The Giants desperately need to step things up on offense if they are to have a successful 2023 season. 

The latest debacle involving Saquon Barkley only makes that more difficult, as there are still major question marks at key offensive positions. 

So today we're going to preview those battles, including one that just got a heck of a lot more important following Monday's news:

Giants Training Camp Battle: Offense

Backup (or Starting) Running Back: Matt Breida Vs. Eric Gray

What was once going to be an intriguing battle to see who would spell Saquon Barkley just got a whole lot more interesting. If Barkley wants to show his worth and potentially sit out, that suddenly places even more investment in this battle. 

Bredia is best as a change-of-pace player that can help in pass pro or the short area passing game.



Gray was selected in the fifth round of April's draft but he has starter upside in my opinion. Unlike Breida, he has proven to be a workhorse back in college, with the frame and playstyle to handle an NFL workload. 

Slot WR: Sterling Shepard Vs. Jalin Hyatt

Shepard has been one of the most reliable receivers for the Giants when on the field over his seven seasons in New York.



What's unreliable is his ability to actually get to the game, however, as he has been plagued by injuries for the duration of his career.

But Shepard has looked good this offseason, showing impressive agility and suddenness for any 30-year-old wideout, especially one with the lower body injuries he has sustained.

Hyatt was drafted to create more explosive opportunities for this Giants' offense. His elite takeoff and downfield burst are evident, but how durable and capable of handling NFL-level physicality is to be determined. 

Center: John Michael Schmitz Jr. Vs. J.C. Hassenauer

JMS was selected in the second round of April’s draft and despite being a rookie, is expected to step in and start for the Giants from day one. If he does, he will be the seventh different starting center in as many years. That’s a streak that speaks to the hardship the line has dealt with, as fans hope JMS is the start of something great at the position

Hassenauer was signed in free agency to come in and compete for the starting center role, but barring injury or just catastrophic play from John Michael Schmitz, Hassenauer will likely be the backup center. 

---

New York already had their work cut out for them as they approach training camp, as if a potential holdout from arguably their best player is all they need. How will a rookie center hold up in live reps? Is Daniel Jones worth his new contract? What happens at the skill positions on offense? The answers to these questions will begin to unfold starting in just six days. 

Giants RB Saquon Barkley just exposed the front office’s true colors

I guess it’s not practice what you preach after all

Featured image via: © Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK