Statistically, 2014 was a year New York Football Giant fans have a right to be upset about. The New York Football Giants finished 3rd in the NFC East Division after a disappointing 6-10 record, failing to improve from their 2013 season.
The Giants lost key players to injury reserve throughout the course of the season. Renowned wide-receiver Victor Cruz fell victim to a Patella tear during week 6 in Philadelphia, #1 ranked outside corner-back Prince Amukamara tore his biceps during week 9 of the season, inside linebacker Jon Beason with a season ending toe surgery and 19 others. The Giants finished 1st in the NFL with 22 players subject to injury reserve.
So, after a season of battling injury’s, a poor offensive, and a cut open defense, what will general manager Jerry Reese do to bring the Giants back to their prime? More importantly, should fans have faith in Reese’s abilities?
The Giants are looking forward to the NFL Draft, picking ninth overall in the first round. Many scenarios are being tossed around on what the Giants could do with their valuable pick. Reese has noted the fan base and the public numerous times that he would rather draft talent over team needs. Does Reese have a plan? The Giants have the 5th Least Salary Cap Space at $7,712,902. The top three Major Free Agency positions The Giants must to complete in are a Free Safety, A Center and Depth at defensive Lineman. The Giants have failed to pursue any of those positions in the past. However, the Giants have added depth at right tackle with newly signed former Cincinnati Bengal RT Marshall Newhouse and former Patriots linebacker Jonathan Casillas. Casillas and Newhouse will most likely not start, and they are there for strictly depth. I wasn’t very impressed with those two signings, however The Giants have signed two other players that could be very useful and beneficial to the team.
The Giants have officially signed receiving running back Shane Vereen, to do duty’s of pass catching out of the back field. Vereen was an excellent pick up, the running back set the record for most passes caught in a Superbowl February 1, 2015 as a member of the Defending Superbowl Champions, New England Patriots.
The Giants have also Signed WR/KR Dwayne Harris, Harris was a member of the Dallas Cowboys for the last four years. The Giants as a team haven’t returned a Punt since 2012, Dwayne Harris has Returned 2 Punts For TD’s alone.
On January 15, the Giants Reunited with an old friend, Superbowl winning defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo who brought a tough Giants defensive line with the likes of NFL Hall of Fame Defensive End Michael Strahan to become Superbowl 42 Champions. Under Spagnuolo The Giants struck fear into opposing offenses as a top 10 Defensive team in 2008. I am hopeful that the re-hiring of Spagnuolo is a step in the right direction to bring back a tough defense, like they once had.
So the Giants may not have one of the most productive free agency’s compared to the rest of the league, but if players can stay healthy and the Giants can draft successful and impactful players, 2015 may be their comeback season.
