The New York Giants are a better team than they were in 2024 after numerous upgrades to their offense and defense. Coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are likely on their last chances following two dismal seasons. A successful run like 2022 probably won’t happen this year, but surprises do happen.

However, there are still several lingering and important questions that pose a significant challenge to the team’s success. Some of these questions have been addressed before the regular season, others will be answered during play. The questions presented here act as both benchmarks throughout the season and what additional steps the team needs to take.

How Will the Giants' Offensive Line Perform?

A weak offensive line leads to absolute disaster for a team’s performance, and the Giants are a prime example of what happens when the line is neglected. Between 2017 and 2023, the team’s offensive line ranked near the bottom of the league five times. That trend continued in 2024 when the line placed 28th out of 32 teams, a damning indictment against the team’s staff and roster construction.

There were some key signings this offseason, including re-signing Greg Van Roten and expanding depth in James Hudson III. Only one lineman was selected by the team during the draft, being tackle Marcus Mbow. Allowing the younger guys to learn behind the veteran is a smart idea, while bumping Evan Neal to guard might save his career.

So far, that strategy seems to have worked well as the team registered the second-highest yards per game across the entire preseason. In fact, they were one of only two teams to eclipse 100 points scored and the only team to top 1,000 yards passing this preseason. It’s blunted due to the fact most elite pass rushers rested, but those are numbers Giants fans have been impatiently waiting for.

Don’t expect this to be easily replicated in the regular season, however. Once the elite rushers start taking the field and go up against the offensive line, then we’ll see how well the team can perform.

Can a Running Back Committee Work?

The loss of Saquon Barkley and his subsequent legendary performance with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 stings. It’s going to hurt for a long time and might go down as the worst roster move in franchise history. It is even worse when the running back room is now filled with young, inexperienced talent.

Tyrone Tracy Jr. has potential, rushing for 839 yards and a healthy 4.4 yards-per-carry and five touchdowns. He also has some decent ball security, losing only two fumbles in his rookie year. Again, that was with a poor offensive line that ranked near the bottom of the league. Imagine how well he could perform if the run blocking improved significantly.

Outside of Tracy Jr., the team has an effective short-yardage back in Devin Singletary. At the same time, fans want to see rookie Cam Skattebo as the workhorse, but he might be better suited for short-yardage if Singletary becomes the scoring-opportunity player. It’s not Barkley, but there are three valuable players here.

It could be wise for the team to use the back-by-committee strategy to run the football. Tracy Jr. as the primary feature, with Singletary and Skattebo sharing scoring and short-yardage duties. Again, this hinges on a successful offensive line, but it could work if all three backs are effective.

What’s the Defensive Setup for this Year?

The Giants’ defense is better than most people give credit for. Dexter Lawrence leads the front three, while the back four consist of Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, Bobby Okereke, and a mix between Micah McFadden and rookie Abdul Carter. In the secondary, the additions of Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland will be critical to improving their overall defense.

They have a surprising amount of firepower on their defense, but the problem is how they’re going to use it effectively. The linebacker room is far too big to suit all five players and their secondary might need some additional help. The best strategy is to just essentially mix and match who is the most suitable for the game plan.

It essentially boils down to playing mind games and switching guys out, putting guys in, and rearranging the playbook when needed. Their defense isn’t good, but they’re not the worst in the league. Given the additions in the secondary and the aforementioned Carter poised to do some damage, these numbers are expected to increase under second-year defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.