The New York Giants had a very successful season. They exceeded expectations by achieving an 11-5 record. Although they had a crushing loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wildcard Round, it was still a very successful year for a young team with no playoff experience. Here is a review of the Giants roller coaster season:
New York Giants Season in Review
Eli Manning’s Future
Eli Manning needs to be given some credit. After having an up and down season, he went to Green Bay and played a very good game. Even though his receivers let him down, he showed that he could still play, especially on the bigger stage. This showing gives the Giants some more time to search for the quarterback of the future. Manning has just turned 36, so a replacement will be needed sooner rather than later.
Although his time is limited, Eli Manning should still produce at a high level next season. The entire offense was in shambles this year, not just him. Manning looked very timid all season due to the lack of skill from his offensive line. However, the minute he had time, he would throw the ball like he did two seasons ago. Eli Manning needs time in the pocket, and if he gets the time he needs, he will put big numbers up and win even more games. His time may be limited, but for the next few seasons, expect similar numbers to his last two seasons.
Defensive Improvement
The defense is only going to improve. There is so much youth on this side of the ball; it would be shocking to see them be anything less than they were this season. Landon Collins could win DPOY for this season, and he is only 23. He will only get better, and that is just a scary thought. Nobody crucial to the defense is over 30 besides Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, so this defense should produce at a high level for many seasons.
This is also the best secondary the Giants have fielded in many seasons. With Darian Thompson coming back healthy next season, expect a lot of takeaways from this unit. Eli Apple also came into his own towards the latter part of the season. Although he was not perfect, he really improved from the beginning of the season. Janoris Jenkins was lights out all season long minus two big long plays.
Offensive Line Needs
The play from the offensive line was extremely poor. Week after week it seemed as though Eli Manning had no time in the pocket. Ereck Flowers days at left tackle seem to be limited. He cannot block speed rushers. Every single time that Flowers lines up against a speed rusher, they would run right past him. John Jerry was serviceable this season. However, he is not the answer at right guard. Marshall Newhouse and Bobby Hart are also not suited to be starters in the NFL as they proved that this year. It will be interesting to see what Jerry Reese does, but he needs to address the line. Reese may move Flowers over to the right side, and then either draft or sign a left tackle. The same could be said about the right guard position.
Paul Perkins
At the beginning of the season, Paul Perkins played sparingly. However, while starting running back Rashad Jennings struggled, Perkins took his chance and never looked back. He played great the minute he was given a chance, and he should be the running back of the future. He shows flashes of Tiki Barber with his cuts and moves. Given a full season next year, it will be very interesting to see how he performs, but all signs point to a bright future for Paul Perkins. The California product has all of the talent in the world to be a star in the National Football League.
Must Re-sign Key Players
Jason Pierre-Paul, Johnathan Hankins, and Justin Pugh all need to resigned. These three players are critical to the success that the Giants have. Hankins along side Damon Harrison formed the most dynamic run-stopping duo in the entire NFL. Along side Hankins, Jason Pierre-Paul came back this season better then ever. He proved that he is just as good as he was before his firework injury. It was evident that the pass rush was not nearly as effective the minute Pierre-Paul was out with his groin injury. Without his explosiveness on the outside, teams could focus on double teaming Olivier Vernon.
Justin Pugh is just as important to this team. Pugh was rated the number one left guard in the league up until his injury against the Eagles. The offensive line became a revolving door when Pugh got hurt. This was a direct cause for the poor play by Eli Manning. Pugh will be a key cog to this offensive line for years to come. It is imperative that Justin Pugh is resigned this offseason because he only has one season left on his rookie deal.
