The New York Giants are going into the 2015 season on a high note. For the first time in a couple of years Giants’ fans have something to be excited about. Eli Manning finally got back into his groove, Odell Beckham lit up the NFL, and Super Bowl winning defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo returned to the team. Playoffs are definitely in the question, but is it possible for the Giants to go all the way to the Super Bowl?
Many feel that the Giants will have trouble competing in the very talented NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both have very solid teams. In my opinion, the Giants are highly underrated and just as talented as both their rivals.
Ben McAdoo’s new offense is really starting to change the way Manning plays. It suits his strengths and his weaknesses. Manning seems to respond better to a quick short passing offense. The West coast offense is working out a lot better than the vertical offense he used to play in.
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham (13) before a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
With receivers like Odell Beckham, Victor Cruz, Rueben Randle and Dwayne Harris how much better could it get for Manning? He has a whole arsenal of pass catchers that seem to thrive in this high-powered offense. Manning is the key to the Giants success and giving him viable pass catchers is the first step.
In addition to receivers, Manning has a tandem of three very talented running backs. Rashad Jennings will retain his role as the Giants’ starting running back. Andre Williams will come in to relive him and take control as the goal line back. Shane Vereen will enter as the specialist catching passes out of the backfield.
In 2014, we all saw how the team played when the running game was in shambles. The team was crippled without Jennings being the bell cow back. If the offense isn’t balanced between running and passing, the Giants can’t function. Some teams are reliant on just the pass or just the run, but the Giants can’t operate that way. Manning really started to struggle when the run-game was not on par.
The offensive line is in better shape than most fans think. They were never really that awful on paper to begin with. Injuries killed the line’s chemistry. Drafting Ereck Flowers in the first round was the right thing to do, but the coaching staff can only hope that he holds down the left tackle position. Having a rookie protecting Manning’s blind side is a bold call.
Last but not least comes the defense. Spagnuolo will without a doubt do everything he can to bring the heat. Jason Pierre-Paul is looking for a long-term contract so fans should expect him to put on one heck of a show. He should match or improve on last years’ stats. When most analysts talk about the Giants’ issues the pass rush was often swept aside. The safety position was the main concern and is still up in the air. The addition of Landon Collins put some of that worry to rest.
Aside from lacking some depth in their secondary, the Giants have some very talented players, especially on the offensive side of the ball. If the Giants aren’t plagued by injuries, the team could definitely sneek into the playoffs. Every Giant fan knows that once the team gets into the playoffs, that’s when the real magic happens. The Super Bowl may be more of a reality than most would imagine.
Next: New York Giants Are Playoff Bound: Reason 4
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