TWO - MINUTE DRILL
MOST IMPORTANT OFFENSIVE PLAYER
How about some guy named Odell Beckham Jr.? The best player does not have to be the most important player, but in this case it is a fit. We saw what happened last season when Beckham was not on the field. At his best, he simply cannot be contained by any single cornerback. It will be fascinating to see how the money affects him, on the field and off it. If he stays healthy, this offense
will be fine. If not, watch out.
MOST IMPORTANT DEFENSIVE PLAYER
We had Eli Apple pegged as the Star on the Rise in 2017. Wish we could take that one back. Janoris Jenkins is a top-tier cornerback, but after him, it is slim-pickings — unless Apple plays to the form the Giants envisioned for the No. 10 pick in the 2016 draft. Does he have his head on straight after displaying all sorts of immaturity in 2017?
ROOKIE TO WATCH
It has got to be Saquon Barkley. How can you take your eyes off him? The rookie looks as if he were molded by the football creators and carries his 233 pounds with an athletic grace. His lower body is huge and powerful. It will be interesting to see if he can adapt immediately to the NFL game and take those 3- and 4-yard gains rather than changing course and losing yards. As a pass-catcher, he is in a league of his own. Enjoy the ride.
STAR ON THE RISE
Evan Engram was asked to do far too much last season as a rookie. As Eli Manning’s targets fell, one by one, Engram seemed to be the last man standing and he carried too heavy a burden. As a result, he dropped too many passes and wore down as he led the team in receptions with 64 and touchdowns with six. He should blossom in Year 2. As a tight end, he has tremendous speed and an innate ability to get open. He is usually too fast for linebackers to deal with and is big enough to outmuscle safeties. Did anyone say matchup nightmare?
BIGGEST COACHING DECISION
Pat Shurmur as the play-caller and designer of the offense is going to have to determine how much of a balanced attack he wants to have. Does he feature Barkley and the running game or Beckham in Manning’s passing game? There is no way to keep everyone happy, as Beckham, Barkley, Engram and Sterling Shepard are all worthy of leading-man status. Unless, of course, there is a whole lot of winning.
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF ...
Barkley finishes second on the team in receptions. He might actually be a more gifted pass-catcher than he is a runner. Barkley will line up in the backfield, in the slot and out wide, will be put in motion, run screens, wheel routes and at times go out in patterns usually restricted to wide receivers.
SURE TO MAKE FANS GRUMBLE
Coming off a three-win season, a slow start for this team and this new coaching regime will not be met with much patience, even though the early schedule is daunting. There will be unrest if Sam Darnold (a player the Giants passed up on to take Barkley) plays great for the Jets and Manning falters.