Giants preview: Offense looking for more than Odell Beckham Jr.
Training camps are still in the distance, but USA TODAY Sports is providing five things you need to know about every team in the NFL to catch you up on the offseason. Today, the New York Giants ...
1. The offense is still looking to find its footing
After the Giants went on a $200 million spending spree to repair their defense last season, it was Ben McAdoo's offense that served as the stumbling block in his first year as coach. Despite a 11-5 record and wild-card berth, Big Blue ranked 25th in total offense (330.7 yards per game) and 26th in scoring (19.4 points per game). D.J. Fluker was added to provide help for a shaky offensive line, but the burden could ultimately fall on young offensive tackles Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart to take a significant step forward.
2. One veteran receiver is out, and another is in
Elder statesman Victor Cruz's run in New York came to an end after he was released in February. But the arrival of Brandon Marshall from the Jets gives Eli Manning a needed physical presence in the passing game, as well as a receiver to take some heat off Odell Beckham Jr. Marshall's ability to haul in contested catches will pay a huge dividend for a team that ranked 28th in third-down conversion rate (35.6%) and repeatedly stumbled in the red zone. Adding first-round tight end Evan Engram and H-back Rhett Ellison should allow the team to explore more diverse offensive looks.
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3. It's time for a new lead in the backfield
Leading rusher Rashad Jennings was released in February after averaging just 3.3 yards per carry for the NFL's fourth-worst ground game. McAdoo said second-year back Paul Perkins would take over the starter's role after showing promise in the final four weeks of last season. though a committee approach could be utilized with backups Shane Vereen, Orleans Darkwa and Shaun Draughn. Fifth-round pick Wayne Gallman from Clemson adds a downhill competent to the running game.
4. The front four still sets the tone for the defense
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul netted a four-year, $62 million contract this offseason to make him the Giants' latest big investment along the offensive line. With Olivier Vernon and Damon Harrison also on sizable deals, Johnathan Hankins was the odd man out and fled to the Indianapolis Colts. But Harrison and a few young interior players, including second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson, should keep a run defense that tied for third in top shape. Two Pro Bowlers still roam the secondary in safety Landon Collins and cornerback Janoris Jenkins, but the line will be counted on to ease the burden on a young linebacking corps.
5. A succession plan at QB could be taking shape
Manning, 36, hasn't missed a start since his rookie season and still has three years remaining on his contract. But general manager Jerry Reese said the two-time Super Bowl champion is on the "back nine" of his career. The Giants surprised many in April by taking Cal's Davis Webb in the third round, marking the highest draft pick New York had used on a quarterback since Manning arrived in 2004. As he adapts to the complexities of the NFL after operating in Cal's "Bear Raid" offense, Webb should serve as the third quarterback behind Geno Smith.
Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.
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