New York Giants

What Can Be Accomplished On Offense During Bye Week For New York Giants?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The New York Football Giants (4-3) ended the “unofficial” first half of their season with a 17-10 victory over the Lose Angeles Rams. The game took place at Twickenham Stadium in London, and the team returned immediately after the game. For the better part of last week, the team was dormant. As they return to practice this week, what needs to be accomplished on offense?

The difficulties of Big Blue’s offense are well documented, yet will be difficult to repair. In the preseason, head coach Ben McAdoo called the offense’s problems “correctable”. To a certain extent, anything is correctable. But does his definition mean correctable with the same personnel package?

Changing of the Guard at Tight End?

Seemingly everyone knew that tight end was a position of need for the G-Men this offseason. And once again, it was ignored by general manager Jerry Reese. Widely acknowledged as the strength of Larry Donnell and Will Tye, is their pass-catching ability. Yet with an offensive line that has struggled since the likes of David Diehl, Shaun O’Hara and Chris Snee retired, a proficient blocking tight end remained critical.

Unfortunately, New York has not put emphasis on this position since acquiring Martellus Bennett in 2012. And that acquisition was on a team-friendly contract.

Curiously, the Giants occupy the last spot in many of Pro Football Focus’ positional grades. For the defenders of the status quo or conspiracy theorists, PFF cannot always be wrong. At tight end, Larry Donnell has a 40.1 grade this season.

A lukewarm evaluation of tight ends cannot be a surprise to anyone. In the preseason, McAdoo had this to say about tight end as reported on Newsday on Aug. 29, 2016. “We have guys who are improving. They’re not there yet. We need to continue working. We can get better as the season progresses. What we are now and what we’re going to be are two different things.”

Perhaps Jerell Adams is the answer. In pre-draft reviews, NFL.com had this to say about the rookie from South Carolina. “Looks spindly on the hoof, but buys into his role as a blocker. Can lock on and sustain a block longer than expected and was used in pass pro.” Inserting Adams is the only hope for increased blocking prowess at the position.

Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants tight end Jerell Adams (89) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dormant Running Game

This week, I chronicled Paul Perkins and the need to get him more touches. In fact, I believe there should be a changing of the guard here. My article was met with some resistance by fans, who believe the offensive line is the primary culprit.

No disagreement here! But I don’t see Joe Thomas or Joe Staley coming east to solve this problem.

In terms of running style, Perkins needs less of a crease than Rashad Jennings does. Given the fact that I don’t expect vast improvement from the existing offensive line, what are the options? The possible changes include inserting Will Beatty at right tackle or the return of Marshall Newhouse. And with Bobby Hart on the right side (47.3 grade), either player would be an improvement.

Neither offensive change will allow the Giants to challenge the accomplished prowess of the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive line. My feeling is to go for Perkins’ quickness, over Jennings methodical style. Plus Rashad Jennings 51.3 grade from PFF is next to last in the league!

On third downs, the team can utilize Bobby Rainey more. Rainey has the highest grade (69.3) of any running back on the roster.

Will these changes create immediate and lasting success?

This question cannot be answered unless these guys are actually inserted into the line-up. In addition, the idea that the foursome of Tye, Donnell, Hart and Newhouse are going to measurably improve is more of a longshot than giving an opportunity to two rookies and Rainey.

If no line-up changes are made, what has really been accomplished during the bye week?