The New York Giants open up their 2015 NFL Training Camp this Friday. Could this be Tom Coughlin’s last as head coach?
By Steven Cifuentes
Big Blue is coming off a very disappointing 6-10
Giants fans, and owners, do not accept losing teams and it is playoffs or bust for Mr. Coughlin.
The offense looks to bring Victor Cruz back and the thoughts of teaming the Salsa-man himself with Odell Beckham Jr., has Giants fans dreaming of an offense that will dominate. Is it crazy to dream of an offense that can score at will and put up 30-plus points a game?
The Defense was hurt by injuries to key players last year, like Jon Beason, and considering how this offseason has gone (Jason Pierre-Paul fingers, or lack thereof) the defense may be trending in the same direction.
You know it’s been a rough offseason when all the talk is not about your Madden cover boy ODB, HIPPA Laws, and how will your edge rusher survive without his right index finger.
Let’s take a look at some of the burning questions that must be answered over the next few weeks.
Can Victor Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. co-exist?
It seems like a pretty simple equation: take a dynamic offense and add another dynamic piece to the puzzle and you have an instant upgrade. Sometimes it does not always work out that way. There is only one ball to go around and the question of whether there will be enough love spread throughout remains an important one.
Luckily for Big Blue, primadonna wide receiver is a description closely tied with Cruz and Beckham Jr. The chemistry will find a way to work and this will be one of the best WR duo’s in the league. Get that DVR set, because you never know what will occur when Eli Manning releases the ball.
Will Jason Pierre-Paul even show up to camp?
My answer is short and to the point, no.
I think the Giants will find an edge rusher during camp and part ways with the headache that is JPP.
The guy has a huge payday around the corner and instead of paying someone to light his fireworks, he risks it all and blows up his right hand. The Giants need to prove they are still about on the field and off the field performance and just let JPP fade off into the sunset.
Which offseason acquisition will light-up camp?
The G-Men didn’t exactly set the world on fire with their offseason moves. They seemed to take the approach that re-signing key players and getting injured players back will turn this team around.
My vote for the biggest impact signing will be RB Shane Vereen. When Eli looks out at the opposition’s defense and sees nickel and dime coverage all day, he’ll need to check down to someone to keep teams honest.
Vereen is just that very outlet out of the backfield Manning will fall in love with. Be prepared for those bye weeks fantasy fans, Vereen will be just the RB you can plug in to get you some nice stats when the your starters have an off week.
Who will be the Giants best Rookie?
If you haven’t heard his name yet, you will, and very soon. Landon Collins will start at Safety and will make an impact right away.
Many experts predicted Collins to go in the first round and the Giants made sure to get their man when they traded up in the second round to nab him. He is known for his run stuffing and tackling ability, something all fans love to see out of their safeties. Some highlight reel hits are on the horizon.
Enjoy training camp while is lasts, it’s the best time of year to dream big. Will the dreams of a playoff berth and long playoff run come true? Who knows, but for at least a month nobody can tell you to stop imagining 12-4 dominate season ended at the Canyon of Heroes.