This offseason has been a trying time for New York Giants fans. On one hand, the team has undergone extensive roster renovations to be more competitive. On the other hand, it feels unlikely the reshuffling will play a significant role in winning for the upcoming season.
It's not an enviable position to be in, but it's the only one Big Blue Nation's got. So, we do the best we can with what we have, and we persevere.
Two of their biggest weaknesses from last season underwent total overhauls with their quarterback and defensive back units. New York's notable changes include Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, Jevón Holland, and Paulson Adebo. Let's not forget potential Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite, Abdul Carter. That's a lot of good coming in to help this team. But, to no fault of their own, not everyone is convinced they'll make a lick of difference for a team coming off its worst season in franchise history.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Moe Moton predicted which teams would finish last in their respective division. To likely no one's surprise, the feeding frenzy continued—Moton pegged the G-Men as chum for the NFC East (yes, more nautical puns). Giants' doubt has been a recurring theme this offseason. It's not without its merits, but the waves are becoming relentless.
Giants predicted to be bottom-feeders in loaded NFC East
Another day, another analyst dismissing Big Blue. It's begrudgingly accurate, and Moton's analysis hits the nail on the head. He points to factors outside of the Giants' control, outlining one of the most unfavorable positions to be in the National Football League:
"One has to question if the Giants can outduel opponents in their division. Their rivals have dynamic quarterbacks (Jalen Hurts and Jayden Daniels) or a signal-caller who has posted gaudy passing numbers in multiple seasons (Dak Prescott)," Moton wrote. "Outside the NFC East, the Giants will face arguably two of the NFL's best divisions, the NFC North and the AFC West. Even with the addition of edge-rusher Abdul Carter, cornerback Paulson Adebo and safety Jevon Holland, New York's defense may not be able to keep up with the level of competition on its schedule. The Giants improved their roster this offseason, but it won't amount to much because of a tough schedule."
There's no real argument to be made against his interpretation. On paper, this season already looks like a lost cause. Fortunately, games aren't played on paper. They're played on the field, giving the G-Men at the very least, a fighting chance to pull off the improbable. The schedule looks like a gauntlet. The football gods did them no favors. However, this team is vastly improved from last year. That has to amount to something.
It’s fair to question whether the Giants are built to survive this kind of storm. But for all the waves of doubt crashing down, this version of Big Blue feels sturdier than the one that sank a year ago. It’s not the prettiest ship, and it surely isn’t invincible—but it’s patched up, tougher, and heading back out whether anyone believes in them or not. Because it has to.
Maybe they do need a bigger boat. Or maybe, this one’s just ready to fight.
