It's not always easy being a New York Giants fan, especially over the last handful of seasons (with the playoff appearance obviously excluded). However, there has been some optimism about the year ahead, despite several questions still lingering before training camp. It seems like the roster is back on track with the additions of pass rusher Abdul Carter and quarterback Jaxson Dart, leading analysts and fans to think the future is bright, even if it doesn't happen in just one season.
There will (hopefully) be some immediate payoff this fall, with the quarterback position being one of the most crucial, and the defense is already receiving a lot of hype for its potential. If all of that can come together, there's reason to believe the Giants can be competitive in 2025, but that potential is not convincing everyone just yet.
Their brutal schedule continues to be a cloud hovering over what they could accomplish this fall, which has former Giants player Geoff Schwartz unconvinced they could even win their projected 5.5 wins.
As if bracing for another losing season wasn't enough, hearing that analysts are now thinking they won't even win five games only adds more disappointment ahead of what should be a notable year.
The Giants might not reap the benefits of an improved team until after the 2025 season
Unfortunately, as Schwartz discusses, an unruly schedule can be the immediate dampener, putting the Giants in a hole before the meaty part of the season even begins.
That's why he projects they won't reach their estimated win total this year, noting that they'll likely be down by double digits in numerous games that they don't look equipped to come back from.
"Here’s the first two months of their season: They open at Washington and Dallas, then host the Chiefs and Chargers. After that, a trip to New Orleans, followed by two games against the Eagles, with the Broncos sandwiched in between. They start November with the 49ers, then face the Bears, Packers and Lions — oh my! They'll be an underdog in every game, and possibly a pick in New Orleans.
So that poor record in close games may not even matter this season, as they could find themselves down by double digits late in games. When they start slow, the coaching staff may quickly turn to Jaxson Dart, who isn't ready to be a starter yet. New York's season is going to spiral out of control quickly. So I’m going with the Giants Under 5.5 wins."
While this is just one man's opinion, he makes good points that fans cannot ignore.
It was clear from the start that the Giants were dealt a difficult schedule, with the beginning of the season being possibly the worst of it all. Falling behind early in the year makes it nearly impossible to get back into contention, but maybe that's setting the bar too high, anyway.
Perhaps the focus of the 2025 season should be seeing improvement across the board, even if that doesn't translate into wins. If the defense can become dominant, with better performance from the quarterback and offensive line that adequately protects them and sets up the run game, that will be pivotal to the Giants' future success.
Progress will lead the process, making the upcoming season another tough one to watch. But it should bring out some optimism about the future, at least, that's what fans should be hoping for most.