There was very little middle ground for the streaky New York Giants in 2014. They opened the season with two 
double-digit losses, won three games in the same fashion, lost the next seven – four of which were blowouts – knocking themselves out of the playoffs and then finished winning three of four.
The end result, however, was a 6-10 record that, despite an aggressive free agency push toward improvement from a 7-9 mark in 2013 actually resulted in a one game regression.
That said, Eli Manning appeared to pick up the new offensive system as the year rolled on. And Odell Beckham showed signs during his rookie year that he could be one of the league’s top up and coming stars. So where does that leave the Giants going forward?
Ed Valentine, editor in chief of the Big Blue View, stopped by with some thoughts.
Zoneblitz: The Giants were as streaky as streaky gets in 2014, which ultimately resulted in a 6-10 mark. How would you assess the season?
Valentine: A disappointment. The Giants didn’t splurge in free agency, spending north of $100 million, to finish 6-10 and miss the playoffs again.
Zoneblitz: He’s got a couple Super Bowl rings, but after a couple rough seasons, what’s Tom Coughlin’s future in New York?
Valentine: Simple. Make the playoffs this season and the pressure is off, he can write his ticket pretty much and probably retire in a couple of years when he’s ready. Miss the playoffs, the Giants make a change. They don’t want to, but they will.
Zoneblitz: Eli Manning looked at times like he was really catching on to Bob McAdoo’s offense. What are you expecting from him in year two?
Valentine: A solid year, especially if Odell Beckham is healthy and the Giants solidify their offensive line.
Zoneblitz: Odell Beckham exploded onto the scene last year. What’s his outlook for year two, particularly with Victor Cruz returning?
Valentine: Beckham is a great player, no reason to expect anything less than the spectacular stuff we saw last season. If Cruz is healthy that is a hue plus for the Giants.
Zoneblitz: Shane Vereen was an interesting free agent signing – where does he fit and what is the RB outlook between him, Rashad Jennings and Andre Williams?
Valentine: Vereen is a third-down back, a pass-catcher with open field skills. He is a great complement to Jennings and Williams, more power runners who aren’t primary targets as receivers.
Zoneblitz: The defense gave up 400 points in 2014. What caused the problems in 2014 and what has to happen for that unit to turn around in 2015?
Valentine: Well, tons of problems. Injuries, couldn’t play the run, communication issues, you name it. Steve Spagnuolo is back, replacing Perry Fewell as DC. The Giants must improve their run defense and get a more consistent pass rush.
Zoneblitz: Particularly in the secondary, it seemed like Prince Amukamara played well, but safety Antrel Rolle is already gone from that unit, which I believe leaves the secondary with no experienced safeties. How will the Giants address this?
Valentine: Your guess is as good as mine about the safety spot. Second-year man Nat Berhe figures to be part of the plan, but other than that nobody knows.
Zoneblitz: What Giants have a chance to break out in 2015?
Valentine: Andre Williams, Weston Richburg come to mind on offense. Berhe, Devon Kennard and Damontre Moore on defense.
Zoneblitz: How far are the Giants from making another run in the postseason?
Valentine: I don’t think they are that far, but there is no way to know until they get on the field.
Zoneblitz: What is your reaction to free agency at this point and what would you like to see the team do through the rest of free agency and in the draft?
Valentine: They need to address the safety spot, find one more starter on the offensive line and should they run into a pass-rushing defensive end in the draft that would be a good idea, too.
Follow Ed Valentine on Twitter at: @Valentine_Ed
Follow Big Blue View on Twitter at: @BigBlueView
Follow Zoneblitz.com on Twitter at: @ZoneblitzCom
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There are players on the Giant’s roster, that could be considered as helpful this year, but few folks are talking about them. Brandon Mosely, who played college ball at a pretty good school, was hurt last year, but he showed well at the end of 2013. Eric Herman was suspended by the league for six games last year, and by TC for 16 games. Corey Washington will probably be relegated to special teams play throughout the preseason so there will be no chance of him catching more touchdown passes. TC is a very good coach, but his dog house is vile and deep.