What are the biggest issues with the New York Giants offense? A review of the tape and the advanced metrics offer a few clues.

The New York Giants offense has faced a series of challenges this season, particularly over the last two weeks. Despite some early flashes of potential, the team’s inability to generate explosive plays and convert crucial third downs has raised significant concerns. This downturn has left fans and analysts alike pondering the root causes of the Giants’ struggles.

One of the most glaring issues has been quarterback Daniel Jones’ performance under pressure. In the games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles, Jones faced relentless defensive pressure, a scenario that has become all too familiar for him. The statistics tell a concerning story: he was pressured 28 times across these two games, resulting in ten sacks. The stark reality is that Jones has historically struggled when pressured, and the recent games have only exacerbated this issue.

In the matchup against the Eagles, the pressure was particularly punishing. Jones was under duress on over 43% of his dropbacks, and his pressure-to-sack percentage hit an alarming 50%. This placed him at the bottom of the league for that week, highlighting the severity of the offensive line’s struggles. With such intense pressure, it’s no surprise that Jones made poor decisions. His throws became erratic, and his confidence dwindled, leading to a red-zone interception against the Bengals that was a direct result of a collapsing pocket.

The problems start with the offensive line, which has not performed to the standard required to protect their quarterback. Injuries and inconsistent play have plagued this unit, and the lack of cohesion is evident. Pass protection has been a chronic issue for the Giants, and against formidable defenses like the Eagles, this weakness is magnified. The offensive line’s inability to hold up has forced Jones into uncomfortable situations, where quick decisions become the norm rather than the exception.

Adding to the struggles is the Giants’ offensive scheme. While the coaching staff has shown promise, there are concerns regarding the play-calling and adjustments made during games. The offense has often seemed predictable, making it easier for defenses to anticipate plays and adjust accordingly. In both the Bengals and Eagles games, the lack of creativity and variety in play-calling was evident. Without effective schemes to exploit defensive weaknesses, the Giants’ offense has stagnated, becoming a shell of its potential.

The run game, which has historically been a strength for the Giants, has also faltered. The absence of a consistent running attack places even more pressure on the passing game. When the run game struggles, defenses can key in on the quarterback, leading to increased pressure and limiting the effectiveness of the passing game. In recent weeks, the Giants have not been able to establish a solid ground game, further compounding their offensive woes.

Another critical aspect to consider is the receiving corps. While the Giants boast some talent at the wide receiver position, injuries and inconsistencies have hindered their ability to create separation and make plays. When Jones does have time to throw, the lack of open receivers limits his options. This leads to forced passes or, worse, sacks as the pocket collapses. The synergy between Jones and his receivers appears to be lacking, resulting in miscommunications and missed opportunities.

Advanced metrics reveal further details about the Giants’ offensive inefficiencies. One key metric is the team’s yards per attempt, which has dropped significantly. A decrease in explosive plays, defined as passes over 20 yards, directly correlates with the team’s struggles. Explosive plays are vital for an offense, providing momentum and the ability to shift the game’s momentum. The Giants have failed to stretch the field effectively, allowing defenses to play more aggressively against a predictable offense.

In terms of third-down efficiency, the Giants have also been underwhelming. Converting third downs is essential for sustaining drives and keeping the offense on the field. Unfortunately, the Giants have struggled to find success in this area, often leaving them with short drives and limited scoring opportunities. The combination of pressure on Jones, a lack of a solid run game, and inefficiencies in the passing attack has led to a dismal third-down conversion rate.

The overall chemistry of the offense has also been a concern. The rhythm and timing between Jones and his receivers seem off, leading to a lack of precision in the passing game. Timing routes, which rely heavily on the quarterback’s ability to deliver the ball accurately and at the right moment, have been disrupted due to pressure and miscommunication. This disruption has resulted in incomplete passes, dropped balls, and missed opportunities that could have turned drives into scoring chances.

In the film review, it’s clear that the Giants’ offensive struggles are not solely the result of one individual. Instead, it’s a combination of factors—offensive line performance, play-calling, the run game, and the receiving corps—that have converged to create a perfect storm of ineffectiveness. The coaching staff will need to make critical adjustments moving forward, whether that be in terms of personnel, scheme, or even philosophy.

As the season progresses, the Giants must find ways to alleviate the pressure on Jones. This may involve more quick-release passes, utilizing tight ends and running backs in the passing game, and implementing more play-action to keep defenses off balance. Finding ways to establish a successful running game will also be essential in providing balance and preventing defenses from pinning their ears back and attacking Jones relentlessly.

However, the New York Giants’ offense is at a crossroads. The recent games have highlighted significant issues that need immediate attention. With a combination of inadequate pass protection, ineffective play-calling, a struggling run game, and miscommunications among players, the Giants have found themselves in a precarious position. Fans are hopeful that with the right adjustments and improved execution, the Giants can reignite their offensive potential and put forth a more competitive product on the field. The next few weeks will be critical for the team as they look to navigate these challenges and find a way to turn their season around.