Giants Country

CBS Sports Identifies Its Biggest Concern for Giants in 2023

While it's a legitimate concern, it's probably not as catastrophic if it comes to fruition as it seems.
Patricia Traina|
CBS Sports Identifies Its Biggest Concern for Giants in 2023
CBS Sports Identifies Its Biggest Concern for Giants in 2023

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New York Giants

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen spent this past off-season focused on building up the team's speed on both sides of the ball, but in particular, the offense, which last year ranked dead last in big pass plays of 20+ yards with 28.

But despite having added speed in the forms of tight end Darren Waller and receivers Parris Cambell and Jalin Hyatt to an existing group of running back Saquon Barkley, Darius Slayton, and Isaiaih Hodgins, just to name a few, CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin is still leery about the potential of this Giants downfield passing game for one very valid reason.

Daniel Jones finally showcased franchise-level poise in 2022 under Brian Daboll. And the Giants finally got him some help this offseason, adding Darren Waller, Parris Campbell and Jalin Hyatt -- among others -- at pass catcher. But all of their key acquisitions have to prove they can stay healthy, and Jones still has yet to prove he can air it out consistently when it matters most.

Waller, Campbell, and Barkley have all missed chunks of time over the last two seasons due to injury. Waller played in 20 of 34 games, Campbell in 23 of 34 games, and Barkley 29 of 34. 

But if you're looking for a reason to be positive, both Campbell and Barkley made it through last year without missing time, while Waller seems to be rejuvenated and fully healthy after trekking his way through his final seasons with the Raiders. 

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The hope is that those three guys will hit the ground running for the Giants on offense and give quarterback Daniel Jones an array of options he's never before enjoyed at any level of his playing career.

And speaking of Jones, Benjamin's statement that Jones has still yet to prove he can air it out consistently when it matters most is a tad unfair, considering that Jones's pass protection hasn't exactly been consistent when it's mattered most. 

That's why the offensive line, which could see two new starters this year at left guard and center, remains a work in progress.

But getting back to the concern about the health of the receivers and tight ends, something that goes unmentioned in the CBS Sports breakdown is that the Giants added a lot of depth at the receiver and tight end position. 

While not all depth is created equal in terms of speed and physical gifts, given how well the coaching staff last year got so much out of a group that was largely considered to be pedestrian around the league, the Giants' coaching might just be the secret sauce that fuels a more efficient downfield passing game this year, regardless of who's running routes.

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Patricia Traina
PATRICIA TRAINA

Patricia Traina has covered the New York Giants for 30+ seasons, and her work has appeared in multiple media outlets, including The Athletic, Forbes, Bleacher Report, and the Sports Illustrated media group. As a credentialed New York Giants press corps member, Patricia has also covered five Super Bowls (three featuring the Giants), the annual NFL draft, and the NFL Scouting Combine. She is the author of The Big 50: The Men and Moments that Made the New York Giants. In addition to her work with New York Giants On SI, Patricia hosts the Locked On Giants podcast. Patricia is also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America.

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