With OTAs underway, we have gotten a better look at what the NY Giants offense and defense could look like during the 2023 season. Obviously, we can only learn so much considering how limited contact has been. However, this is the most we've seen since the end of last campaign.
Despite the lack of contact, there are a few things that have stood out in the first couple of OTA sessions. Some players have stood out, and there could be a whole new method of offense in '23 thanks in part to the new weapons added.
These are four things we can look to see out of the Giants in the 2023 season. Hopefully, the team can prove that the 2022 season wasn't a fluke and that they mean business this year:
4. Darren Waller will have a bounce-back season and make the Pro Bowl
One of the biggest moves made by Joe Schoen this offseason was his trade for Darren Waller. Not only did Schoen acquire him for just a third-round pick, but it also seems like Mike Kafka could have some big plans for Waller based on the way he's been used in OTAs thus far.
Not only could Waller have a huge season in terms of his personal stats, but the threat he brings can help open the offense up a ton. This would make things significantly easier for both Daniel Jones and the rest of the Giants receiving core. Adding this kind of player to the team's offense is what could help elevate them from an average unit, to one of the best in the league.
For Waller, though, if he can remain healthy we could be in for a monstrous season from the 30-year-old TE. Health is key, as he has played in just 20 games over the last two seasons. A healthy Waller is likely to still be a top-five tight end in the league like he was just three years ago.
We have no doubt in our minds that Waller could easily rack up 1,000+ yards and over five touchdowns as he has in seasons past. The skillset he brings to the table is something the Giants desperately need on offense. The team can't afford to have another season with a disappointing receiving core.
3. Daniel Jones will surpass 4,000 passing yards
After by far his best season yet, it seems like NY Giants QB Daniel Jones will be ready to make another jump, potentially into stardom. Some may criticize his contract extension, but the 2023 season could possibly prove his haters wrong. Not only does he have a new and improved offense around him, but the playcalling could be much better as well.
That's not a slight to Kafka, who did a very good job considering the offensive personnel the Giants had. However, it's not a hot take to say the playcalling could have been better at times. However, with new weapons like Waller, Parris Campbell, Jaylin Hyatt, and more, the playcalling will likely be much better and more aggressive.
Everything is adding up for Jones to have another breakout season. Not only will Jones finally have some consistency around him, but the offense is looking to be the best it's ever been since he was drafted back in 2019.
This is going to be a huge season for Jones and the Giants. If he continues to improve, he will likely solidify himself as the undoubted franchise QB of this team while continuing to push New York ever so closer to another Super Bowl appearance.
2. The NY Giants will have 4+ Pro Bowlers this season
In 2022, we saw the Giants have just two Pro Bowlers in the form of Saquon Barkley and Dexter Lawrence. While some players definitely got snubbed, it was still nice to see New York finally have players make the game once again.
However, entering 2023, the Giants very well could have over four players in the Pro Bowl. Not only will guys like Barkley and Lawrence likely make the game once again, but other names like Andrew Thomas and Darren Waller seem like locks to make the game at this point. While Thomas undoubtedly should've made the game last season, it will be nearly impossible to deny him this time around.
As for Waller, he also seems like a lock if he is able to stay healthy as we mentioned prior. Other names that could make the game include Jones, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Xavier McKinney, and others. All of these guys showed tons of flashes in 2022, which showed that they very well could make their first career Pro Bowls soon.
Regardless, this season is going to be incredibly fun to watch. The Giants have a combination of young and exciting players, alongside sturdy veterans who provide much-needed consistency on both sides of the ball. At this point, having a ton of players make the Pro Bowl just seems like icing on the cake.
1. The NY Giants will win 11+ games
The Giants may not have an easy schedule like last season. However, there's still a multitude of winnable games alongside some tougher games we can easily see the Giants winning. People can bring up the schedule difficulty difference between this season and last, however, these are two very different teams.
Last season, the Giants went into the season with expectations to be a rebuilding team. However, this time around they have a new-found confidence alongside the additions Schoen made on both sides of the ball. Adding players like Waller, Bobby Okereke, John Michael-Schmitz, and Deonte Banks not only helps solve some of the Giants' biggest issues from last season, but they're also pieces needed to help push this team closer to contention.
This season won't be easy, but there are few reasons for the Giants to not at least match their win total from last year. The schedule may be harder, but the team improved drastically and is only going to get better.
New York will likely be looked at as underdogs again this season and that's okay. This team has been accustomed to being looked down upon and history has shown it usually works out in the Giants' favor. It's going to be a heck of a campaign to watch in '23 for Giants fans regardless of how many games they win.
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