NY Giants training camp is right around the corner, and if the foundation for a winning season is to be set, head coach Joe Judge has to check some items off his to-do list
The NY Giants have certainly had their ups and downs in the last several seasons.
New York’s last playoff win was in Super Bowl XLVI defeating the New England Patriots 21-17 … Following the 2011 season.
Having only two winning seasons (2012, 2016) since has been infuriating to Giants fans.
NY Giants general manager Dave Gettleman has taken a lot of the criticism, some deserved and some undeserved, for roster decisions and draft picks. Gettleman has however assembled what looks, on paper at least, a long awaited playoff team.
With training camp right around the corner, opening July 27th 2021, there are a few things the NY Giants must accomplish to be successful in 2021.
Stay Healthy
The NY Giants’ 2020 training camp saw major injuries to former linebacker David Mayo — a position with little proven depth at the time — and second round rookie safety Xavier McKinney.
With mainstay superstar running back Saquan Barkley coming back from a season-ending knee injury, health is a major concern for the NY Giants.
While the NY Giants are positioned with depth in several areas far better than they have been in recent years; injuries can derail a season before it starts. If the injury bug stays out of camp the Giants can start off on the right foot and ride that momentum.
Develop a Daniel Jones-KennyGolladay connection
Kenny Golladay was the prized free agent addition in the offseason.
The 6-foot-4 wide receiver is just what a young quarterback needs to improve a lot of things, especially confidence.
Daniel Jones had a nice connection with Darius Slayton as they both were in their rookie year together, but inconsistency has reared its ugly head; as well as the fact Slayton has not proved himself as No. 1 receiver. Sterling Shepard has been a nice security blanket for Jones, but injuries have not allowed that relationship to grow as it could. Golladay is the key, Jones has not had a target like this on the outside that can do the things the former Detroit Lion can do.
A downfield threat and a major redzone threat, DJ needs to make sure they are comfortable with each other and develop the nuances that great QB-WR relationships have.
Get Azeez Ojulari first-team reps
I am a big believer in Azeez Ojulari, I felt he was a top pass rusher in last years draft and think the NY Giants stole him.
A deep tradition of history and talent has always been part of NY Giants lore.
That has not been the case for a while.
Ojulari is raw talent that has impressive explosiveness, not to mention off the charts athleticism. The 6’2 249 linebacker drafted 50 overall out of Georgia, is a plug and play rookie if he gets the time at camp.
While Ojulari needs to be fine tuned when it comes to the art of pass rushing, he is far too electric to keep off the field. With competition coming from Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines, both coming off injuries, I expect Ojulari to be a starter come Week 1.