The New York Giants have started off the 2022 season 2–0, an improbable reality given the state of the roster and coaching staff overhaul. However, improved discipline and execution have led to a far more competent team just one year after featuring one of the worst in football.
Impressively, the Giants’ defense has managed to step up big over the first two games. Despite not having Azeez Ojulari or Kayvon Thibodeaux, let alone losing Aaron Robinson to appendicitis after just one game, coordinator Wink Martindale has put together fantastic schematics.
The Giants have gotten the most out of backups like Jihad Ward and Oshane Ximines, but the offensie side hasn’t been as productive.
Despite thrusting the Giants’ offense into the modern ages via Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka, the unit still lacks talent across the board. The offensive line is still trying to gel, and quarterback Daniel Jones is experiencing growing pains, but the team has taken a different approach toward playing time.
Daboll is looking for contributions, no matter the price tag.
The expectation was that receiver Kenny Golladay would be a prominent piece moving forward, but that has fallen by the wayside.
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The New York Giants have abandoned Kenny Golladay:
Golladay is essentially earning $16 million to sit on the bench after the first two games. In Week 1, he recorded 22 yards on two receptions, playing 77% of snaps. However, head coach Brian Daboll completely took him out of the equation in Week 2, earning just 3% of offensive snaps in the win over Carolina.
Former practice squad player David Sills has taken the opportunity and run with it. Sills enjoyed 92% of offensive snaps against the Panthers, recording 37 yards on three receptions. He also made an impact as a run blocker, displaying great effort on the boundary.
In addition, special teams ace Richie James also looks solid, playing in just 42% of snaps against Carolina when he played in 70% against the Tennessee Titans. He still led the team with 51 yards in the receiving game, catching five of six attempts.
Nobody anticipated Golladay to take a backseat in an offense that lacked playmakers. Of course, running back Saquon Barkley remains a focal point, but the Panthers did a good job limiting the run game. If not for stellar defensive play and a few timely turnovers, the Giants likely would’ve picked up their first loss of the season. However, Jones stepped up in the second half and made a few plays with his legs to extend drives and ice the game.
The Giants have found ways to win games in spite of Golladay, which is certainly an interesting situation. Big Blue simply can’t walk away from his contract either since he’s on the hook for $31.35 million in death cap this year.
Next season, he counts $21.4 million against the cap with a $14.7 million dead cap hit. The Giants could move on, saving $6.7 million, but they would still be paying an extreme amount over the next few years. There’s an out built into his contract after the 2023 season, so the Giants may elect to recoup anything they can next season or look to the trade market for an opportunity.