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Since reaching the playoffs in 2016, the New York Giants have a combined 18-14 record, multiple head coaches and now enter a pivotal 2021 season for the franchise.
New York is on its third head coach after firing Ben McAdoo and Pat Shurmur and its second general manager during that stretch. With ownership growing more impatient, the clock is ticking on the current regime.
Despite going 6-10 last season, the team showed signs of a winning culture under first-year head coach Joe Judge. The defense was one of the best in the league, and New York’s young offensive line showed signs of improvement as the year progressed.
Signs of progress are great, but job security is determined by the NFL standings. If Judge, Daniel Jones and Dave Gettleman want to return in 2022, this year is about results. Fortunately, there are several reasons for optimism. Not only will the Giants have a better record this season, but they have a legit chance of winning the NFC East for the first time since 2011.
Discover where the New York Giants rank in our NFL power rankings
A healthy Saquon Barkley
When healthy, Saquon Barkley has shown that he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. He demonstrates the rare ability to score from anywhere on the field, whether it’s a 20-yard touchdown run or an 80-yard score on a wheel route.
Unfortunately, a torn ACL in Week 2 ended his 2020 season prematurely. With Barkley out of the lineup, opposing defenses didn’t respect the Giants’ ground game and that made it easy to stop the passing attack.
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Once Barkley returns, New York’s offense changes completely. The Giants’ running game will be feared and they’ll now have an aerial attack to play complementary football.
New York Giants’ playmakers
The Giants’ offense was abysmal last season, averaging the second-fewest yards per game (299.6) yards points (17.5) per game.
It was obvious that upgrades were needed at the skill position. So, Gettleman signed wide receiver Kenny Golladay and tight end Kyle Rudolph. Still looking for more explosiveness, New York spent the 20th pick on Kadarius Toney.
Check out our New York Giants preview and 2021 predictions
Jones no longer has the excuse of a poor supporting cast. When the Giants are in their 11 personnel package, they’ll present matchup problems for opposing defenses. New York’s offense is vastly improved this season and could exceed expectations in 2021. If that happens, an NFC East crown is possible.
Defense takes another step forward with Patrick Graham
New York was carried by its defense last season. Under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the defense went from being 25th in total defense in 2019 to 12th in a single year.
What made the turnaround so impressive is players picked up Graham’s scheme without the benefit of a normal offseason and summer training. A majority of the starters are back and they now have a full season of experience in Graham’s scheme. As a result, players will react quicker and they’ll be more continuity than a season ago.
Find out where the New York Giants land in Sportsnaut’s NFL defense rankings
The Giants also added key pieces to the defense. New York welcomes cornerback Adoree Jackson and rookie outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari. If there was one weakness on the defense last season, it was the cornerback position opposite James Bradberry.
With the addition of Jackson, the Giants now have two solid corners that allow Graham to be more aggressive with his schemes. Pair that with an improved pass rush and that creates a bigger headache for opposing quarterbacks.
