Brian Daboll’s NFL’s head coaching debut saw him lead Big Blue to the playoffs for the first time since 2016. What’s ahead for the New York Giants?
They had not been to the postseason since 2016 and had not won a playoff game since besting the New York Giants, 21-17, in Super Bowl XLVI at Indianapolis. The New York Giants had finished last in the NFC East three times in five seasons from 2017-21 and had lost at least 10 games in each of those years.
Enter general manager Joe Schoen and first-time NFL sideline leader Brian Daboll. The team won seven of its first nine contests and after a midseason slump, did just enough down the stretch to clinch a wild card invite. The Giants won at Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs before losing at Philadelphia a week later.
What’s Next for the New York Giants?
Quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley are due to become unrestricted free agents on March 15. It would be a major surprise to see neither in a Giants’ uniform. The former enjoyed a huge year by hitting on 67.2 percent of his throws. He not only threw three times as many TD passes (15) than interceptions (5) but rushed for 708 yards and seven scores.
Barkley rebounded from injuries the past two seasons to run for a career-best 1,312 yards, to go along with 10 touchdowns. The Giants finished fourth in the league in rushing yards per outing (148.2). It’s safe to say that the improved signal-caller and the Pro Bowl runner are the front office’s top priorities.
Biggest Offseason Concern?
The defense could use some more help when it comes to slowing down opposing ground attacks. Only five teams in the league allowed more yards per game on the ground (144.2 average) than Don Martindale’s unit.
Including playoffs, the Giants lost three games to the Eagles in 2022 and in those contests, the Birds finished with 253, 135, and 268 yards rushing, respectively, in those victories. Daboll’s club limited only four of its 19 total opponents to under 100 yards on the ground.
In a division in which three teams made the playoffs in 2022, the much-improved Giants still have work to do to challenge for the top spot in the NFC East. Daboll’s club was a combined 0-5 vs. the rival Eagles (0-3) and Cowboys (0-2). However, it’s safe to say that Big Blue showed plenty of promise this past year and has something to build on.