After a massively disappointing season in 2021 in which we saw little-to-no players on the NY Giants ball out, it is seeming as if things are beginning to turn around in 2022, with many guys on the roster showing a lot of promise in camp and preseason action vs. New England.
While it is much too early to be certain on what players will improve or not, it is not too early to make assumptions based off of players potential and what we have seen in the past. Some players on the team had down years last season, and others were never given a proper chance to develop. With that said, here are four plays who should take a big step forward this campaign.
4. Leonard Williams
Following a somewhat “down” 2021 season in which Leonard Williams saw an increase in tackles, but a decrease in sacks, tackles for loss, and QB hits, it seems like Williams is ready to turn things around and go back to his dominant ways in 2022.
Not only will Williams be in a brand new, blitz-heavy system under Wink Martindale, but he also has just simply looked much better thus far in training camp -terrorizing the NY Giants offensive line whenever he gets the chance.
Last season, Williams racked up 81 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 14 QB hits. So. while his tackle numbers are very impressive, the rest of his stats took a hit compared to 2020.
Martindale is known for having a very blitz-heavy defensive system, meaning that Williams will likely have less pressure on him as there will often be one or more blitzer on several plays. If Williams is able to adapt to this system, his return to dominance may be quick.
If Williams can come out and dominate in 2022, there is a very good chance we see the NY Giants pass rush become elite again. The trio of Williams, Azeez Ojulari, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, is looking to be potentially one of the best in the league.