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New York Giants: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2016-17 Season

By Nikhil Potpally

Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Miami Dolphins defensive end Olivier Vernon (50) against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants
Aug 27, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo looks on against the New York Jets during the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Giants won 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

What should we expect from the New York Giants for the 2016 season? Will general manager Jerry Reese’s free-agent acquisition live up to lofty expectations?

With the 53-man roster being finalized Saturday at 4 PM, we are officially on the eve of the 2016-17 NFL season. The New York Giants will look to rebound after a disappointing 6-10 season that led to major changes on the roster and coaching staff. New head coach Ben McAdoo wants to steer the ship back in the right direction and wants to help the team return to the playoffs. For this to happen, the defense must step up this year, along with the offensive line.

New head coach Ben McAdoo wants to steer the ship back in the right direction and wants to help the team return to the playoffs. For this to happen, the defense must step up this year, along with the offensive line.

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Last year, the Giants’ defense was the worst in the league. They ranked No. 32 in the NFL with an average of 420.3 yards per game allowed and surrendered 27.6 points per game (3rd worst).

New York struggled on a week-to-week basis. Whenever the team was desperate for a stop, the defense couldn’t be trusted. There were several occasions where the defense allowed game-winning drives to opponents in the fourth quarter while the offense stood by and watched.

The formula for the 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl runs was to apply pressure near the line of scrimmage. For the handful of times when the defense applied pressure, their secondary would allow huge plays to opposing receivers. This offseason, the front office decided to address these issues by using ample cap space to sign “top” defensive free agents. While many argue that the team overpaid for many players, the Giants were desperate to make a splash.

General manager Jerry Reese is on the hot seat, and his future with the team will be determined by how his offseason acquisitions pan out.

Here are five bold predictions for 2016-17.

Next: With a Big Contract Comes Bigger Expectations

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