The 2022 NFL season will be a welcome sight for the New York Giants and their fans. The once-proud franchise has fallen on hard times recently, having posted five straight losing seasons. However, new general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have brought the fans hope, an emotion many likely haven't experienced in years, given the team's losing ways.
All eyes will be on quarterback Daniel Jones, who the organization hopes will thrive under the tutelage of Daboll and former Kansas City Chiefs quarterbacks Coach Mike Kafka, New York's new offensive coordinator. It's essentially a make-or-break year for the former sixth pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, who had his fifth-year option declined by the franchise.
Not only will Daboll be hoping for a big year from Jones, but also from another former top pick in the draft, running back Saquon Barkley. Barkley has endured injuries since his magical 2018 rookie season, failing to rediscover the form that had many projecting a Hall of Fame-type career.
In addition to the veterans, New York will be counting on two rookies, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Evan Neal, to contribute as starters right from the get-go. The Giants won't be contending in 2022. But if they can show progress and build off of last year's four-win season, fans will be more than pleased.
That said, here are four way too early predictions for the Giants in the 2022 NFL season.
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Giants Way Too Early Predictions For The 2022 NFL Season
4. Kayvon Thibodeaux breaks the Giants' rookie sack record
The Giants selected Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux with the fifth pick in the NFL Draft. Thibodeaux has the size and speed to make an immediate impact in the NFL. Thibodeaux's former head coach Mario Cristobal came out and said that the pass rusher will be a superstar in the NFL and that his “best football is ahead of him.”
After tallying 12 tackles for loss and seven sacks in just 10 games, the Oregon product certainly has elite-level player in his range of outcomes. Thibodeaux was wearing the red jersey at OTAs and was not a full participant at the offseason practice. Provided he isn't injured, Thibodeaux seems poised for a big season. Former Giants great Lawrence Taylor owns the franchise's unofficial rookie sack record with 9.5.
Thibodeaux will beat that mark in the 2022 NFL season.
3. Daniel Jones throws 25-plus touchdowns- and 20-plus interceptions
Daniel Jones' career-high mark in touchdown passes is 24, a number he hit as a rookie. However, Jones has regressed since, throwing a combined 21 in the last two seasons. The Duke product has had injury issues, dealing with shoulder, ankle and neck ailments in the last few years.
However, with good health, there's reason to believe that good things could be in store for Jones. He'll have Daboll, who helped coax great football out of Josh Allen in Buffalo, in his ear. He'll also have Kafka, who earned the praise of Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes for his work in Kansas City, working closely with him.
Daboll has told the media that he wants Jones to “turn it loose” and be more aggressive out there. Jones will do just that in 2022, firing 25-plus touchdown passes in the most productive year of his career. Unfortunately, the newfound aggression will come at a cost. The Giants quarterback will also throw 20-plus interceptions, setting a career-high in that mark as well.
2. Saquon Barkley returns to elite form
Saquon Barkley has been a disappointment since winning the 2018 Offensive Rookie of the Year award with a 2028-scrimmage yard, 15-touchdown campaign. Since that point, Barkley has yet to play in a full season, enduring a season-ending knee injury in 2020.
The Giants star flashed his ability briefly in 2021, though an ankle injury robbed him of momentum- and explosiveness in another lost campaign. 2022 brings another opportunity to return to form for Barkley? Will he seize it?
There are reports of the Giants utilizing Barkley more as a receiver in OTAs. Nothing matters until it's put on tape, though a transition to more of a pass-catching role figures to serve Barkley well from a health standpoint.
The Giants are also moving the star halfback all over the formation, which should result in a hefty workload in 2022. Running behind an improved offensive line, Barkley will return to form in 2022 with a huge season.
1. The Giants will win 5-plus games in 2022
The Giants have averaged 4.4 wins per season in the last five years. For the interests of this section, 4.5 wins will be the benchmark set for the 2022 Giants. Can they eclipse that mark?
An improved offensive line, a better version of Jones and bounce-back years from Barkley and Kenny Golladay could make this offense sneaky good. While the Giants' secondary will get picked on all year long, the pass rush will be improved, offering hope for the future.
Put it all together and the Giants will win at least five games in 2022, a positive start to their rebuild.
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