After another ho-hum performance (two receptions for 15 yards) from New York Giants tight end Evan Engram in last Sunday’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles, it sure would do wonders for all if Engram can have a great finish to the season.
Evan Engram Could Benefit From a Strong Finish
Now in his fourth season in the league, Engram has tantalized us all with his athleticism and natural playmaking abilities. However, he has never put it all together.
His inconsistency has been maddening.
As the Giants head into their bye week, and with New York gaining some momentum, having won two games in a row, it would be an ideal time for Engram to make a bigger impact down the stretch.
New York is now also back in the thick of things in the abysmal NFC East. The Giants are now just one and a half games back of the Eagles.
The Role of Evan Engram on the New York Giants
With Daniel Jones having played well of late — no turnovers in his last two games — it would nice to see Engram bring more to the table. On the season, Engram has only hauled in 38 receptions for 347 yards and just one touchdown through the air. He has one touchdown on the ground.
Giants’ head coach Joe Judge and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett have tried innovative ways to get Engram more involved. It hasn’t been exactly working — especially of late. Jones is looking more towards his receivers (Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard) and the backs in the passing game in the last few weeks.
To be fair, Engram is still getting a lot of looks overall. He still leads the Giants in targets (67). However, his yards per game (34.7) ranks third on the team and barely beating out Golden Tate (33.8 yards per game).
Engram is arguably the Giants’ best weapon, That’s why it’s imperative for him to have a good second half of the season. It would benefit not only himself but the team as well. While he is not a free agent until 2022, Engram has to show why the Giants used a first-round pick on him in 2017.
It’s a twofold net win if Engram plays well down the stretch.
First, it would help the Giants’ chances of winning the NFC East that much more possible. And second, any momentum Engram builds down the stretch would help him financially.
If Engram continues to struggle and be a boom-or-bust type of player, the Giants might have to think of other possibilities at the tight end position. Whether in free agency or through the draft, well, that remains to be seen.
Most realize Engram has more in him than what he has been showing us. That’s why it’s so frustrating to see Engram be so inconsistent. He’s better than this. With his size, speed and athleticism, Engram should be one of the league’s top-five tight ends.
Last Word
With just six games left on the season, Engram can be a pivotal part in the Giants’ plot to win the NFC East crown. On the flip side, he could falter and damage his reputation as one of the more talented tight ends in the NFL.
It’s time to put up or shut up.
Call it a hunch, but look for Engram to seize the moment as the Giants may be on to something. They are a young team with new leadership in charge. The fresh voices in the locker room are changing the culture in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Engram is a willing student of the game. He wants to be better. Judge and Garrett just need to harness all his natural and raw abilities.
If they succeed in that, the Giants and Engram can have a lasting marriage full of success.
