7dTxFJ pic.twitter.com/qLiJLkenkk— John “Woods” Armwood III (@J_Armwood908) July 24, 2024
Daniel Jones Building on Positives This Offseason
Many have lost faith in Jones’s ability to lead this team, however he admits all of the rumbling and talks this offseason have helped add a little more motivation heading into this season. After a disappointing season prior, he’s got many to prove wrong, and with a fairly young team. This season, he will be forced to lead a ton of inexperienced players, and also a relatively new coaching staff. Contrary to belief, the lack of success doesn’t fall solely on Jones, however it’ll be false to not acknowledge his hand in the lack of success. Heading into this season, it’s an emphasis on finding this team’s identity and continuing to build on their strengths.
“I think that’s always a big part of camp,” Jones emphasizes. “What do we do well, or what do we do not as well? How can we emphasize our strengths and play to that? You’re always working to figure that out, which will be a process throughout camp. But, as I said, I’m excited about where we’re going. I’m excited about who we have, and we’ll grow, build chemistry, and continue to develop.”
“I think that’s always a big part of camp,” @Daniel_Jones10 says. “… How can we emphasize our strengths and play to that? You’re always working to figure that out, …I’m excited about where we’re going, and about who we have, we’ll grow, build chemistry, and develop.”@Giants pic.twitter.com/aIfO0aWMJd
— John “Woods” Armwood III (@J_Armwood908) July 24, 2024