Know Thy Enemy II - New York Giants

The Know Thy Enemy series continues as we take time out time out with James Masini, a huge Giants fan and one half of our sadly now defunct UK podcast friends @PigskinPodcast

There are parallels between Washington Football Team and NYG, with New York also hiring a new Head Coach and possessing a young QB entering his second season under centre. With this in mind, the 2020 draft seemed solid rather than flash, with an emphasis on protecting Daniel Jones as he continues to develop with the Giants.

UKHTTR: James, after a 4-12 season in 2019, it is always nice to start afresh! And the Giants have certainly shaken things up with the hire of the hugely successful New England ST and WRs coach Joe Judge?

James Masini: It’s an interesting direction for the team, that’s for sure. Long gone are the consistent but slightly ponderous Coughlin years.

A third coach in four years is hardly ideal by anyone’s standards and a number of our issues, like WFT, are in the Front Office.

Judge comes in as a highly regarded character.

Bill Belichick was desperate to retain his services which is a good sign but I worry about that Belichick coach tree, it’s not yielded much success.

The appointment of Patrick Graham - a relative unknown - at DC is somewhat of a mystery but could work to our advantage early in the season.

What is likely to be problematic from Day One is Jason Garrett’s Offence. I’ve never trusted him as a play-caller and for all the recent success of Prescott, Elliott and their O-Line, most of the credit is considered to belong to Kellen Moore.

In Judge, I think we’ve got someone who appeals to GM, Dave Gettleman’s philosophy of football over statistics mind-set. That said, Belichick’s affection suggests that he’s a student of the game and will bring some interesting approaches.

UKHTTR: A stand out name for me in New York, who has the potential to really take off again, is DT Leonard Williams. The Giants gave up a few draft picks and will be paying a large salary, but I would be interested if you share my thoughts that the NFL might see Williams elevate from disruptive along the line to a genuine destructive force?

James Masini: I loved Williams coming out of the draft.

The Jets got a real steal and their inability to use him effectively, is our gain. A lot hinges on how Patrick Graham runs the Defence. Graham coached the Giants D-Line coach in 2016 when we tore up the league.

His system is likely to use a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 fronts so I can see Williams moving around a lot. Williams is athletic enough to sit as a base 4-3 but he’s likely to find himself playing inside as a 5-tech or rotating as Nose Tackle.

Our front three (along with Dexter Lawrence and Dalvin Tomlinson) is one of the few areas where I think we’re better than the league average.

UKHTTR: With the fourth overall pick, the Giants took Andrew Thomas. How did you view the draft 2020 and want to throw us a Draft Grade on the 2020 class?

James Masini: It was a strange draft for everyone, wasn’t it? With the minimal exposure to the prospects, all most have had to go on his the film.

There was a glut of talented OTs at the top of the draft so I think it depended on what each team was looking for. Pre-draft everyone thought we were locked into Tristan Wrifs (who ended up going 13th to Tampa). The Giants have been plagued by leaks in recent times so I was just delighted that we went in a different direction!

Thomas was slated to play RT with Nate Solder protecting Daniel Jones’ blindside but with the sudden and very sad departure of Solder, I think Thomas will assume the LT duties. It’s a big ask but he can’t be worse than Ereck Flowers.

In terms of a grade, it’s hard to tell at this point. I think we nailed our first 3 picks but it all got a bit odd after that. We took 4 Linebackers! Hopefully at least a couple stick around (we need them to). I’d say it’s a B grade for now.

UKHTTR: Arguably the biggest story of the entire off-season was the relinquishing of the Redskins nickname and logo in Washington. Looking in, how do you feel that was viewed from a broader perspective? For me, it seemed the right time, but will you miss the history of a Giants vs Redskins match-up?

James Masini: I think the right time was probably around 40 years ago. It’s great that Synder has finally come to his senses (or rather, the sponsors have held a gun to his head).

Whether they end up as the Redtails or the Presidents or whatever; it doesn’t change anything from a rivalry perspective. The history isn’t erased and the encounters will be as fierce as always. Personally, I think the Redtails would be a great homage to a great and often forgotten corner of the American history and rights at least some of the wrongs committed in not making this change sooner.

UKHTTR: A potentially interesting sub-plot for the two franchises is the development of Haskins and Jones. How do you see this one panning out in 2020 and beyond? Would you go back in time and take Dwayne or happy with Jones under centre?

James Masini: In all honesty, I’d have passed on both of them.

Both Jones and Haskins needed time before being thrown into first team duties. Jones was a reach for me but has proved himself an adequate starting QB to play a supporting role in the Saquon Barkley Show.

Haskins was put in an awful position last year so would expect to see some improvements under Scott Turner. It’s a big year for both of them so I suspect we’ll both know a lot more about the future of our franchises in six months.

UKHTTR: The general consensus around the League, in these pandemic times, is that teams who have roster and coaching continuity will fare better than the likes of the Giants and WFT. Do you think this is a fair assessment?

James Masini: Yeah, absolutely. Frankly, whatever happens, I’ve got to think Judge gets a pass if it all goes to hell this year.

The challenge for any new head coaches, especially a first time head coach like him, will be how to implement his playbook, philosophy and build personal rapport with literally 100s of people involved in an NFL franchise in a Covid-19 environment.

Zoom meetings and virtual whiteboards will be no substitute for proper OTAs and mini-camps. Training camp is now underway but it’s going to be a fast learning process for everyone over the next few weeks

UKHTTR: Any under the radar guys in New York that you feel will be much better known by season end? And who do you rate on the WFT roster?

James Masini: Our Defensive Backs are very ‘feast or famine’. This should be Corner Sam Beal’s breakout year but he’s flattered to deceive so far.

Also keep your eye on our second rounder Xavier McKinney at Safety. He’s got DROY potential and was a real steal for us.

I’ve loved Ryan Kerrigan since Washington drafted him. He always causes us issues and a classic, hard-working Defensive End. Reminds me a lot of what we had with Justin Tuck back in the day.

Excited to see what he can do with Chase Young (hopefully against teams not called the Giants). It’s also hard not to be excited by Derrius Guice. If he can stay healthy (and it’s a big ‘if’), he’s a ferocious runner.

UKHTTR: and lastly, your predictions for final 2020 season records and placing for the Giants and WFT?

James Masini: I think the Giants and Washington are probably wrestling it out at the foot of the NFC East again. At best, we’re both a game or two either side of 8-8.

At worst, we’re both picking in the top 5 of the draft again. Could be a long season!