3 Bold Predictions for each NFC East team for 2023
New York Giants
1. Daniel Jones turnover issues surface again
The New York Giants are in a tough position this offseason, they must decide whether to pay their Pro Bowl running back Saquon Barkley or bet their future on Daniel Jones. In this prediction, they decide to give Barkley the money and place the franchise tag on Jones, a move that will prove to be costly in the long run.
The Giants are currently seen as “dedicated” to getting a long-term deal done with pending free agent running back Saquon Barkley.
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) February 14, 2023
A deal in the $12-14M per year range is viewed as ideal for the Giants as opposed to using the franchise tag that would pay Barkley $10.1M for the… pic.twitter.com/JC5rR11oSI
In 2022 Daniel Jones did a great job of protecting the football, going from a quarterback who was known for turning the football over, to one that was able to take care of the football better than most. In 2023 though things aren’t going to play out the same way they did in 2022 for Jones and the Giants with his turnover issues surfacing once again thanks in part to a new receiving group around him and playing on a franchise tag that will add more pressure on him to make plays. Jones will do a nice job holding onto the football in the pocket, but his throws downfield are going to be more risk/reward throws, with him coming out on the losing end of more of those throws.
2. The Giants’ investment in the offensive line pays off
The Giants have been investing a lot lately in draft capital along their offensive line over the past few years, they’ve also tried to bring in players in free agency to shore up deficiencies as well. Those moves along with the drafting of more offensive linemen will finally start to prove beneficial in the running game for this offense in 2023. Barkley behind this offensive line will become one of the better running teams in the NFL in 2023 thanks to that offensive line.
Daniel Jones will benefit from the extra time in the pocket and the improvement in the running game. The Giants’ determination to rebuild their offensive line will be the reason they once again are able to make the playoffs in 2023, though they won’t make a deep run.
3. The Giants’ offense will carry the defense
Last season for the Giants early on in the season it was their defense that was keeping them in games and allowing the offense to make plays and win games. This time around the offense will be the unit carrying this team early in the season as teams adjust to their offensive line improvements and their running game. The defense will not be far behind in terms of where they were last season but will have to deal with early injuries along the defensive line that will hamper their ability to get pressure on quarterbacks.
The offense on the other hand will stay healthy throughout much of the season and with the improved running game and offensive line, they will be able to wear down opposing defenses. That extra time on the sidelines will benefit their defense as they will have more time to rest in games and lessen their chances of sustaining more injuries.