The New York Giants entered the 2024 NFL season hoping to build a competitive roster, but reality painted a different picture. Finishing with a dismal 3-14 record, they found themselves at the bottom of the NFC East, struggling in nearly every key metric. From offensive inefficiencies to defensive lapses, the season was riddled with setbacks. Below is a deep dive into their performance and what lies ahead for 2025.
Offensive Struggles Defined the Season
The Giants’ offense was one of the worst in the league, ranking 31st in points per game (16.1) and 28th in passing yards per game (189.9). A lack of consistency at quarterback and a weak offensive line made sustaining drives a challenge.
Daniel Jones’ Inconsistent Play
Daniel Jones returned as the starting quarterback but failed to elevate the offense. He threw for 2,070 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 47.2 QBR, numbers that ranked among the league’s worst. His decision-making remained questionable, and his inability to stay healthy once again put the team in a bind.
Rushing Game Showed Some Promise
While the passing attack struggled, the ground game had flashes of efficiency. Tyrone Tracy Jr. led the backfield with 839 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on 192 carries. Though the numbers weren’t elite, they provided a small bright spot in an otherwise stagnant offense. However, defenses stacked the box without a strong passing threat, limiting their effectiveness.
Receiving Corps Needed More Firepower
The Giants lacked explosive plays in the passing game, but Malik Nabers was a bright spot. The rookie wideout posted 1,204 receiving yards on 109 receptions, finding the end zone 7 times. His emergence offers hope for the future, but he lacked a reliable supporting cast. Without better quarterback play, his full potential remains untapped.
A Defense That Couldn’t Keep Up
While the offense struggled to score points, the defense had its own problems. The Giants ranked 23rd in rushing defense (104.9 yards per game allowed) and surrendered 415 total points, among the worst in the league.
Defensive Standouts
Not everything on defense was a disaster. Micah McFadden led the team with 107 tackles, proving to be a reliable presence in the middle. Dexter Lawrence II was a force up front, notching 9 sacks despite facing constant double-teams. However, the secondary was a major issue. Dane Belton, the team’s leader in interceptions, only managed one pick all season. That lack of turnovers made it difficult to create momentum-shifting plays.
Lack of Takeaways and Pass Rush Inconsistency
The Giants’ inability to force turnovers was a critical weakness. Finishing near the bottom in takeaways, they struggled to put their offense in favorable positions. Their pass rush, while led by Lawrence, lacked depth. Opposing quarterbacks had too much time in the pocket, exposing weaknesses in coverage.
The Road Ahead: What to Expect in 2025
The 2025 season presents both challenges and opportunities for the Giants. With another top draft pick and potential roster changes on the horizon, improvement is possible—but only if the organization makes the right moves.
The front office must be aggressive in free agency, smart in the draft, and attentive to the latest NFL news regarding player availability, coaching changes, and potential trade opportunities. Any shifts in the league landscape could impact the Giants’ approach, whether it’s a veteran quarterback hitting the market or a key defensive player becoming available.
Quarterback Dilemma
The biggest question heading into next season is at quarterback. Daniel Jones is no longer with the team, as the Giants released him in November 2024. His departure leaves a massive void in the position, with no clear long-term answer currently on the roster. The team has been linked to several quarterbacks, including potential trades for veterans and interest in drafting a young prospect.
Bolstering the Offensive Line
Protection issues have plagued the Giants for years, and no quarterback will succeed without a stronger offensive line. Addressing this in free agency and the draft should be a top priority. Improved blocking would help the passing and rushing attack, making the offense more balanced.
Defensive Adjustments
The defense needs reinforcements, particularly in the secondary. Key areas of focus will be forcing more turnovers and improving coverage. With Micah McFadden and Dexter Lawrence as anchors, adding more playmakers could turn a struggling unit into a respectable one.
Defensive upgrades will also impact how sportsbooks set their lines, as a stronger unit could keep games closer than they were in 2024. If the Giants can turn their defense into a reliable strength, betting on the New York Giants odds might hold more value in spread bets rather than outright wins.
Coaching and Scheme Refinements
Head coach Brian Daboll must adjust his approach. The offensive scheme needs more creativity, and the defense requires better game-planning to maximize the talent on hand. The coaching staff will need to make significant changes if the team hopes to be competitive in 2025.
Conclusion
The 2024 season was a disaster, but the Giants have a chance to correct their course. Quarterback play, offensive line upgrades, and defensive improvements will determine whether 2025 brings progress or another lost season. With the right moves, they could inch back toward competitiveness, but the margin for error is slim. The next few months will be pivotal for the franchise’s future.
