The New York Giants’ offense has been revamped in the 2019 offseason. The Giants rebuilt their offensive line and moved on from superstar receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
But the Giants have plenty of talent across their offense. Despite a potential quarterback controversy, there is plenty to be excited about on New York’s offense.Â
Big Blue should see an instant impact from every position group on offense. But which positions will be the most impactful?
1. Running Back
Saquon Barkley is the best running back in the NFL. “Saquads†proved to be an absolutely dominant force in his rookie season.
2018’s AP Offensive Rookie Of The Year displayed his ability to make plays as a runner and a receiver. Saquon broke a rookie running back record with 91 receptions in 2018. In addition, Barkley lead the NFL in scrimmage yards with 2,028.
Saquon’s production should increase in 2019 as the lone leader of the Giants’ offense. The subtraction of Odell Beckham should lead to even more big plays for Saquon Barkley.
2. Offensive Line
The Giants’ offensive line has undergone an expensive reconstruction the past two years. This should make it one of the team’s most impactful positional groups.
Newly acquired right guard Kevin Zeitler will make an instant impact as he was the NFL’s best pass-blocking guard in 2018 according to Pro Football Focus.
Additionally, year two in the Giants’ offense should lead to a big season from the Giants’ left side duo. Nate Solder and Will Hernandez had a solid but inconsistent 2018 season. Expect to see them gain some more consistency this season.
3. Wide Receiver
Despite losing their best player at this position, the Giants still have one of the better wide receiver corps in the NFL. In response to Beckham’s departure, New York brought in veteran receiver Golden Tate.
Tate is an elite playmaker after the catch. He forced 22 missed tackles in 2017 and 23 missed tackles in 2018. Additionally, over the past ten years, Golden Tate has ranked 4th in the NFL in yards after the catch per reception with an average of 7.9 yards.
Opposite of Golden Tate is Sterling Shepard. Shep has been a solid player for the Giants in his first three seasons. Sterling’s yardage totals have increased every year and that trend should continue in 2019 thanks to a more prominent role with Odell’s absence.
Sterling suffered a fractured thumb during the first practice of training camp. Fortunately, Pat Shurmur does not seem too concerned, and it looks like Shepard will be able to play week one.
Tate and Shepard will make an extra impact in the run game. Both receivers are solid, tough blockers who will help Saquon Barkley break off even more big runs on the outside.
4. Tight End
Evan Engram’s position would be higher on this list if he did not have an injury history. Evan Engram is one of the most versatile and explosive tight ends in the league. Unfortunately, injuries have held Engram back from propelling his way to the top of the league.
When Evan Engram is on the field, he is a true playmaker. Especially when Odell Beckham jr is off the field. In 2018, Evan Engram saw a significant statistical boost once Beckham went down with an injury.
Engram averaged only 36.7 yards per game prior to Beckham’s injury. After Odell went down, Evan’s average jumped all the way to 80 yards per game. A full sixteen game season without Odell should serve Evan well.
5. Quarterback
The final position on this list is one shrouded in controversy. Eli Manning is back for his sixteenth season in the NFL, despite a regression in play the last few years.Â
The Giants’ offense has shifted towards a run-first attack, which will take a lot of pressure and impact off of the quarterback’s shoulders. Eli Manning should show improvement this season with an upgraded offensive line, but he is at the end of the back nine and it is unclear just how much Manning still has left in the tank.
Eli posted a career-high completion percentage in 2018 with 66%. But the rest of his statistics were not highly impactful. Manning threw for a respectable 4,299 yards, but only 21 touchdown passes. The Giants will need Eli to score a higher volume of touchdowns in order to be a competitive team in 2019.
The Giants’ offense gives fans a lot to be excited about in 2019. If the team can stay healthy and play up to their full potential, the Giants’ offense could surprise a lot of people.