Can NY Giants continue improving turnover differential in 2021?

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 13: Linebacker Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals sacks quarterback Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants and forces a fumble in the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cardinals recovered the fumble. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 13: Linebacker Markus Golden #44 of the Arizona Cardinals sacks quarterback Daniel Jones #8 of the New York Giants and forces a fumble in the first quarter of the game at MetLife Stadium on December 13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cardinals recovered the fumble. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
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New weapons will certainly help, but the NY Giants can improve if they learn to stop defeating themselves.

If the NY Giants are to become legitimate contenders, one specific area of their teams needs to keep improving: turnovers.

The Giants drastically improved their turnover differential from 2019 to 2020, which was no small feat; the Giants were 31st in 2019, with a -17 differential. Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (41) and the Carolina Panthers (35) had more offensive giveaways than the Giants’ 33.

That 2019 offensive turnover total was the highest for the NY Giants since ESPN began keeping track in 2014.

All the blame, however, cannot be placed onto the offense — as abysmal as it was. The defense only took 16 turnovers in 2019, which was the lowest over the same timespan.

New players and improved technique helped boost the turnover differential from -17 in 2019 to 0 in 2020. But being even won’t be enough.

If both the offense and the defense can step up, the Giants will strengthen one of their greatest weaknesses. It’s up to key players on both sides of the field to get it done.

Here’s how the NY Giants can improve their turnover differential in 2021 and beyond:

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