The only team in the NFL last season that scored fewer points than the New York Giants was the winless Cleveland Browns, but at least one scout thinks opponents would be silly to not take Eli Manning and company seriously in 2018.
This season, the Giants will feature arguably the most dangerous new addition to any offense with first-round pick Saquon Barkley. They also added star offensive tackle Nate Solder to bolster their offensive line, and Odell Beckham Jr. should be completely healed from his ankle surgery. Factor in a dangerous tight end who is poised for a second-year breakout in Evan Engram, and one AFC Scout told Matt Lombardo of NJ.com that teams facing the Giants can rely on only one thing.
“Pray for injuries and bad weather,” the scout said.
Barkley is able to run through and around defenders in addition to catching passes out of the backfield, so defenses should have more than ever to worry about. With Beckham running downfield, Barkley in the backfield and Engram between the numbers, the Giants should be able to make plays on every level.
“They should be a good team, if they stay healthy,” the scout added. “There’s just too many weapons that can stretch the field vertically from Odell Beckham, to Evan Engram, and Sterling Shepard. Then you add in Saquon Barkley, and he can do some serious damage as well.
“My prediction is. That if Eli has healthy targets, it’ll open up the offense for the short throws and the long throws.”
The Giants had high hopes when they hired Ben McAdoo as their head coach, but Pat Shurmur clearly has more weapons at his disposal. There’s also talk that another dangerous receiver wants to join the G-Men, and adding him would make them even more terrifying.
