For football fans who love to plan, there’s no better day than the NFL schedule release day.
While we may still be four months away from the 2024 season’s official kickoff, we’re one step closer to football Sundays.
There’s little doubt the New York Giants face a critical season after finishing a disappointing 6-11 last year.
That season of turmoil led to a coaching staff overhaul, (more) quarterback unrest, major changes in free agency, a blockbuster trade and a top-10 pick, so there’s no shortage of intrigue this upcoming year.
General manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll will be under even more scrutiny this season to show progress in their third years at the helm.
That will be a big challenge considering the Giants’ opponents this year.
Based on last year’s standings, the Giants are slated to face the sixth-toughest strength of schedule, so they’ll have their work cut out.
While every team wants to win its first game, a Week 1 victory would go a long way in the minds of Giants fans in the wake of last year’s dismal opener — a 40-0 thrashing by Dallas — which foretold a rocky rest of the year.
A season-opening win would be a strong sign of progress. And it should be gettable, too.
Minnesota has an excellent roster, but questions at quarterback. The Giants will either see the well-traveled Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy in his NFL debut.
The Giants passed on McCarthy in the draft; that could look smart or foolish depending on if or how well he plays.
