Giants tough team to figure in 2017

Last year, the New York Giants surprised many with an 11-5 record and playoff berth. It was the first season under head coach Ben McAdoo, who took over for the venerable Tom Coughlin, winner of two Super Bowls with Big Blue.

McAdoo was able to thrive in his maiden voyage despite an offense that lacked a running game and a decent offensive line. Most of the team’s success was because of a rock-solid defense led by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and second-year safety Landon Collins, who turned into a superstar.

However, can the Giants repeat the success of 2016? The roster looks very similar to the previous edition, with the caveat of Brandon Marshall coming over from the New York Jets via free agency. Marshall gives Eli Manning another weapon to go along with Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard. It is arguably one of the best receiving cores in the league, but does it give the Giants enough power?

There are real concerns about the line, which general manager Jerry Reese failed to address in any measurable way. Left tackle Ereck Flowers was drafted in the 2015 first round to be a cornerstone of the offense, and he’s been anything but. New York has seen him play poorly throughout training camp once more, making one wonder if Manning can continue to stay healthy for 16 games. Flowers is a mess, while the interior of the line features more question marks, led by D.J. Fluker.

Additionally, the running backs are still underwhelming. Paul Perkins is being expected to carry the load, something Rashad Jennings could not do as the primary back a year ago. Jennings led the Giants last year with 593 rushing yards, but averaged a pathetic 3.3 yards per carry. Perkins only churned out 456 yards and didn’t score a touchdown, but did have a 4.1 YPC.

If New York is going to continue challenging for the NFC East and potentially overtake the Dallas Cowboys, the defense will once again have to lead the way. Olivier Vernon, Jason Pierre-Paul and Damon Harrison give Spagnuolo one of the league’s best defensive fronts. Last year, Vernon and Pierre-Paul accounted for 15.5 sacks, a number that hopefully goes up with continued maturation in the system. Harrison is one of the best run-stuffers in the NFL, if not the best.

The secondary also has playmakers abound. Collins is one of the best safeties going alongside Eric Berry, Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas, while Janoris Jenkins, Eli Apple and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie give the Giants a trio of excellent corners.

The Giants have the talent in certain areas to make a deep playoff run, but only if the questionable areas don’t sink the ship first.