The New York Giants currently stand at 3-6 and on their bye week. Right now, it looks as if the Giants second half of the season prompts an easier schedule, making a playoff run possible. However, if they fall short, they need answers on a few players going into next season with general manager Dave Gettleman likely gone.
Three Players the New York Giants Must Evaluate Following Bye
Tight End Evan Engram
After a horrid season last year, Evan Engram has picked up the slack for the New York Giants this year. He missed the first two games, fumbling and dropping a pass in his first two games back. However, from there he’s been one of the more consistent weapons for Daniel Jones and the Big Blue offense.
So far this season, he is totaling two touchdowns, both within the last two weeks to go along with 26 catches for 224 yards and a catch percentage of 72.2%.
Engram’s contract is up after the season and he has a few things going against his case for an extension. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett does not use him vertically, hindering his production. Garrett also uses him as a blocker, which is one of Engram’s weaknesses. The Giants have Kyle Rudolph and Kaden Smith for a reason.
Engram has done no favors by missing at least a game each season of his young career, excluding 2020. Joe Judge and the coaching staff clearly like him, as he is having a good season thus far. Consistency will be key in determining Engram’s long-term as a Giant.
Offenisve Tackle Matt Peart
The Giants drafted Matt Peart in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of UConn. He played a total of 150 snaps in his rookie year, alternating at right tackle with Cameron Fleming. He allowed two sacks and nine pressures in 84 pass-blocking snaps.
Coming into 2021, many saw him as the starting right tackle. However, minor injuries sidelined him, giving eleven-year veteran Nate Solder the spotlight. Up to this point, Solder has started every game for the Giants this season, playing one at left tackle and eight at right tackle. Unfortunately, his year off has caused him to struggle in his comeback season.
As for Peart, the Giants have more invested in him as a third-round pick. His uptick in some snaps was due to the absence of Andrew Thomas, who is expected to be back after the bye week. Numerous foot injuries sidelined Thomas between Weeks 5-9.
Joe Judge and Rob Sale need to finally give the starting reigns to Matt Peart when the Giants head to Tampa Bay on Monday Night Football. Nate Solder has not played well at all and looks worse than he did his first two years in a Big Blue uniform.
If the Giants elect to do the rotational tackle system or keep Solder at right tackle, they won’t know what they have in the former Huskie, which prompts spending another draft pick on an offensive lineman.
Safety Logan Ryan
The New York Giants signed Logan Ryan back in the summer of 2020 when then-rookie Xavier McKinney suffered a foot fracture and was sidelined for the first half of the year. Ryan exceeded expectations as he helped the defense force multiple turnovers and limit the big plays. The Giants signed Ryan to a three-year extension worth $31 million.
Moving into the current state of things, Logan Ryan has taken a step back. He has forced two fumbles this year so far, but still is not the same player from last year’s defense. However, the defense’s sudden uprise should help matriculate his play on the field.
Ryan is 30 years old, turning 31 next February. Joe Judge remains one of the main reasons he is here, as he is a vocal leader in the locker room. The Giants cannot financially move on from Ryan until 2023. However, drafting over him may be a step the Giants take if the second half of the season does not trend upwards for the veteran defensive back.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
