EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- At this point last year, the New York Giants were 7-4-1 and in the driver's seat for a playoff berth they would eventually earn. Quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Saquon Barkley and left tackle Andrew Thomas, the offensive core, were healthy and hadn't missed a game.
The Giants thought they were building something in Year 1 under general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll that had co-owner John Mara boast to the New York Post "we're back!" following their wild-card playoff win over the Minnesota Vikings in January.