Last season, the Cincinnati Bengals compiled a record of 10-7 after going just 4-11-1 a year prior. Their playoff appearance turned out to be a magical one as they rode the wave all the way to Super Bowl LVI, eventually falling to the Los Angeles Rams by a score of 23-20.
Although not quite as fruitful as the ride Cincinnati went on in 2021, there seems to be at least one NFL team that shocks the world each year. So, who might that be in 2022?
The panel of the Keyshawn, JWill and Max Show on ESPN debated exactly that earlier this week and Keyshawn Johnson had a very unexpected answer: the New York Giants.
“Your New York Giants, Max. They could shock some people,” Johnson said. “We don’t know Brian Daboll as a head coach, but we also know him as a quarterback — I guess so called whisperer. He fixed Josh Allen. First couple of years Josh Allen in Buffalo struggled a little bit, but then all of a sudden he caught fire and he’s been doing well. (He) got a few MVP votes a year ago. He wasn’t the reason the Kansas City Chiefs beat them in the end and went to the AFC Championship Game. We’ll see if Danny Dimes (Jones) and Saquon Barkley can all of a sudden live up to what their billing was when they were drafted. We’ll find out.”
Johnson also pounded the drum a bit for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The problem with the Giants is that they’re still in the early stages of rebuilding under general manager Joe Schoen. Their roster is thin in a variety of areas and unless they can find sustained health, they won’t be able to overcome the loss of key players.
Still, it’s hope season and Johnson’s optimism will certainly provide some for Giants fans who long for the days of competence.
