An 0-6 start in which the Giants gave up an average of 35 points per game ended with a surprising 7-3 run that saved many of their jobs. The trick now is getting back to the level of effectiveness in the run and pass game to catch up with the strong offenses of the NFC East.
Despite being one of only two active coaches with multiple Superbowl wins, Tom Coughlin always seems to find himself on the hotseat. After two straight seasons without a playoff appearance, the window may be closing for the 67-year old coach to make another playoff run before he calls it a career like offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride did at the end of the 2013 season.
QB Eli Manning remains the same productive, unquestioned starter that he has been since he took over the team in 2004 – and currently has the longest active streak of starts by a QB. The receiving corps took a step back after receivers Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Myers left the Giants, Reuben Randle will likely step into the #2 spot across from leading receiver Victor Cruz, unless first-round draft pick Odell Beckham Jr. shows flashes early.
The RB unit is a big question mark after David Wilson was benched. Leading rusher Andre Brown left the team so Wilson will have to battle Rashad Jennings for the starting role. Neither player has ever rushed for more than 800 yards in a season.
The defense got much better with the addition of DBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Walter Thurmond. The loss of linemen Justin Tuck and Linval Joseph will be a bit painful, but the abilities of Jason Pierre-Paul still leave the Giants feeling confident.
The Giants will report to training camp in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 22.
COMMENTS