The New York Giants finished the 2020 season with a 6-10 record. Although that is a record they know oh too well, there have been some improvements – on the defensive side of the ball that is.
They finished the season with a top 10 defense. Dave Gettleman hit the nail right on the head with the offseason and free agency signings.
The Giants acquired Blake Martinez (LB), Logan Ryan (S), James Bradberry(CB), Isaac Yiadom (CB), and Leonard Williams (DT) to add some threat to their defense through free agency.
They also drafted Xavier McKinney (S), Darnay Holmes (CB), Cam Brown (LB), and Mr. Irrelevant – Tae Crowder (LB).
All of which have contributed to drastically helping the defense. New York ranks fourth in rushing yards per game and 10th in total yards per game, helping the Giants land ninth in points allowed per contest. The Giants are also among the league’s best at taking away glimpses of opportunity on the ground, allowing the fifth-lowest rushing yards over expectation at -119, according to NFL.com.
Big Blue also ranks sixth in RedZone defense as opponents were struggling to score against them inside the 20 all season long.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Giants do not look too glorious (hence my article on draft needs). New York’s offense was ranked 31st in both offensive yards and points. Who’s below them, you might ask? The other team that calls Metlife their home – the New York Jets.
The Giants offense hasn’t posed a threat to defenses in quite a long time. Opponents are more afraid of their defense than anything. In fact, the last time their offense was this inept was when Ben Mcadoo was head coach. This is Joe Judge’s first season, so this doesn’t fall back on him too much.
Jason Garrett does not seem to be doing for the Giants what he did for the Cowboys. Many giants fans were hoping he was not returning for the 2021 season, but it looks like they may have gotten their hopes up too soon.
On February 4th, 2021, it was announced by ESPN that Garrett would be returning as offensive coordinator of Big Blue.
Now, it’s all up to Dave Gettleman to turn his team’s offense around by addressing those very important draft needs.
If the Giants offense – and offensive scheme have a new makeover, they might be contenders this season. The NFC East is a very back-and-forth division as fans could tell by the past season.
Nothing is out of reach, especially not for this team who had the opportunity to make the playoffs at 6-10.
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