A Sucker For Giant Optimism…

All in With John Jastremski

So I realize that we are at the point in the NFL Training Camp/Preseason period where a whole lot of hope springs eternal for most of the 32 teams across the landscape of the league. 

I did not necessarily think back in March or April I would find myself having that vibe with the New York Giants. 

After all in 2024, the Giants were the most unwatchable team that the NFL had to offer. 

The vibe in 2025 seems totally different despite the fact that Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll were retained much to the dismay of many Giants fans throughout the tri-state area. 

The Giants look like a far more competitive roster this season. 

The quarterback room has legitimate resumes. 

Say what you want about Russell Wilson and the fact that he’s played on three teams in three years, we are talking about a Super Bowl Winning QB and a player with a whole lot of accolades. 

There is a certain swagger and confidence that a player with that kind of resume can bring to a locker room. Fair or unfair, Russell Wilson brings that and the prior quarterback of the team simply did not. 

Wilson’s professionalism should help the Giants right out of the gate, but he’s not the only reason for optimism. 

The Giants fans have been treated to glimpses of fun quarterback play from first round pick Jaxson Dart. 

Dart will not start the season, but the reviews out of training camp and preseason have been overwhelmingly positive. 

No matter how this season goes, the Giants could play the Dart card that could alter the futures of both the GM and Head Coach depending on how he looks and plays. 

So it’s fair to say Giants fans have reasons to feel much better about their quarterback room compared to prior seasons. 

They also should feel the best about their defense in quite some time. 

The Abdul Carter factor is real. There is an argument he was the best player in the 2025 draft and now he gets to play alongside Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux. 

The Giants on paper should have one of the best pass rush units in the NFL. 

All of a sudden, for a team that looked as unwatchable as it gets, you’re starting to see elements of hope. 

Now, don’t get me wrong. The Giants schedule is BRUTAL. 

It is the definition of murderer’s row on paper. However, NFL schedules sometimes evolve depending on how the season shakes out. 

At the very least, the Giants have caught my attention heading into Week 1. 

How much better are they? We’re about to find out…