New York Giants: 2018 Season report card
The New York Giants finished a very disappointing 5-11 during the 2018 season. Here is the report card for Big Blue for the entire campaign.
Another year, another disappointing season for the New York Giants. What made Big Blue’s 5-11 record in 2018 so discouraging was that expectations were so high entering the regular season campaign back in September.
The G-Men were fully expected to vie for a NFC wildcard playoff berth but a 1-7 start dimmed those aspirations rather quickly.
Let’s take a look at their report card for a very forgettable (for the most part) 2018.
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Offense
Saquon Barkley. Thank goodness for the sensational rookie halfback from Penn State. Otherwise last year’s campaign would have been nearly a total disaster. The Bronx, NY native set a Giants rookie record for touchdowns (15) and totaled 2,028 yards from scrimmage with 91 receptions out of the backfield.
He led the NFL with eight rushes of 50 yards or more and recorded 13 games of 100 total scrimmage yards or more. He is the probable NFL Rookie of the Year and is already one of the most dynamic, exciting players in the league. Barkley more than lived up to all the pre-season hype.
The rest of the offensive unit left much to be desired. The revamped line was terrible for most of the year and gave Eli Manning (21 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) little time to throw for the most part. Despite missing the last four games with a quad injury, Odell Beckham, Jr. grabbed 77 receptions for 1,052 yards and six touchdowns. He tossed a pair of touchdown passes as well.
Tight end Evan Engram (45-577-3) came on strong down the stretch but had a disappointing season overall. He must be more consistent moving forward because his ceiling is quite high.
Bottom Line: Big Blue finished 16th in the NFL in scoring (23.1 points per game) which is mediocre and that’s what their grade is as well. Grade: C
Defense
Much more was expected from the G-Men under the direction of first-year defensive coordinator James Bettcher. New York allowed 25.8 points per game (a dismal 23rd in the league). The Giants had issues pressuring the quarterback all season and finished with just 30 sacks, which ranked them next to last. They need to find a dynamic edge rusher either via free agency or through the draft.
Despite missing four games, strong safety Landon Collins enjoyed a solid campaign with a team-leading 96 total tackles, including five for loss. Linebacker Alec Ogletree was inconsistent in stopping the run but he collected a team-high five interceptions, two which he returned for touchdowns.
“The Jackrabbit” Janoris Jenkins paced the squad with 15 passes defensed and added a pair of interceptions but the G-Men were expecting more from linebacker Olivier Vernon (seven sacks in 11 games). Rookie defensive tackle B.J. Hill had an impressive rookie season with 5.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits.
Overall though, the Giants were expected to be much more of a formidable unit in 2018. Frustrating to say the least. Grade: D+
Special Teams
Aldrick Rosas made the Pro Bowl with a tremendous year. The Southern Oregon product connected on 32 of 33 field goal attempts, including four from 50 yards out or more. He richly deserves the honor.
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Riley Dixon had a generally strong season, averaging 45.4 yards per boot on 71 punts. Corey Coleman averaged 26 yards per kickoff return, including a 51-yarder. Their punt return unit was nothing special, but their special teams corps on kickoff and punt coverage was solid for the most part. Rosas helped boost this grade up. Grade: B