5 Things the New York Giants Must Do Well in 2016

For the first time since 2004, the New York Giants will be entering a season without Tom Coughlin as their head coach. Enter former offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, who will look to put his stamp on the Giants this season.

The Giants opened the Ben McAdoo era by spending big money in free agency, signing defensive end Olivier Vernon, cornerback Janoris Jenkins and defensive tackle Damon Harrison among others.

Offensively, the Giants played well last season. It was the defense that was their Achilles’ heel in 2015. General manager Jerry Reese aimed to fix that this off season. In order to do that, the Giants had to open up the check book and, boy, did they do that. The Giants spent $229.9 million dollars in free agency this off-season.

Will all of these moves pay off? We’ll find out soon enough. In the meantime, here’s what the Giants need to do well in 2016.

1. Play Better Defense: The understatement of the year. The Giants ranked 32nd in the league in total defense last season. They gave up 27.6 points per game and allowed over 400 yards of offense per contest.

That’s why Reese focused on upgrading a defense that cost the Giants a lot of games last season. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes to pressure with a base front. Now that he has Olivier Vernon, Damon Harrison, JPPP and Johnathan Hankins to work with, he finally has the type of front he needs to play defense the way he wants to.

2. Generate a Pass Rush: The Giants uncharacteristically finished 30th in the NFL last season with 23 sacks. That number should increase this season thanks to all of the free agent additions. Look for Spagnuolo to utilize more twists and stunts with his defensive line now that he has guys that can do it.

3. Stay Healthy Along the Offensive Line: The Giants need to find a way to stay healthy along the offensive line. This unit did not play bad last season surrendering only 27 sacks. Ereck Flowers, Weston Richburg and Justin Pugh are locks to start, but veteran offensive line coach Mike Solari must find a right tackle and a right guard.

4. Run the Football: The Giants running game has been a hodge podge for years. Big Blue has always liked using a committee approach, but McAdoo has to commit more to the ground game and the Giants need to clearly define who their starting tailback is. Is it Rashard Jennings? Paul Perkins? Andre Williams? Shane Vereen? Orleans Darkwa? Who is the bell cow, the go-to-guy? The Giants need to figure this out.

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5. Win Close Games: The Giants lost eight games last season by six or fewer points. If they are going to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2011, they need to find a way to win close games. Ultimately, that falls on the coaches. McAdoo and his staff have to do better when it comes down to the wire.

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