At the start of the season on a forum they asked what are you looking for in the season if no playoffs. I came up with the following ten items. Here is the list and how the Giants in week one matched up to the wish list as of Tuesday.
1. They answer the question at quarterback. Is Daniel Jones a franchise guy or not?
√ 5th highest quarterback rating week 1
2. They Fit Schemes Around their Players.
√ Kadarius Toney – 19 yards on an end around run. The second longest rushing play by a receiver.
3. They show depth talent when starters are injured.
√ WR Richie James had 4th highest catch % among wide receivers with 5+ targets.
4. A player steps up to an “elite” star player.
√ Saquon Barkley had 164 rushing yards, a touchdown and a 9.1. rushing yds/attempt. He also had 30 receiving yards. Over the last 10 seasons Barkley is one of only six running backs to show similar stats in week one.
5. Positive turnover margin. They were -8 in 2021.
X No. Giants had a -1 Turnover margin. Daniel Jones had an interception and a fumble lost. Giant Cornerback Jason Pinnock recovered a fumble by the Titans.
6. Top half of the league in QB pressure %. They were 30th in 2021 .
√ Giants were 9th. This should improve even more as they get their two edge rushers back from injury – Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari.
7. Top half of the league in first downs. They were 31st in 2021 .
√ Yes. Giants were 16th.
8. Top half of league in 3rd down conversion %. They were 24th in 2021 .
X No. Giants were 31st. The Giants were 2 for 10 in third down conversions.
9. Top half of league in red zone TD %. They were last in 2021 .
√ Yes. Giants were 15th. The Giants had two TDs on three red one trips. One resulted in an interception.
10. Top half of league in 10+ yard plays. They were 31st in 2021 .
X No. They were 20th. The Giants had 11 such plays. The Colts led the league with 23 big plays. Daniel Jones had one rush for 11 yards and five pass plays of 10+ yards. Sterling Shepard had 1 big play of 65 yards. Richie James had 3 big plays that totaled 46 yards. Kenny Golladay had 1 big play of 15 yards. Saquon Barkley had four big rushes that totaled 129 yards. Kadarius Toney had one big rush for 19 yards.
Off to a good start! They get the win and had seven of the ten goals met!
