Although they are off to a 2-2 start, the New York Football Giants are still one of the most dangerous teams in the National Football League. When the Giants won their third Super Bowl title back in 2007, their team faced many similar challenges and adversity in the early stages of the season.
The finger incident with Jason Pierre-Paul and the injury of Victor Cruz are two major setbacks, but the Giants looked relatively sharp throughout the majority of the first three games. Quarterback Eli Manning, who is notoriously known for turning the ball over in previous years, has not thrown one interception through the first three games. In addition, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is emerging as one of the league's top receivers. After a jaw-dropping rookie campaign with spectacular catches and incredible plays, the second year receiver continues to blossom into a superstar.
Injuries have always been an issue with the Giants, and the offensive line has played a huge role in that. Starting tackle Will Beatty has not seen the field since the spring. There are also many questions surrounding rookie tackle Ereck Flowers as to whether or not he can play consistently and protect Manning's blindside. However, the re-shuffling of the offensive line has paid off as they have played as a cohesive unit and have given Manning time to throw.
On the defensive side of the ball, defensive coordinator Steve Spanuolo has returned after coaching the 2007 Super Bowl team. He looks to bring back similar philosophies as he'll try to improve the Giants' pass rushing attack. It'll be tough without Pierre-Paul, but other players like Damontre Moore, Robert Ayers, and Jonathan Hankins all have potential for breakout years.
Another lingering concern is whether or not starting middle linebacker Jon Beason can stay healthy. Uani Unga, an undrafted rookie, started the first two games as the centerpiece of the defense as Beason was sidelined due to a injury. Unga has impressed thus far and currently leads the squad in tackles and interceptions.. Beason has struggled to stay healthy in the past, but leads by example when he's in the game.
Heading into training camp, the most concerning problem was the secondary. The Giants have had little to no luck in connecting the dots back there as four safeties landed on injured reserved before the end of the pre-season. That left rookie Landon Collins and third-year safety Cooper Taylor as the only two remaining safeties on the active roster. Immediately, the Giants brought in veteran safeties Brandon Meriweather and Craig Dahl as reinforcements to bolster the back end of the defense. Collins has learned the system quickly and has promising talent. Dahl was a part of the 2007 Super Bowl team and Meriweather was a starting safety for the New England Patriots in that game.
Head Coach Tom Coughlin enters his 12th season with the New York Giants and looks to bring his squad back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011. I wouldn't count the Giants out by any means, as the NFC East is wide open right now. All the Giants need to do is get hot at the right time and start stringing some wins together. If the Giants are to make the playoffs, everyone else must take notice because this team definitely has what it takes to make a run at the Super Bowl if all the cards fall into place.
