The 2023 season was a tough one for the New York Giants offense. Injuries to quarterback Daniel Jones certainly played a part, but the unit struggled even when he was healthy. Going into a pivotal 2024 season, head coach Brian Daboll is expected to take over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Will this change be enough to spark a turnaround? Let’s take a look at some key areas where the Giants offense needs to improve.
A More Pass-Heavy Approach
One of the most glaring issues with the Giants’ offense in 2023 was their conservative approach to passing the ball. Despite having a mobile quarterback in Daniel Jones, they ranked near the bottom of the league in Pass Rate Over Expected (PROE), a metric that measures how often a team throws the ball in different game situations.
This conservative approach stands in stark contrast to the offensive philosophy Daboll implemented during his time as the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. Under his guidance, the Bills had one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the league. They effectively utilized short passes to move the chains and strategically employed the deep ball to create explosive plays.
With a healthy Daniel Jones at the helm and a revamped offensive line featuring the additions of Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor, the Giants have the personnel to replicate the Bills’ offensive success.
Unleashing the Weapons
The addition of first-round draft pick Malik Nabers adds another explosive element to a receiving corps that already boasts playmakers like Jalin Hyatt and Darius Slayton. Wan’Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger provide reliable targets for Jones to keep the chains moving.
Daboll’s familiarity with designing plays to maximize the strengths of his playmakers will be crucial in unlocking the full potential of this talented group.
Shifting to a Gap-Based Run Game
The NFL is constantly evolving, and offensive schemes are no exception. After a period dominated by wide zone running schemes, many teams are now shifting back to a more traditional gap-based approach.
The Giants appear to be following this trend, as evidenced by the hiring of offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who comes from the gap-heavy systems of the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders. The additions of Runyan and Eluemunor further suggest a commitment to establishing a powerful rushing attack.
Embracing Predictability
While the Giants have the personnel to run a variety of offensive schemes, they need to be less predictable in their play calling. In 2023, it was painfully obvious whether a run or pass was coming based on the offensive formation.
Daboll needs to incorporate more pre-snap motion, shifts, and play-action passes to keep defenses guessing.
Utilizing Daniel Jones’ Mobility
Despite missing time due to injury, Daniel Jones still managed to rank among the league leaders in rushing yards for quarterbacks in 2023. His ability to extend plays with his legs is a valuable asset that the Giants need to utilize more effectively.
Designed quarterback runs, read-option plays, and scrambles when passing plays break down can all be effective ways to utilize Jones’ athleticism.
Conclusion
The New York Giants offense has the potential to be a dynamic unit in 2024. With a healthy Daniel Jones, a revamped offensive line, and a talented group of skill position players, the pieces are in place for a successful season.
The key will be for Brian Daboll to implement a balanced and unpredictable offense that takes advantage of the strengths of his personnel. If he can do that, the Giants’ offense could be one of the most improved units in the league.