The New York Giants produced another dud of an offensive performance against the Cleveland Browns in week 15, scoring a season-low six points. They beat their previous season-low of seven points from the week prior against the Arizona Cardinals.
Unfortunately, the unit that entered the season with high hopes has turned into one of mediocrity and embarrassment. The Giants have 13 combined points over the past two games and are severely limited without starting quarterback Daniel Jones. In addition, their wide receivers are unable to create ample separation, and the offensive line has been inconsistent at times. It seems as if there are more problems than solutions compared to the expectations last off-season.
Nonetheless, it is fair to mention that the Giants have been playing without Saquon Barkley and a completely revitalized offensive line, composed of several rookies. There were always going to be struggles this season, but nobody expected the offense to be second to last in the NFL in points per game. At some point, the blame must be distributed evenly, but let’s take a look at where they need to allocate resources this upcoming off-season.
Ranking the New York Giants’ needs on offense for 2021:
1.) No. 1 WR
The Giants don’t have any imposing threats, as Evan Engram remains inconsistent and polarizing. They have Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton, and Golden Tate, but none of the three are capable of blowing a game open at any time.
Tate will likely be cut after the 2020 season concludes, meaning the Giants will save a bit of cash they can allocate toward a number one receiver. If they want to take the free agency route, they could look at players like Allen Robinson, Kenny Golladay, or even Corey Davis of the Tennessee Titans. Alternatively, they could consider the NFL draft as a tool to solve their receiving woes, but it depends on how they value other positions of need.
One way or another, the Giants need to draw attention away from opposing defenses, and getting a top pass catcher will do just that. Pairing an elite receiver with Saquon Barkley will completely rejuvenate the offense and open up the playcalling for Jason Garrett, or whoever holds that job in 2021.
2.) New play-caller
The second need is a new play-caller because Jason Garrett simply hasn’t gotten the job done this year. The Dallas Cowboys managed to score 41 points against the San Francisco 49ers with a ravaged offensive line, backup quarterback, and backup running back on Sunday.
There are teams that find ways to put points on the board, and Garrett’s conservative scheme and playcalling have not helped the Giants win games. With sporadic deep shots and a lack of creativity, the Giants are once again entering a turnstile of predictability and monotonous schematics.
At some point, the Giants are going to have to consider a younger OC with a more modern approach to the game, as running the ball to victory doesn’t work in today’s NFL. The passing game is equally, if not more important, so finding a coordinator who can develop intricate route concepts and get receivers open is essential.
3.) More continuity on the offensive line
The New York Giants have taken significant strides in the trenches this year, but they remain inconsistent. Rookie left tackle Andrew Thomas has grown exponentially, so giving him a bit of slack as necessary.
They still have a rotation at left guard with Will Hernandez and Shane Lemieux, which must be solved at some point. Right tackle is the most glaring need, as the Giants continue to roll with Cam Fleming despite their confidence in Matt Peart. It is possible that Peart is simply feeling the after-affects of Covid, which has led to more reps for Fleming the past couple of weeks.
However, the line allowed eight sacks and five fumbles last week against Arizona, a completely embarrassing performance. They played better against the Browns but were manhandled in the running game at times and lost a few one on one battles. Back up quarterback Colt McCoy was still only sacked once, which indicates a far better performance in week 15 for the Giants.
More reps and consistency for the young linemen will prove to be the key, so we should see an elevation in play next season.