It’s time for Daniel Jones to show he is capable of being an elite franchise quarterback for the NY Giants
The time for moral victories is over – the NY Giants’ must make the playoffs in 2021 or heads will roll.
Players, fans and even the owners are sick of their legendary franchise slumming it with the NFL’s doormats. In his year-end press conference, team owner John Mara once again spoke on how exhausted he is of losing.
"“I’m tired of sitting up here at the end of the year trying to explain what went wrong and why I feel optimistic about the future,” said Mara. “I want to do it after a winning season.”"
While a successful offseason established a strong core of players for years to come, many high profile members of the the NY Giants roster are entering their endgame. If they can’t perform, they may be wearing different uniforms as early as next season.
Win or lose, stars like Kenny Golladay, Leonard Williams, Blake Martinez, James Bradberry and Adoree’ Jackson are in it for the long haul. Unfortunately, things aren’t so certain for some of their teammates.
Here are 3 NY Giants entering a make or break 2021:
Daniel Jones
Despite the critics, one thing was certain when the NY Giants made Daniel Jones the sixth overall pick in 2019 – it was a picture perfect fit.
The uncanny similarities between him and Eli Manning drew the front office to him – heck, Jones has even developed a ‘Manning face’ when he throws the ball. Add in the David Cutcliffe connection and it’s scary.
Unfortunately for Jones, quarterbacks are expected to perform much earlier than they were in Manning’s days. As the Giants’ signal caller enters year three, his career in New York is on the line.
Dave Gettleman gave himself the ultimate contingency plan in the 2021 NFL Draft – gaining valuable draft capital for the prized 2022 NFL Draft. If Jones doesn’t prove himself worthy, the Giants could start over with a new quarterback next season using their new-found draft picks.
The front office has given Jones everything he needs to succeed this off-season – to the quarterback’s credit, he’s taking the necessary steps as well. He’s shouldered on a huge leadership role this off-season – organizing practices and building relationships with his play-makers.
The Giants love Daniel Jones, but the clock is still ticking – he has to perform this season, or he’ll be replaced.
Evan Engram
While Judge continues to reaffirm his belief in Evan Engram, there may be no player on thinner ice than the tight end.
The former first round pick had a 2020 to forget – catching just one touchdown and famously dropping a perfect, potentially game-winning pass from Jones in Philadelphia. Still, he was miraculously selected to the Pro Bowl – a development that shocked fans and experts alike.
Now, Engram enters the final year on his contract – if he wants to stay in New York, he’ll have to be more consistent than he’s ever been in his career.
He’s been called a match-up nightmare, an athletic freak, a Swiss army knife – but Engram is simply a rollercoaster at tight end. It’s maddening to see his inconsistent play – one week he’s the reason for multiple turnovers, the next he’s making one handed touchdown catches.
This off-season, the Giants signed veteran Kyle Rudolph to join Engram in the tight-end room – and the former Minnesota Viking and his new quarterback are already getting friendly. If Jones and Rudolph going to Knicks’ games together translates into success on the field, Engram could be on the outs.
It’s imperative for Engram to be a positive for the Giants throughout the 2021 season. If he becomes a thorn in the team’s side once again, he won’t get another shot at redemption.
Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers joined the Giants in the most shocking way possible – coming over from the Cleveland Browns as a key-piece of the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. While many didn’t think Dave Gettleman got enough for the receiver he didn’t ‘sign to trade’, the Giants’ GM believed in Peppers.
"“We got two ones and a three, one of them being a player. I think really and truly you are not going to be able to know the value. You are not going to be able to give a Roman Coliseum thumb up or thumb down on this trade for a little bit,” said Gettleman, following the trade. We have to see how Jabrill develops, and we have to see who this number one is, who this number three is.”"
The safety has played well since joining the team in 2019 – but a crowded secondary is working against Peppers. If he has a subpar 2021, the Giants could opt to let Peppers go in favor of their youth – since the day the Giants drafted Xavier McKinney, the option has been on the table.
Gettleman had no problem letting Landon Collins go in free agency – if Peppers doesn’t perform or asks for an inordinate amount of money, he may go the route of his predecessor.
He’s been a leader on the team’s defense – as well as a valuable piece of the team’s special teams unit. Still, he has his lapses at times – it still stings when thinking about Peppers allowing a game-winning touchdown catch by Boston Scott last season.
Gettleman loved Peppers back in 2019 and that affinity most likely hasn’t changed. Still, whether he remains a Giant depends on how he plays in 2021.