THE STORYLINE:
For 13 years, the New York Giants faded into the depths of irrelevancy with a couple of teases in 2016 and 2022. Bad defense and atrocious offensive line play became their calling cards. So did an unhinged attachment to a quarterback they tripled down on. All of this led to a revolving door of general managers and head coaches. The Giants became the model of incompetence and instability.
The Giants finally began to turn the page by ending the Daniel Jones era last November. Nothing more really could be done until the spring, when the Giants brought in three completely new quarterbacks in Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart, and Jameis Winston. Other than the quarterback room, very little has changed with an offense that was second-worst in scoring. Yet everything feels different. Justified or not, there is optimism and energy surrounding this team that has been absent for years.
To paraphrase an old Chinese proverb, the longest journey begins with a single step.
THE INJURY REPORT:
- WR Malik Nabers (back) – probable
- LT Andrew Thomas (foot) – doubtful
GIANTS ON OFFENSE:
Can a quarterback change really make that much of a difference? We’re about to find out. The New York depth chart on offense looks surprisingly similar to 2024 other than one position. The running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and offensive linemen are largely the same. Last year’s offense barely averaged 16 points per game, and that was inflated by a late-season outburst against the Indianapolis Colts.
Enter Russell Wilson, perceived by many to be a washed-up veteran who has one arrow left in his quiver – a beautiful outside deep ball. Wilson wishes desperately to show the world that he is not done, that he can still be a top-10 quarterback in the NFL. Ironically, he is attempting this in the world’s biggest stage, New York City, with the added pressure of a 1st-round quarterback lurking over his shoulders.
Say what you want about Wilson, but he has been a breath of fresh air, instilling confidence and faith in his teammates. But that will only continue with demonstrated success on the playing field in games that really count. And here we are.
So what’s the quick overview on the New York offense? A redemption project at quarterback. The same offensive line that started last year, minus Andrew Thomas. The same top four wide receivers. The same top two running backs. The same top three tight ends. No wonder so many have their doubts.
But maybe, just maybe, a preseason where the Giants were the highest-scoring team in the NFL wasn’t a mirage. Perhaps Wilson still has something left in the tank, perhaps the offensive line is indeed better despite missing its best player, perhaps team’s skill position players aren’t so bad after all. Perhaps the quarterback really does make that much of a difference.
Despite relying on older, largely no-name players, Washington finished last season defensively 13th in total yards allowed and 21st in scoring defense. That was mainly due to coaching, and specifically Washington Head Coach Dan Quinn. His Commanders swept the Giants in 2024. And while Quinn was defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, the Giants did not beat him either. In other words, Quinn is 8-0 against the Giants in the last four seasons.
Washington has talent, but most of it is imported and not homegrown. Only four of their projected starters were drafted, the rest free agents or acquired by trade. The most recognizable name to the average fan is edge Von Miller, who is nearing the end. He will face James Hudson in a very important match-up. It’s imperative that Hudson does not commit penalties, something he had issues with during training camp and in the preseason.
The Commanders’ biggest defensive weakness in 2024 was run defense, where they were near the bottom of the League. They are hoping that additions such as Miller (from Bills), DT Javon Kinlaw (Jets), DE Deatrich Wise (Patriots), and DE Jacob Martin (Bears) can change that. The strength of their defense is probably returning inside linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. Their best corner, Marshon Lattimore, was acquired by trade from the Saints last year. He will likely be matched-up against Malik Nabers for much of the game. The other outside corner, Trey Amos, is a rookie and Darius Slayton needs to take advantage of that match-up, as does Wan’Dale Robinson against slot corner Mike Sainristil. The safeties are decent, but nothing to write home about.
Long story short, the Commanders are well coached but not particularly scary on defense. The Giants should stay balanced with a relatively even run-pass mix. Since the team was so good at it in the preseason, I would use the screen game, the occasional moon ball, and a steady dose of Tyrone Tracy runs. I personally think that even Giants fans may be sleeping on the impact Malik Nabers can have with a real quarterback. I would not be surprised to see him take over this game.
GIANTS ON DEFENSE:
We all know what New York’s #1 challenge will be in 2025 – stopping the run, which remained a particular sore spot once again in 2024. They will be challenged immediately by a Washington team that finished with the third-most rushing yards in the NFL last season. The Commanders felt so comfortable with their running back situation that they traded Brian Robinson to the 49ers this summer. Austin Ekeler is the penciled in starter, but they will rotate Chris Rodriguez and promising rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt. But the guy who stirs the drink is quarterback Jayden Daniel, who was in fact the team’s leading rusher as a rookie with almost 900 yards and six touchdowns (averaging 6 yards per carry).
Washington’s approach is likely to be the same of many of New York’s opponents. In order to minimize the threat of the Giants’ strength – their pass rush – Washington will run the ball and use the short-passing game. Heck, they did that last year as well with Daniels often hitting wide-open targets on short throws with decent run-after-the-catch yardage. I suspect we will see more of the same, and Washington too may heavily employ the screen game.
So the challenge for Shane Bowen and the defensive staff will be to adequately confront those tactics. Most NFL defensive coaches now prefer to play it safe, allowing little chunks to prevent the big play. Does Bowen take more chances in 2025 due to the additions on defense? His secondary seems better suited to man coverage, but man coverage is also very risky against a dangerous mobile quarterback (the defensive backs won’t see the QB running). Bowen may choose to play it conservatively, hoping for Washington mistakes or his guys to tighten up in the red zone. He also may feel that he can get a good pass rush with just four guys, while dropping everyone else. We shall see.
When Daniels runs, the Giants must make him pay. Hit him. Hit him hard. Some have argued that it would be a waste to keep a spy on Daniels, that it removes an important piece from your defensive chess board to do so. However, Daniels threat to keep drives alive with his feet is very real, and that includes explosive plays. With Abdul Carter already comfortable with being stationed inside, I would be extremely tempted to use him to shadow Daniels from sideline-to-sideline. After all, he’s one of the few guys on the field who will be able to do that athletically. Furthermore, any pass rusher must be cognizant of maintaining disciplined rush lanes in order to keep Daniels in the pocket. That will hurt the rush, but it’s the safer strategy.
Up front, the Commanders will be missing a very important piece, right guard Sam Cosmi. New York must take advantage of that, specifically Dexter Lawrence and Carter. The right tackle, Josh Conerly, is a rookie. That’s another match-up where you hope Kayvon Thibodeaux and/or Chauncey Golston shine.
In the passing game, Zach Ertz is still going strong at the age of 34. He is a security blanket for Daniels and must be accounted for by the linebackers and safeties. Terry McLaurin is their #1 receiver and one of the best in the game. Ironically, Tae Banks’ best game last year may have been his first against McLaurin (Banks had a rough game in the second match-up when his confidence was shot). But we’ll have to see if Banks even starts, as Cor’Dale Flott may jump him on the depth chart. Do the Giants also shift Paulson Adebo to shaddow McLaurin? (Late Note: Dan Duggan is reporting that Banks and Flott will rotate at cornerback).
A potential wild card is Deebo Samuel. Some have asserted he’s not the same player he was in San Fransisco, but there is no doubt you still need to account for him, particularly as an X-factor as a runner. He’s dangerous with the ball in his hands.
GIANTS ON SPECIAL TEAMS:
It appears that Gunner Olszewski will be the primary returner, although the Giants could still elevate Ihmir Smith-Marsette from the practice squad. Art Green will be one gunner. We need to see who the other will be on punt coverage. Michael Ghobrial mentioned Beaux Collins, Banks, Flott, and Nic Jones.
Overall, the team did add special teams players this offseason, including Chris Board, Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, and Beau Brade. They could also elevate Patrick McMorris, Swayze Bozeman, or Zaire Barnes from the Practice Squad.
QUOTES:
Shane Bowen defending Jayden Daniels: “We’ve got to be able to rush the guy, but we’ve got to make sure we’re coordinated, we’re all on the same page, we’re executing and not leaving big creases, easy edges for him where he can just take off and get vertical on us. That’s the biggest thing. When he has the lane and can get vertical, he’s a tough tackle in space, tough to bring down with just one guy. So I think it just goes back to our rush coordination, making sure we’re coordinated, understanding how the guy next to me is rushing, how it all ties together where we can hopefully minimize and shrink some of those windows. Like, you rush four. There’s six gaps, right? Just by a number count, there’s going to be a couple of places where he can escape if he needs to. We just have to make sure we do a good job of constricting those spaces where it’s not inviting for him.”
THE FINAL WORD:
I usually say don’t overestimate the importance of the opener. But not in this case. Given New York’s nightmare schedule, this may be a “must” game as crazy as that sounds. I feel strongly that if New York is going to be relevant this year, they must start of 2-0. Here are a few final thoughts:
- There is no greater example of what an elite quarterback can do for your team than the Washington Commanders. From 4-13 to 12-5 in one season, including an NFC Championship Game appearance.
- Daniel Jones was a problem. A huge problem. But so has dropped passes, fumbles, untimely penalties, missed tackles. The team that plays a cleaner game will probably win.
- Perhaps the best predictor of a win or loss? Turnovers. The Giants had five interceptions last year. That needs to dramatically change. No excuses.
- Unlike previous teams with shaky leadership at quarterback, this team is not necessarily dead if they fall behind by 10 points. Russell Wilson is not Daniel Jones.