New York Giants Beginning To Add In Youngsters To Gameplan

The New York Giants came out of their bye with an added emphasis on using younger players offensively and it paid off against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New York Giants have struggled in recent seasons because of the lack of depth on their roster. They have not drafted well, leaving the roster void of young talent. But, things have gotten better in recent seasons.

This season is no different, as the Giants draft class is already paying dividends. Eli Apple and Sterling Sheppard, their first and second round picks in 2016, already have roles on the team. Third round pick Darian Thompson was a starter but has suffered injuries and could be out for the season. Even fourth round pick B.J. Goodson has found a role on special teams.

The Giants look like they plan on getting even more people involved in the coming weeks as well. Heading into the bye week, the Giants had some areas of concern. They were 4-3, but there was plenty of work to be done. The offense looked like it needed some adjustments, and against the Philadelphia Eagles, we saw some.

If you want to make adjustments to a unit, the bye week is a good time to do so. The Giants look like they put their bye to good use as we saw some new elements on the offense.

More from New York Giants

Perkins, a fifth-round pick out of UCLA, was used evenly with Rashad Jennings. Both had 14 touches, with Perkins gaining 32 yards on the ground and 15 through the air compared to 26 and 13 for Jennings.

It wasn’t a game-changing performance, but Perkins didn’t do anything to hurt his standing. He should receive steady work going forward as the Giants have looked to a jolt in the backfield since Shane Vereen went down with a season-ending injury. Perkins is a dual-threat out of the backfield and should continue to be someone they work into the offense.

A surprise addition to the offense this week was sixth-round pick Jerell Adams. Tight end is said to be arguably the toughest for a rookie to get. Adams has looked good in limited time and the Giants increased his opportunities against the Eagles.

Adams was targeted four times, catching three passes for 24 yards. He is arguably the best blocker the Giants have at the position and should see more time going forward. He is very athletic and looks to have passed Larry Donnell on the depth chart.

Last but not least we have Roger Lewis. Lewis is an undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green, earning a spot on the roster with a strong summer and preseason. Lewis was mostly a special teamer to start the season but has become more involved offensively.

Lewis has caught a touchdown in two of the past three games. Manning is not afraid to target him downfield, as his touchdowns have gone for 24 and 30 yards apiece. Lewis has a reception in three straight games and looks to be a bigger part of the offense now.

Odell Beckham Jr. lined up in the slot more against the Eagles than previously during the season. As a result, it opens up playing time on the outside and Lewis could continue to benefit. The Giants have Shepard and Victor Cruz as well, but Lewis has carved out a role as well.

The Giants were looking to shake things up and see if it caused a spark. Against the Eagles they succeeded. Manning threw four touchdown passes and hit eight different receivers for a reception.

Next: New York Giants Win-Loss Predictions For Every Game

It wasn’t a perfect afternoon, as Manning had two interceptions, but it was a step in the right direction. The Giants are going to begin relying on their younger players. If they continue developing and improving the Giants could make a playoff push.

Home/New York Giants