Why the Giants could fail to build on team's playoff berth

The first season of the Brian Daboll era was a big success for the New York Giants. For starters, New York turned heads, competed in a competitive NFC East and made the playoffs. Not only that, the Giants advanced in the postseason by beating the Minnesota Vikings on the road. Daniel Jones took a big […]

Cole Patterson
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Jan 21, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) looks for room to run against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field.

The first season of the Brian Daboll era was a big success for the New York Giants. For starters, New York turned heads, competed in a competitive NFC East and made the playoffs.

Not only that, the Giants advanced in the postseason by beating the Minnesota Vikings on the road. Daniel Jones took a big step forward in his development, too, as the franchise rewarded him by signing him to a contract extension this offseason.

But as much optimism as there is surrounding the Giants, there are valid reasons for concern. Will Daniel Jones be able to build on the season that he enjoyed a year ago? How will Daboll handle his team not being the sleeper that opponents may overlook? 

Therefore, while Pro Football Focus expects Jones to have his best season yet in New York, that might not be enough for the Giants to make the postseason in consecutive seasons. PFF analyst Sam Monson explains why.

Even the best version of Jones might not be enough to counter the regression from last season. The Giants ranked 15th in scoring drive percentage last year on offense and 28th in expected points added per play against on defense. They finished the season with a negative points differential yet won nine games and made the postseason as a wild-card team before knocking off the Minnesota Vikings.

Monson explains that the Giants' metrics last season suggested that they likely overachieved in making the postseason. Combine that with the amount of inexperienced players set to be relied on, and New York could struggle

The roster looks very patchy on paper and heavily reliant on very young players. Last season was an overachievement, and unless the coaching staff can repeat the trick, the team might take a step back in 2023 even with better quarterback play.

Fortunately, the regular season kicks off in one week as the Giants open the schedule versus the Dallas Cowboys. All bets are once the action begins.

Featured image via USA TODAY Sports

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