In 2011, the Philadelphia Eagles pieced together a series of free-agent signings and some burgeoning talent that helped labeled their unit “The Dream Team,” seeing a championship in their sights.
As you, the Eagles didn’t win a Super Bowl One of those free agents ironically who was eventually let go was Dominique Rodgers Cromartie.
Fast forward six years later, and the Giants believed they would be in a similar situation – free-agent signings combined with young talent that would lead them to a Super Bowl title this season.
This version has turned into a nightmare.
Philadelphia comes into Met Life this Sunday with their latest Super Bowl sky-high aspirations in mind. However, they have been lowered with the loss of MVP candidate quarterback Carson Wentz.
Still, the Eagles went through another parallel revamping over the past two seasons and have morphed into a bonafide contender – a high-powered offense, a steady offensive line, and an underrated defensive unit.
Now, it is time for the Giants to take the cue and do the same.
We likely will get another look at Eli Manning this Sunday after he had a stable first half last week against Dallas, but he eventually again became the victim of dropped passes and bad protection.
There is some chatter that Manning may be back with Big Blue next season after all, serving as a tutor for the new franchise quarterback.
That may be fine, but the Giants soon will have to decide whether Davis Webb is the answer. Webb should get the call against Arizona next week as well as against Washington in the season finale to determine the outcome.
It looks like the Giants will get one of the first three overall picks, and they need to use it on a quarterback, lineman, or running back.
(See USC quarterback Sam Darnold, UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen, Notre Dame offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey, and Penn State running back Saquon Barkley.)
Like the Jets did this past year, the Giants must clean out the locker room, beginning with cornerback Eli Apple.
Apple has been the subject of several incidents, and his latest feud with Landon Collins along with his tweeting episode about the Cowboys should solidify his exit. From there, take a look at the rest of the secondary, and find out what happened there.
Yes, there is more beyond the secondary..nearly a complete overhaul.
Philadelphia (11-2) will look to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs this Sunday, and they shouldn’t have much trouble. The Eagles have been averaging 143 yards a game on the ground behind Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount, and their passing game should sail along behind backup quarterback Nick Foles.
As for the Giants, maybe Evan Engram will regain his form, and Manning can be effective for four quarters. In all likelihood, this will be a long afternoon, as interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo and his team plays out the string.
It also is time for the Giants to think about rebuilding another Super Team.