By Michael Stewart @TheTruthNYG
The New York Giants enter the bye week with a 6-2 record; which is well beyond the 2022 expectations and currently places them 3rd within the NFC east division. In this two-part series we’ll start with breaking down each position offensively along with special teams play at the kicker and punter positions and provide a mid-season grade for 1st half of the 2022 season. Overall, there have been more positives than negatives for the Giants thus far, so let’s get right to it:
Offense
Quarterback: Daniel Jones emergence this season under Brian Daboll and Mike Kafka’s offensive system has been nothing short of astounding. Only blemish we could argue is Jones not putting up a better stat line, but with five game winning drives under his belt and a 6-2 record, does it really matter: GRADE A-
Running Back: Since his rookie season, Saquan Barkley has battled a number of injuries (Knee/Ankle) that has limited his time and production on the field. Like Jones, 2022 was going to be a make-or-break year for him and Barkley has responded better than anyone could have imagined with 779 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and 968 total yards from scrimmage. Needless to say, barring injuries Barkley is on pace for another 2,000+ season in total yards. GRADE A
Wide Receiver: Pre-season expectations of the Giants wide receiver group was met with optimism, however; injuries to Collin Johnson, Sterling Shepard, Wan Dale Robinson, Kenny Golladay and the departure of the team’s 2021 1st round pick Kadarius Toney to the Chiefs has forced the Giants to employ waiver wire receivers and depth chart personnel thus far. Unfortunately, only Robinson has returned to action and if the Giants expect better production from this group in the second half of the season, they might want to consider exploring practice squads around the league as Schoen was unable to acquire a wide receiver deal at the deadline. GRADE D
Tight End: The Emergence of rookie Daniel Bellinger has raised the tight end grade a bit, however; Bellingers untimely injury (eye socket) could diminish the tight end grade by season’s end. Bellingers time table to return is unclear as he could be gone for the remainder of the season. If so, the Giants must figure out a way to get production from their current tight ends on the roster. GRADE B-
Offensive Line: The Overall grade for the Giants offensive is promising due to the enormous proficiency and emergence of left tackle Andrew Thomas who seems to grade out as one the top OL each and every week. Rookie Evan Neal is having a typical rookie roller coaster season before his injury and the interior offensive line for the Giants has had more low lights rather than high lights in the first half. NOTE: The return of Nick Gates should be something to keep an eye on in the second half of the year, as I expect to see him getting more and more snaps as the season progresses. GRADE B
Special Teams
Kicker: Graham Gano continues to be the one consistent for the Giants in 2022. Gano is at 89% in the 1st half in field goals made and 100% on extra points. GRADE A
Punter: James Gillan has been a pleasant surprise for the Giants in the 1st half averaging 50.2 yards per punt. Gillan has had nearly 33% of his punts have gone inside the 20 yard line. GRADE A
As I mentioned, there was some positives and some negatives in the 1st half, but overall, I think most Giant fans are happy with the results. Keep an eye out for part two of this series as I grade out the defensive side of the ball and the special teams play of kickoff and punt return.