3. Incorporating the wide receivers
In Week 1, the Giants’ offense relied on Saquon Barkley. The star running back rushed for a league-leading 164 yards and one touchdown. He was also utilized heavily in the passing game, recording six receptions for 30 yards. But this offensive scheme may only last for so long. And the Giants will need to incorporate all of their playmakers to be as good as they can.
By the end of the game, Barkley had received the most targets of any Giants player with seven. The player with the second most came as a shock to anyone watching.
Richie James was targeted six times, catching five of them for 59 yards. At times, he looked to be the Giants’ best pass-catcher. Kenny Golladay was targeted just two times. The WR1 finished with just two receptions for 11 yards. This isn’t what the Giants had in mind when they gave him a four-year, $72 million contract. His succeeding within the offense will only mean that everything else is also going to plan.
Sterling Shepard, in his first game back from a torn Achilles, made the play of the day with a 65-yard touchdown grab. But outside of that, he had just one other reception and was targeted four times total.
At the moment, it is still up in the air if Kadarius Toney will be on the field in Week 2. But in the seven snaps that he was on the field in Week 1, he was highly effective.
With the injury to Wan’Dale Robinson and the lack of usage of Toney, it would make sense for the Giants to lean in on their veteran pass-catchers. And if they hope to keep winning games in the future, this is what they must do.