Training camp is right around the corner, and on paper, the Giants seem to have addressed a lot of their needs. With the additions of Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney, the offense has the potential to break out. On the other side of the football, Adoree’ Jackson joins what could be one of the better secondaries in the entire NFL. So do Giants fans have reason to be optimistic, or will 2021 prove another disappointing chapter? Let’s take a look at some of the biggest questions in June’s edition of True or False.
Will Evan Engram finally live up to the hype?
False. Engram was touted as a “dynamic weapon” coming out of Ole Miss in 2017. However, injuries and drops have plagued his career thus far. To add to the frustration, the Giants don’t seem to know how to utilize his talent. Viewed by scouts as a “matchup nightmare” and “seam stretcher,” he rarely catches the ball downfield. The Giants have plenty of skill-position talent, and it’s hard to believe Engram will garner the targets necessary to have a big year. Kyle Rudolph‘s presence also doesn’t bode well for his touchdown rate. It appears unlikely Engram will have a breakout season, and he may be looking for another team in 2022.
Will Saquon Barkley have 2,000 All-purpose yards in 2021?
False. With head coach Joe Judge stating there’s “no exact timetable” for Barkley’s return, it’s hard to imagine this coming to fruition. After tearing his ACL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, the back has been “attacking” his rehab. This didn’t stop the team from going out and paying Devontae Booker substantial backup money at the start of free agency. There are also rumors that Barkley’s role could be “limited” to start the season. He is a truly elite talent and can shatter this mark in a 17-game season, but will the Giants give him the workload to make this happen? If injuries have convinced the team he can’t handle a workhorse role, 2,000 all-purpose yards will be a tough mark to hit.
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Will the Giants sign a veteran offensive lineman?
True. The Giants have question marks at multiple offensive line positions heading into 2021. With a wealth of free agent talent available, it would make sense to sign a veteran lineman. Former second-round pick Will Hernandez is moving to right guard after a disappointing 2020. Shane Lemieux, his replacement at left guard, had one of the worst Pro Football Focus grades last season. Nate Solder opted out last year and struggled when he was on the field in 2019, and second-year tackle Matt Peart is unproven. Quality players like Morgan Moses and Russell Okung are still on the market. If they can be had for the right price, the Giants would be foolish not to be interested.
Will the strength of their schedule be a huge factor in the outcome of 2021?
True. According to the numbers, the Giants have the eighth-easiest strength of schedule in 2021. However, this can be deceiving. Their away schedule is an absolute nightmare. They play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, and Los Angeles Chargers on the road, and the odds in those games are not in their favor. The Giants will have to dominate the NFC East to remain a contender. This is easier said than done in a division that seems pretty neck and neck from a talent standpoint. Things will have to break the Giants’ way in 2021 to land on the positive side of .500.
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Can Evan Engram finally break out? How well will Saquon Barkley bounce back? @LeeWehry_NFL answers these and more in the New York Giants’ “True or False: June Edition.” #NFL #NFLTwitter #TogetherBlue
