Power Rankings: Top Post-Draft Offenses (21-25)

Oct 21, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) completes a pass to New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

New York Giants 7-9
Last Season’s Rankings: #28 Overall Offense (307.5 total yards per game) #19 Passing Offense (224.3 passing yards per game) #29 Rushing Offense (83.3 rushing yards per game)
Last Season
Despite such a horrendous running game and offense, the Giants somehow managed a 7-9 record. Even with just 18.4 points per game scored (ranked 28th), they were somehow able to score enough points to win some games. If there are two reasons the Giants did so poorly on offense in 2013 it can be most attributed to Eli Manning’s play and the lack of effectiveness of the Giants’ running game.

Run Offense
Ever since I predicted the Andre Brown disaster, New York’s running game was about as effective as a declawed, pregnant cat on a porch swing idly swatting at a fly on a lazy Sunday afternoon (which is not effective at all). Last season the Giants rushed for a lack-luster 83.3 yards per game (ranked 29th in the NFL in 2013). This season that mark should definitely change with Rashad Jennings coming in. As a Raider Jennings was able to rush for 733 yards and 6 touchdowns while catching 36 passes for 292 yards. After Andre Brown and Brandon Jacobs and Peyton Hillis, Jennings seems to be the right choice for the Giants going forward. As well, the Giants were able to add Boston College RB Andre Williams who lead the nation in rushing, going for an impressive 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns on 355 carries (6.1 yards per carry). The addition of Center Weston Richburg gives the Giants some needed offensive line help.

I think in general this Giants’ rushing attack is much more powerful than last year. They’ve added Jennings and Williams to a formerly embarrassing running game. I believe that Jennings could and will be the starting running back of the New York Giants for years to come. He’s got the speed, but he also has the power to plow into the end zone.

Pass Offense
Where the Giants pride themselves on is their passing offense. However, last season was not a season where the Giants would be proud of their passing offense because of the poor play of Eli Manning and the running game. I’ll explain, don’t worry. Firstly, Manning ranked 28th in completion percentage (57.3% completion), dead last in interceptions (27) and 19th in passing yards per game (224.3). As well it wasn’t a matter of receivers because Manning had Hakeem Nicks (896 yards and 56 receptions in 2013), Cruz (1,208.6 yards and 7.6 touchdowns per season), Randle (41 receptions for 611 yards and six touchdowns in 2013) and Brandon Myers (522 yards and four touchdowns on 47 receptions in 2013) to throw to. I think that Manning simply dropped the ball when it came to managing his offense. While his running game was one of the worst in the league (third worst actually), that does not give Manning the right to do so poorly and throw 27 interceptions. I think that next season with rookie Odell Beckham Jr., the Giants should see a better passing game. While at LSU, Beckham went on to catch 57 passes for 1,117 yards and eight touchdowns during his senior season. I think with Beckham on the outside and a solid running game, Manning will feel less pressured to force bad passes and can rest assured that somebody will be open in 2014. I think if Manning goes, the Giants go.

In The End
When I look at who the Giants lost in the off-season, I can see the Giants lost some big pieces on the passing side of the ball, however I saw that they added one huge piece in Rashad Jennings out of Oakland. With an improved running game and rookie Beckham, look for Manning and the Giants to improve in 2014.