The New York Giants are heading into an extremely important season for the recent history of the franchise and as Victor Cruz holdout for a long-term deal, one thing could really help the offense in 2013 and that is the involvement of Brandon Myers.
The Giants have had a steady flow of tight ends over the years so the turnover from Martellus Bennett to Myers shouldn't be an issue and while the team doesn't always involved the position in the passing game, Kevin Gilbride could decide to do things differently this season, especially if the Cruz holdout drags into the regular season. Bennett had a breakout season in 2012 and he turned that into a big deal with the Bears, while Myers also had a breakout season while working with the Oakland Raiders and Carson Palmer.
Bennett set career highs with 55 catches for 626 yards and five touchdowns after starting his career with the Dallas Cowboys and despite him signing with the Bears, the team is ready for a new player at the position, as they have been through this before with Kevin Boss, Jake Ballard and even Jeremy Shockey years ago. The team uses tight ends to block a lot and while Bennett was above average and Myers is below, his contributions in the passing game could make up for that.
Last season Myers did the same thing Meyers did and broke out big time with 79 catches and 806 yards and four touchdowns and his receptions led the Raiders, who dealt with some injuries at other positions. The signing of Myers was a very smart one for GM Jerry Reese, as the team took a risk and lost Ballard to the Patriots last season and then lost Bennett as a free agent when they didn't want to pay him a ridiculous contract.
Eli Manning usually has good relationships with his receivers and so far in camp things have went well between Myers and the quarterback, as he has received some extra attention without Cruz in the fold. Hakeem Nicks was back at mandatory camp and while he was out of OTAs, Manning shouldn't be too far behind with him as well, but that absence could also benefit Myers down the road, as he was able to get some more work in.
The Giants suffered a letdown after missing the playoffs the year after winning the Super Bowl and as Manning gets a year older and the team works on a deal for Cruz, the 2013 season will be one that is looked at very closely by fans and the franchise overall. The team had huge issues on defense and that will be the biggest thing they need to improve going forward, as they ranked 31st in total yards given up and were at the bottom of the league rankings in passing and rushing yards allowed per game. If the team can improve just slightly at those areas, they will be in good condition to improve and possibly make the playoffs in what will be a tough division with the Redskins, Cowboys and the new-look Eagles.
