The New York Giants shocked everyone with their performance during the 2022 season, earning a Wild Card spot and winning a playoff game. Heading into the 2023 season, they will be looking to build upon the positive momentum that was built in the first season under the new regime of general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.
Schoen did a good job of upgrading the roster overall this offseason, doing what he could to close the gap between the Giants and Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC East. Philadelphia destroyed New York in the Divisional Round, showing just how big of a gap exists.
The biggest splashes that the Giants made this offseason were acquiring tight end Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders and signing wide receiver Parris Campbell in free agency. Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt brings more explosiveness to the offense as well as a third-round pick.
Defensively, the Giants made additions looking to shore things up against the run. Linebacker Bobby Okereke and defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson were the biggest signings. In the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Giants found Adoree’ Jackson a running mate at cornerback, selecting Deonte Banks out of Maryland.
All of those additions should help the Giants remain in playoff contention in 2023. However, not everyone is optimistic about their outlook. An anonymous NFC South defensive coach that spoke to Mike Lombardo of FanBuzz is expecting the Giants to take a major step back this season.
“Watch out for Washington, they have talent on defense and now some offensive innovation. They’re the Eagles’ biggest threat. I still think it’s Philly’s division to lose, but the Eagles could have a drop off now playing a first-place schedule. Dallas will have extreme pressure with their head coach calling the plays, and a tough schedule. I think the Giants finish fourth, the expectations for Daniel Jones are just a little too high.”
Finishing last in the NFC East doesn’t necessarily mean that the Giants will fall off a cliff during the 2023 season. It is arguably the toughest division in the NFL and all four teams could flirt with the .500 mark just like in 2022.
But, a fourth-place finish would almost certainly mean missing out on the postseason, which would be a disappointment for some after how successful 2022 was. It would be a bad look on Daniel Jones as well as he received a massive contract this offseason and it is time to step up to help elevate the Giants’ offense to another level.
