New York Giants: Giants fans need to lower expectations

After a 3-13 2017 season, New York Giants fans need to expect less of this team than what many are predicting.

2017 was a forgettable season for the New York Giants. Whether it be because of the injuries, lack of a competent coach, or an aging Eli Manning, the Giants were flat out awful.

After an off-season that included hiring a new General Manager, hiring a new head coach, drafting Saquon Barkley, bringing in lineman Nate Solder, and linebacker Alec Ogeltree, among others, many Giants fans have been quick to call for the playoffs from this 2018 team.

Those fans need to harness those expectations.

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That doesn’t mean this team isn’t capable of a playoff run. The constant turnover in the NFL makes it possible for a team to go from worst to first in a given year. Just take a look at last year’s Jacksonville Jaguars.

However, it would behoove Giants fans to expect less of this team.

There are too many question marks to pencil them into the playoffs just yet.

How consistent can Eli be at age 37? Will Odell’s ankle fully heal? Can Saquon live up to the hype? Will the offensive line protect Eli? How consistent will the secondary be?

Not to mention the gauntlet of a schedule this team is facing, with the Jaguars, Cowboys, Texans, Saints, Panthers, Eagles, and Falcons opening up the schedule.

That’s five playoff teams from last year, a division rival, and a healthy Deshaun Watson all waiting for Eli & Big Blue.

All of those moving parts are unlikely to sync at the same time and lead the Giants to the playoffs.

It is very much possible that Saquon needs time to adjust to the speed and aggressiveness of the NFL.

Eli is most likely at the final two-three years of his career and may not have much left in the tank.

Moving to the right side of the line might not be enough to save Ereck Flowers.

Preparing for those scenarios will help Giants fans realize that there is a lot to gain from this season even if a trip to the playoffs isn’t the outcome.

The growth of Barkley, of Davis Webb, and of Evan Engram are all things to look for.

All in all, there is a scenario where the Giants put it all together and make a run for the postseason. It isn’t out of the realm of possibility in today’s NFL.

Yet, there is also a scenario where the team shows tangible growth without reaching the ultimate goal.

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And that is the scenario that Giants fans should be preparing for.

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