The New York Giants are coming off back-to-back losing seasons, but that's okay. Head coach Tom Coughlin works best with his back up against the wall and low expectations on the mind. Both of his Super Bowl champions came out of the (big) blue. In what is likely Coughlin's last season, expecting another Super Bowl run isn't the craziest thing in the world.
At least not for ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner who thinks quarterback Eli Manning could lead the team back to the promise land.
"From Weeks 9-17 last season, Manning led the league in attempts per game (41.8) and ranked third in stretch-vertical passing yards (571)," Joyner wrote. "Unsurprisingly, those numbers coincided with Odell Beckham Jr. hitting his stride. If Beckham can come anywhere close to stretching his second-half numbers (73 catches, 1,073 yards and 9 TDs) over a full season, Manning has the potential to be one of the best downfield quarterbacks."
Given Manning's flurry of a finish last season, many are expecting a big season from the veteran passer. But to get the Giants back in the hunt, it's going to take more than an explosive offense. New York's 29th ranked defense (and 18th ranked pass defense) will have to be better.
"The Giants' defense was average or below average in just about every area last season except for their ability to pressure the quarterback," Joyner continued. "They ranked fourth overall in disrupted dropback percentage, which measured the number of plays that end in a sack, pass defensed, interception or batted ball. Even with Jason Pierre-Paul's production level in question due to his fireworks accident, this defense has more than enough talent to post another top-10 season in this area."
Pressuring the quarterback is one thing. Defending the quarterback is another. New York has to be able to hold up better against the pass in 2015.
"The Giants allowed 12 touchdowns last season due to some form of coverage error, the most of any team in the NFL. These mistakes are often the easiest to correct, so a big reduction here is very likely. Helping the cause will be second-round draft pick Landon Collins, a safety who Scouts Inc. said has 'good overall eye discipline in coverage.'"
It would be unexpected if the Giants bounced back from two sub-par years with a legitimate Super Bowl run, to say the least. But they've shocked the football world before. Who's to say it can't happen one more time?
