As the 2024 NFL season approaches, the New York Giants find themselves in an interesting position. After an impressive start under head coach Brian Daboll, the team struggled last year, leaving fans and organization members with a sense of unease heading into the new campaign.

One of the biggest blows for the Giants was the departure of star running back Saquon Barkley, who shocked everyone by joining their division rival, the Philadelphia Eagles. With Barkley now gone, the Giants are in desperate need of playmakers to fill the void. However, their track record with drafting LSUs receivers in the first round has been promising, with Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase becoming impressive performers in the NFL.

In terms of their roster, the Giants made some notable additions and departures for the 2024 season. Their draft class includes standout receiver Malik Nabers, who topped the FBS in receiving yards per game and touchdown receptions in 2023. Nabers provides hope for the Giants' offense, which suffered from inconsistency the previous season.

However, the spotlight remains on quarterback Daniel Jones. Despite signing a lucrative $160 million deal, Jones has faced criticism for his lackluster performances. His record against playoff-bound teams and inability to reach certain passing milestones has raised concerns about his abilities as a franchise quarterback.

Another area of concern for the Giants is their offensive line. In 2023, they allowed a league-high 85 sacks, highlighting the urgent need for improvement in pass protection. Returning starters John Michael Schmitz and Evan Neal struggled in pass-blocking, adding further urgency to address the line's weaknesses.

On the defensive side, the Giants hope to bolster their pass rush with the addition of Brian Burns, acquired through a trade with the Carolina Panthers. Burns has been a consistent force in terms of sacks and will team up with Kayvon Thibodeaux and Dexter Lawrence to create a formidable front line. With these defensive assets, the Giants aim to improve their sack count and put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Looking at the Giants' schedule, a couple of key games stand out. In Week 2, they face the Washington Commanders in a crucial early matchup that could set the tone for their season. Week 10 sees a matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Munich, and a win there could provide a boost for their post-bye week campaign. Ultimately, the Week 18 clash against the Philadelphia Eagles could potentially decide their playoff fate.

Regarding expectations for the Giants, making a playoff run is seen as a benchmark for success in the 2024 season. While finishing above .500 and showing progress could potentially save some jobs, the Giants need to see a significant return on their investment in Daniel Jones. Additionally, the performance of rookie receiver Malik Nabers could play a pivotal role in sparking a much-needed offensive revolution.

As the Giants gear up for the 2024 season, the pressure is on to overcome previous setbacks and reclaim their winning ways. With new faces and challenges ahead, all eyes will be on the team's progress as they strive to reclaim their status as playoff contenders.