The New York Giants are entering 2025 with hope, looking to recapture the magic of 2022 when they got off to a fast start and made the playoffs. But this year’s schedule is tough for their passing offense and may make it hard to duplicate that early season success.
Tough Schedule Ahead
According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football, the Giants face 5 top-7 pass defenses from 2024 in the first 5 games: Denver, Philadelphia, LA Chargers, Washington, and Kansas City. Those games come at a time when the Giants’ passing game is still finding its way.
Last year, the Giants were 28th in the NFL in passing offense, averaging 189.9 yards per game. With Russell Wilson under center there’s hope his veteran presence will spark the deep ball. But with no significant upgrades to the OL or WR corps, it’s hard to see how the Giants can keep up with these top defenses early in the season.
Play-Calling Questions Remain
Another issue with the Giants’ passing game is the play-calling. In 2024, head coach Brian Daboll took play-calling away from offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. Unfortunately, the results were worse than Kafka’s tenure despite similar QB instability.
Will Daboll continue to call plays or give it back to Kafka? Either way, fixing the passing game will require more than a change in leadership—it needs better execution, improved protection and consistent chemistry between Wilson and his receivers.
High Stakes for Schoen and Daboll
For GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, getting off to a good start in 2025 is key, not just for the team’s morale but for their own jobs. Schoen recently told Kay Adams on FanDuel’s Up & Adams podcast, “You’d always like to get off to a fast start if you can.”
But with this tough schedule ahead, it won’t be easy. If the Giants stumble out of the gate again (like they did in 2023 and 2024), it could be a sign of deeper issues within the organization. Ownership may start to wonder if Schoen and Daboll’s plan is worth sticking with or if it’s time for a full rebuild.
What Needs to Happen?
To overcome these challenges the Giants need:
- Improved Protection: Russell Wilson needs time to throw which means the OL needs to step up.
- Weaponry Upgrades: A reliable outside receiver would take pressure off Nabers and give Wilson more options downfield.
- Execution Under Pressure: Facing top defenses requires precision and confidence, qualities the Giants have lacked in recent years.
If the Giants can get a modest start it might buy Schoen and Daboll some time to prove their plan is working. But if not the calls for change will get louder.