Giants offseason report: New York looks to build on momentum from 2014
When they look back on 2014, the New York Giants could ultimately view it as the first step of a moderate rebuild.
A transition under new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo brought growing pains. Of course, losing star wideout Victor Cruz to a torn patellar tendon in Week 6 didn't help. But there were plenty of signs for optimism, too — the biggest of which was the emergence of receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
Another offseason spent absorbing McAdoo's system should bring marked improvements in 2015. Though the Giants finished with a 6-10 record last year, a late-season surge fuels hope that the franchise can make it back to the playoffs after an absence extending back to their Super Bowl XLVI victory following the 2011 season.
"There isn't a lot that I look back and I am real happy about," McAdoo said of his first season in New York. "We didn't win enough ballgames. We like to chase execution. I think the last six games, we started to play the way that we wanted to play. We started to execute and produce the way we wanted to produce, the way we completed the ball and the number of plays in a game. We just have to continue to chase execution and start where we left off."
It was the defense, however, that really disappointed. The Giants ranked 29th in yards allowed (375.8 per game) and tied for 22nd in points allowed (25 per game). It prompted coach Tom Coughlin to make some changes on the staff.
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The Giants may still be too far back to be legitimate playoff contenders in 2015. Their fate could well depend upon a couple of key position groups: the offensive line and secondary.
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Quarterback
After Eli Manning threw for 4,410 yards and 30 touchdowns versus just 14 interceptions on a career-high 63.1 % completion rate last season, there's reason to believe the 34-year-old can get even better in Year 2 under McAdoo. "I feel comfortable," Manning said. "I feel really good right now, and I'm excited about what we can do with this offense." Ryan Nassib continues to be Manning's backup.
Running back
Rashad Jennings, who played in 11 games last season, is likely to start the year atop the depth chart. Though he dealt with an ankle injury, Jennings (167 carries, 639 yards, four touchdowns) displays enough explosiveness to earn the bulk of the carries. The big addition is Shane Vereen, who signed as a free agent after a successful year with the New England Patriots. "When we brought him in we thought, 'Here is a guy that catches the ball out of the backfield and would be another obvious weapon that would have to be defended,' " Coughlin said. Andre Williams should also get some carries, especially in short-yardage situations, but is a liability on passing downs.
Wide receiver
With the emergence of Beckham, the Giants have a bona fide star who seems to catch everything. Last year's offensive rookie of the year, Beckham is looking to build on his 91-catch, 1,305-yard, 12-touchdown season — numbers he remarkably compiled in just 12 games. Getting Cruz healthy should be a boon for New York's offense. Rueben Randle is a candidate to have a breakout campaign with all the defensive attention likely focused on Cruz and Beckham. The signing of Dwayne Harris, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, adds some depth.
Tight end
Larry Donnell is the most dangerous pass-catching threat after posting solid numbers (63 catches, 623 yards, six touchdowns) in his second season in the league. If he can become more consistent across the board, he could blossom into an above-average option, but he needs to fix a drop issue first. Daniel Fells, who re-signed this offseason, and Adrien Robinson are backups.
Offensive line
The offseason provided good news and bad. The good: New York selected Ereck Flowers, whom Manning called "big, strong and mean" with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft. The bad: left tackle Will Beatty underwent surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, which will sideline him well into the season. Flowers will likely have to spell Beatty early on. With last year's right tackle, Justin Pugh, sliding inside to guard, the Giants likely turn to Marshall Newhouse at right tackle, though Flowers could move there if Beatty returns. Geoff Schwartz projects as the other starting guard, while Weston Richburg, who played guard last year, is expected to slide to center.
Defensive line
The star of the unit is back for at least one more year after the Giants exercised the franchise tag on defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. Playing on the opposite side, Damontre Moore enters his third year, which will be his first as a full-time starter. One other player who could get significant reps on the edge is Owamagbe Odighizuwa, who was a third-round pick in the draft. Cullen Jenkins and Johnathan Hankins return as the starting tackles, where Kenrick Ellis was signed to add depth. (UPDATE: Pierre-Paul injured in fireworks mishap)
Linebacker
After being plagued with injuries, this group now appear to be fully healthy. Middle linebacker Jon Beason, who suffered a nagging toe injury that didn't seem to go away, returns. Though Jameel McClain played very well in his absence, Beason appears to be the starter. One underrated free agent addition is outside linebacker J.T. Thomas (84 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2014), who likely becomes a starter. Devon Kennard, who also managed a nagging toe injury, looks to build on a solid rookie campaign as the other outside linebacker.
Secondary
With the departure of Antrel Rolle to the Chicago Bears in free agency, safety was one of the most glaring weaknesses this offseason. General manager Jerry Reese may have solved the issue by trading up to nab Landon Collins, from Alabama, with the first pick in the second round of the draft. Collins should start from Day 1, even with some analysts typecasting him into a certain role. "I know people were tagging him as that box safety," defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. "I didn't see that." The battle for the free safety spot will come down to Nat Berhe, Cooper Taylor and recently moved Bennett Jackson, who used to play cornerback. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Prince Amukamara are the top corners.
Special teams
Kicker Josh Brown (24 of 26 on field goals in 2014) and Steve Weatherford (45.5 yards per punt) retain their duties. But the big addition is the signing of Harris, who likely becomes the primary returner.
Coaching
The biggest move was the firing of Perry Fewell as defensive coordinator and rehiring Spagnuolo to replace him. Spagnuolo held the same role when he helped lead the Giants to their memorable Super Bowl XLII upset of the New England Patriots eight years ago. To round out the staff, New York hired Tim Walton to take over as cornerbacks coach, replacing Peter Giunta.
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Follow Lorenzo Reyes on Twitter @LorenzoGReyes