Giants hope for continued offensive proficiency in year two of system

Although they didn't have the wins to show for it, the Giants were very encouraged by how they finished last season on offense. Now in year two of the system, there is hope that given the improved talent on the offensive line, the wins will start accompanying the movement of the ball.

David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Giants quarterback Eli Manning has always gotten pumped up for the start of every NFL season he’s been a part of over the last 15 years.

But this year, his 16 in the league, Manning is probably extra pumped for what the organization hopes will be a strong season.

What makes this year different than years past? For starters, the Giants are entering the second year in the Pat Shurmur-Mike Shula offense, a year in which everyone is more comfortable with the scheme and is able to play faster.

“I feel it’s just a comfort level in the offense and a lot of those same guys are part of this offense, we have a few new faces that should hopefully help us out and get on track early and play at a high level,” Manning said.

Then there is the glimpse of what the offense was like without receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who missed the last four games of the season with a quad injury.

In that stretch, tight end Evan Engram, running back Saquon Barkley and receiver Sterling Shepard all pitched in more to compensate for Beckham's absence with strong results.

Shepard caught 14 of 29 pass targets for 234 yards and a touchdown; Engram 22 of 31 for 320 yards and a touchdown; and Barkley 17 of 26 for 119 yards while also rushing for two of his seven 100-yard rushing performances over that final four-game stretch.

And over that four-game stretch, the Giants scored 25.5 points per game versus the 22.2 they scored over the first 12 games of the season.

That optimism of the offense being more portent was further fueled by the additions of guard Kevin Zeitler and tackle Mike Remmers on the right side of the offensive line, helping to turn a long-time team weakness into a strength.

“Yeah, I think the offensive line is strong,” Manning said. “I think for the talent and the guys we brought in and the old guys we have and just the comfort level the guys have.

“That first year going into a new offense last year with a lot of new guys can take a little time for everybody to get on the same page. I think now (we have) a more vet group, a more experienced group with guys that have been around and played together.”

Overall, Manning hopes that the pieces are in place to create a better identity for an offense that has, at times, has trouble getting out of its own way.

“All offenses, I think you want to stay ahead of the sticks and be able to run the ball, be able to play-action, be able to find ways to move the ball, be patient, and then when there are opportunities to take shots and hit your deep stuff, you take advantage,” Manning said when asked what identity he envisions for this year’s Giants offense.

It’s the thought of what the offense can be that has the 16-year veteran Manning champing at the bit to get started.

“Yeah, I think there is always an excitement for the first game and for the guys we have,” he said. 

“I think you get the excitement from the way we have practiced and played in some preseason games and executed. I think we just have to be humble enough to prepare this week and have a great week of practice. Know your opponent and be confident enough to go out there and perform on Sunday.”