Ben McAdoo is supposed to have one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, so it’s mind-boggling that the New York Giants offense is struggling so much this season.
Last season the New York Giants averaged 26 points per game and their 420 total points were fourth most in the NFC. With Victor Cruz healthy and the addition of rookie Sterling Shepard, the sky was supposed to be the limit for the Giants offense. But through seven games this season, the Giants have scored just 133 points (19 points per game) which is fifth worst in the NFC.The Giants have yet to score 30 points in any game this season, and there’s been three games in which Eli Manning has failed to throw a touchdown.
All of the other pieces to the Giants offense are intact from last year with the exception of Shane Vereen, who was lost for the year after Week 3. The only major difference is McAdoo is now the head coach instead of offensive coordinator.
The Giants won’t admit it publicly, but one of the reasons the Giants and Tom Coughlin parted ways in January is because the Giants were fearful they would lose McAdoo to a head coaching job someone else. It’s been reported that the Philadelphia Eagles were heavily recruiting McAdoo. So, if Coughlin remained head coach, it’s very likely McAdoo would be head coach of the Eagles.
Whether it has to do with the added responsibilities of being the head coach, his play calling has gotten predictable, and hasn’t made enough in game adjustments. The Giants have scored just 66 points in the second half of games this season.
With the Giants running game and offensive tackles struggling; McAdoo hasn’t called enough screen passes. Screen passes would slow down the opposing team’s pass rush, and get the Giants running backs more involved in the game.
McAdoo has also neglected to give rookie right end Jerell Adams more playing time. Adams is far and away the Giants best blocking tight end, and the most athletic. McAdoo could stay in and help pass protect, while the Giants run three man routes with Odell Beckham Jr., Victor Cruz, and Sterling Shepard.
The Giants are 4-3 and it’s the first time since 2012 that they’ve had a winning record after seven games, so McAdoo deserves credit for that. But Giants ownership expects the Giants to make the playoffs this year and the only way that happens is if the Giants offense gets on track. It’s time for McAdoo to show that he’s the offensive genius that people around the league feel he is.
