The New York Giants are currently sitting at 0-2. They are one of just six teams with no wins through Week 2. The Giants are also the only team in the NFC East without a win. There is no doubt that this season will be full of both highs and lows, but all hope is not lost yet.
This team has shown flashes and is a few plays from being 2-0. There is still a lot to be excited about when looking at this team. Let’s look at what we’ve seen so far from the New York Giants.
A Possible Daniel Jones Leap
When looking at top quarterbacks, you always hear about the “Year Three Jump.” Most top-level quarterbacks make a jump in quality of play in their third year in the NFL. The most recent quarterback that we’ve seen this happen to is Buffalo Bills’ Josh Allen. Jones could be the next one to take this step toward stardom.
Through two games, Jones has looked like a different quarterback. After an above-average Week 1, where Jones finished with a QB rating of 90.7 and threw for 267 yards and one touchdown, many people were still left expecting more. Jones also recorded a fumble, which caused many to ignore how well he played outside of that play.
Week 2 is where the excitement has started. Jones played the best game of his NFL career. He made the big-time throws and got it done with his legs. But most importantly, he held onto the ball.
Jones looked like a quality NFL quarterback, and he helped this offense produce. He finished with over 300 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. Jones also put up 29 points on a Washington defense that is one of the NFL’s best. If Jones is able to keep playing at this level, this team will have to be better than they were in 2020.
Sterling Shepard Breakout
Wide receiver Sterling Shepard has looked like the WR1 on this team. He has benefited from the Kenny Golladay signing more than any other receiver on this team. There is clearly a connection between Shepard and Jones, and both are playing quality football. Through the two games, Shepard has the seventh-most receiving yards in the NFL.
When the running game is finally able to establish itself and Golladay finds his footing, Shepard may see a decrease in his role. But that hasn’t happened just yet. And even when it does, Shepard may still continue to be a star on this team.
Saquon Barkley is on the Correct Path
Star running back Saquon Barkley hasn’t looked great in his first two games, but that was expected. Good things take time and having Barkley on the field is always a good thing. He has played a role in both games this season and has shown flashes of returning to form.
It is unfair to expect Barkley to be performing at a top level just yet. Patience will be the key to getting him back to the level that everyone knows that he can play at. And when he finally returns, this offense will be at a different level.
New York Giants Ghosts From the Past
This team has looked good at times, but the issues of the past are still around. The offensive line is still having its problems, the offense is still struggling with drops and the defense is still having a difficult time creating pressure. These were the problems that plagued this team last season, and they are still struggling to fix them.
The offensive line has looked troublesome, and this has had a ripple effect on the offense. Would Saquon Barkley’s return look any different if the line was performing at a higher level? Most likely, yes. The line has already been shuffled around. Newly acquired lineman Billy Price has already started a game, while only being with the team for two weeks. The biggest blow could be losing offensive lineman Nick Gates. Gates has been a solid lineman and has proven to be the leader of the unit. A broken leg will cause this unit to fight through even more problems.
The issue of drops is also impacting this team. This offensive unit has already accounted for six drops, with some being more costly than others. Drops are an issue that can only be fixed by the players catching the ball. This offense will have to find a way to eliminate these costly mistakes if they hope to compete on a consistent basis.
The defense has also had their fair share of problems, but none bigger than their inability to get to the quarterback. Through two games, they have recorded just three sacks. Two of them have been recorded by rookie defender Azeez Ojulari.
A consistent pass rush could help this New York Giants defense that has allowed 57 points through two games. If this defense can perform how they did last season, they can be one of the league’s best units. They haven’t played at that level yet but they can, and will need to if this team hopes to be a push in this long season.
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