The New York Giants head into 2024 with a lot of pressure and doubt surrounding them. While 2023 was littered with injuries and poor play, New York will look to turn the page in 2024 as it attempts to get back on track with some new talent added to the roster.
Let’s take a look at the five biggest unanswered questions for the Giants heading into this season.
Unanswered Questions Ahead of New York Giants Training Camp
When looking at the Giants, the questions surrounding them all seem to begin at the quarterback position. With Daniel Jones only being one full season removed from signing a four-year, $140 million deal, the rumblings around his future have begun to grow.
Part of that was a decline in play in early 2023, while other factors include the uncertainty of how he will bounce back following his ACL tear last year.
We discuss that ongoing situation and four other questions that the G-Men still have ahead of training camp kicking off.
How Does Daniel Jones Look Post Injury?
It’s not a secret that 2024 is a crucial year for many people in the Giants’ building. One of those people who finds themselves in a de facto make-or-break year is Jones, who will need to produce while attempting to come back from a serious knee injury.
This may be the chief question this training camp, as Jones’ progress and his injured knee will be monitored daily. The Giants hope to be getting the Jones from 2022, the one they inked a new deal with following a playoff victory, as opposed to the version who struggled prior to his injury in 2023.
Not many people have high expectations for the Giants. However, if they’re going to reach whatever their perceived ceiling is this season, Jones and his health will play a huge factor in that outcome.
What Is the Backfield Shape Up Like?
The days of Saquon Barkley walking through that door are long gone, and now the Giants are forced to reset at the running back position with hopes of replacing their most dynamic player.
It won’t be easy, but the first man who looks to be getting a crack at leading the way is former Houston Texans RB Devin Singletary. Singletary is fresh off of 898 rushing yards on 216 attempts, good for 4.2 yards a carry and four touchdowns. It may not be eye-popping numbers, but at least on paper, it appears to be the best option the Giants have right now.
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Another player expected to factor into the mix is former Oklahoma Sooner Eric Gray, who heads into his second season with New York and looks to be in line for a big increase in opportunities. Gray only had 17 rushing attempts for 48 yards last season, but with a changing of the guard underway, it’s safe to assume he’ll be called upon far more frequently.
Rounding out the group are rookie Tyrone Tracy Jr. and second-year player Jashaun Corbin, both of whom have combined for a total of one carry and one yard in their careers.
Will Malik Nabers Be a WR1 Starting Day 1?
Beyond just Jones’ struggles and the revolving door of QBs that followed after his injury, one of the biggest issues that plagued the Giants in 2023 was the lack of true playmaking talent. With their first selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, they looked to change that by adding Malik Nabers.
Looking at the position as a whole, there are intriguing names such as Jalin Hyatt, Darius Slayton, and Wan’Dale Robinson. However, one could argue that none of them have the type of skill Nabers brings to the room.
It’s a lot to ask of any rookie to step in immediately and be the No. 1 at any position, but the Giants may need that from Nabers in the worst way. A quarterback’s best friend is a reliable receiving target, and there are several people within the Giants building who think (and hope) he can be that right out the gate.
Whose Seat Is the Hottest?
A world exists where we can see a full Giants reset following a bad 2024 season. Head coach Brian Daboll could be gone, so could Jones, and even general manager Joe Schoen. However, when looking at the situation, one may ask just who is on the hottest seat heading into the season.
It’s hard not to sit here right now and think the one with the heat turned up the most is anyone but Daboll. The talent deficiency, lack of execution, and the collapse that has ensued since the end of the 2022 season all put him front and center as far as blame goes.
Schoen needs to help his coach by adding talent, and Jones ideally needs to play up to his contract. Nevertheless, Daboll is the man in charge, and when things turn south in the manner they have, it’s tough to imagine anyone is feeling the heat more than him right now.
Can the Giants Surprise the NFL in 2024?
All offseason has been spent discussing what the Giants aren’t or what they haven’t been able to do to be competitive. But could they surprise the NFL this year?
No one is confusing New York for a Super Bowl contender, but the Giants may be getting buried more than they probably should following an abysmal season. Yes, they lost Barkley, but New York’s worked to add talent to the roster and already have intriguing pieces to feel good about.
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In addition to drafting Nabers, the Giants traded for EDGE Brian Burns to pair with Kayvon Thibodeaux. Alongside them on the defensive line, they have one of the best interior rushers in the NFL in Dexter Lawrence. On the other side of the line, Andrew Thomas is an ascending left tackle.
Despite what they looked like last season, the Giants aren’t a bare cupboard. While some are picking them to be one of the worst teams in the NFL, don’t be surprised if they outplay that projection in 2024.