3 Key NFL Preview: The Giants Reinforce Their Passing Game in Hopes of Making a Super Bowl Run

By John Sarianides

The New York Giants signed veteran receiver Brandon Marshall and drafted tight end Evan Engram to reinforce an offense that came up short in the playoffs last season.

The Giants boast one of the top defense’s in the NFL so improving the offense was the focal of general manager Jerry Reese’s off-season.

By adding Marshall, the Giants add a proven target that should complement Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Sheppard well when they are in 11 personnel (3 WR’s, 1 RB, 1 TE).

As for the running game, the Giants will turn the reigns over to second year running back Paul Perkins. Perkins is a three down back who is capable of impacting a game both as a runner and as a receiver.

An improved offensive line should pave the way for Perkins and give Eli Manning more time in the pocket.

Defensively, the Giants return the 10th ranked defense from 2016. Reese spent big money to upgrade the defense last off-season and the moves paid off. Now, New York has an elite unit which is championship caliber.

Here are 3 keys for the Giants in 2017.

1. Beckham’s Health: Beckham sprained his ankle last week against the Browns and is questionable for the season opener. Beckham’s health is vitally important to the Giants overall success. Without him in the line up, the Giants lose the most explosive playmaker in all of football.

2. Find Balance on Offense: The Giants passing game has the potential to be among the best in the NFL but they will need to find some semblance of balance with the running game. Perkins is a good back but the question remains. Can he be the back? We will find out this season.

3. Maintain Defensive Dominance: The Giants played great team defense last season and now the question is, can they do it again? If the G-Men play defense at the same level that they did last season, this team can compete for a Super Bowl.

In the End: The Giants have the look of a Super Bowl contender. If they can stay healthy and the defense plays at the championship level it did last season, there is no reason why this team can’t end up in Minnesota.