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The 2021 season is one of the most important in the 97-year history of the New York Giants franchise.
After four consecutive double-digit loss seasons, and not having won a playoff game since Super Bowl XLVI, it’s playoffs or bust. If the team doesn’t change their fortunes this year, there will be major changes to the roster and front office.
As he enters his second year at the helm, Giants head coach Joe Judge believes he laid the groundwork in 2020 to get the franchise headed in the right direction. Yes, the G-Men were 6-10 last season, but they established a culture and mindset that they will be a smart, tough, and physical team.
Perhaps more than any other sport, the NFL is the ultimate team game. It takes players on offense, defense, and special teams bonding together and playing at a high level. But certain players have a higher impact in determining a team’s success.
Here’s a look at the top five Giants that will determine their success this season.
5. Adoree’ Jackson
One of the biggest acquisitions that general manager Dave Gettleman made this offseason was signing former Tennessee Titans cornerback Adoree’ Jackson to a three-year deal worth $39 million. In his four seasons with the Titans, Jackson started in 41 games, and recorded 200 tackles to go along with two interceptions.
He will be on the opposite side of James Bradberry, who cemented himself as one of the best corners in the league by being named to the Pro Bowl last season, and locking down the opponents best receiver.
Teams will be reluctant to throw on Bradberry’s side of the field. So it will be imperative for Jackson to play at a high level as he will see many passes thrown his way. If he can play at a level close to Bradberry, the Giants could have the best starting cornerback tandem in the league.
See how high the Giants place in our latest NFL defense rankings
4. Leonard Williams
Last season Leonard Williams had the finest season of his career as he had a career high 11.5 sacks and was twice named NFC Defensive Player Of The Week.
The Giants rewarded Williams for his efforts by giving him a three-year contract worth $63 million. Now he’ll be counted on to have a repeat performance in 2021 to show that last season was not a fluke, and that he is in fact a superior defensive lineman.
Williams is the only player on the roster that has shown he can pressure quarterbacks consistently, so he will be vital to the defense’s success.
3. Kenny Golladay
The Giants have been in search for a true No. 1 wide receiver ever since they traded Odell Beckham Jr to the Browns in 2019. That’s why they signed the best free agent wide receiver in Kenny Golladay to a four-year $72 million contract.
Golladay recorded two 1,000 yard receiving seasons with the Detroit Lions. But hip and hamstring injuries limited him to appear in just five games last season.
Although he sustained a hamstring injury early in training camp, the Giants expect him back well before the season opener. If he can perform as he did with the Lions, he’ll be quarterback Daniel Jones go to receiver, and the passing offense will be vastly better than last season, when it finished 29th.
2. Saquon Barkley
When healthy, Saquon Barkley might be the best running back in the NFL. The problem is over the last two seasons he’s seldom been healthy.
An ankle injury caused him to miss three games in 2019 and hampered him for much of the season. Then his season came to an abrupt end last year when he tore his ACL in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears.
Barkley started training camp on the PUP list but has since been activated and has been participating in drills. The expectation is that the Giants will remain cautious with him, but all signs point to him being on the field Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.
If Barkley can get back to his 2018 form when he won Offensive Rookie Of The Year, the Giants will have a potent offense.
Will the Giants make the postseason in 2021? Check out our full NFL playoff predictions
1. Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones was the obvious choice for number one, as Jones will be the biggest key to the Giants success this season. The third-year quarterback has shown flashes that he can play at a high level. But his 39 turnovers have been Jones’ biggest and most problematic issue.
This is a watershed moment for Jones’ career, as the Giants will have to decide whether or not to give him the fifth-year option on his contract in next spring.
The Giants made it a priority to supply Jones with playmakers this offseason in Kenny Golladay, John Ross, and rookie Kadarius Toney. The hope is that these new weapons optimize Jones’ potential. Playing in his second season in Jason Garrett’s offense should help, too.
If Jones can be at least a middle-of-the-pack quarterback, the Giants have the means be one of the best teams in the NFC.
Click here to see our full breakdown and game predictions for the 2021 New York Giants schedule