View from the opposition: New York Giants 2023

As with every season, it is the NFC East matchups that will go a long way in determining a repeat of post-season action for the burgundy & gold. Two of those games, will, of course, be vs. the New York Giants.

UKHTTC founder Christian Burt took time out with NYG aficionado James Masini aka Sunday Night Lights to discuss the fortunes of the Big Blue, who the WFT will face in October and November this year.

The Giants signed QB Daniel Jones to a long-term contract. Are you happy with this stability at the QB position for the foreseeable with a guy who might be about to hit his prime?

I think it’s probably the right thing to do but I’m highly sceptical about his ability to get much better: we are likely seeing the ceiling for Daniel Jones.

Darren Waller is a great addition; you could see how much he relied on a short dump-off option last year. Now we have someone with the YAC ability to turn those passes into chunk plays.

The 2023 Draft seemed solid for NYG. It seems compared to the Commanders; the Giants FO seem more determined to keep the QB on his feet with another high draft pick in Centre John Michael Schmitz. What was your overall impression of the draft haul in 2023 and who might be immediate contributors?

I think we over drafted CB Deonte Banks in the first. Everything after that made a lot of sense.

Third round pick WR Jalin Hyatt could have been at Day 1 selection and might be a sneaky Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate if he’s given the workload (and Jones can fix his deep accuracy).

Dan Snyder has finally left the building! What is your Big Blue observation of the changes in Washington and the new regime in place?

In theory, they should be far more competitive and focussed From what we’ve seen of the new leadership, they seem pretty driven to make Washington relevant again.

With the Giants back in the playoffs too, has the East has returned to supremacy in the NFC?

What are the obvious strengths of the NYG heading into 2023?

Our coaching staff remain more talented than the talent around them. They’ve worked miracles.

Offensively, I’m excited to see what Saquon can do, now that Wallace will draw some Linebacker focus and vice-versa.

It’s always fun to see what Wink Martindale’s Defense can conjure up, with a bold prediction that the front 7 could be SB42 good.

And potential weaknesses?

The rest of the Defense!

Starting 2 rookies at corner is a worry, yes - Jackson and McKinney return. but the Giants will be even more susceptible to the deep ball, it’s been a problem for a while, and I don’t think an improvement is likely.

Final record prediction for both teams including two guys to keep an eye on in New York and two guys you fear in burgundy & gold?

Every year I do this, I put us both around .500 but this year….is no different!

Giants won a lot of close games in 2022. Law of averages say that they come back to the pack but the upgrades on Defense, Tight End and Barkley being another year removed from injury, is all suggesting that they’re trending up. 9-8. In no way a disaster but narrowly missing the playoffs.

Commanders live and die by Sam Howell and the health of their D-Line. I love that front 4. Payne and Allen are a terrifying prospect and when you couple it Sweat and Young, it’s almost unplayable.

If Howell can retain that week 17 form; look out! I worry this is a bit of a developmental year for him though and that Offensive Line looks like a real weakness (particularly Giants cast off and human revolving door, Nick Gates). Washington finish 7-10 and a new QB/HC combo in 2024.