An eye roll.
That is how Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie reacted after he was reminded what was going on around the Giants exactly one year ago. It was a memory that could serve as a portent of things to come or else a warning of what to avoid.
“It’s a different year, it’s a different feel,’’ Rodgers-Cromartie said.
Yet it is an identical record. At 4-3, the Giants are in the same place they were in 2015, in terms of win and losses. A year ago, they were in first place in the diminished NFC East, knowing their performance was often shaky but seeing no reason why the division could not be theirs. It did not quite turn out that way as they lost seven of their last nine games.
This year’s 4-3 feels quite different, as it leaves them only a half-game ahead of the last-place Redskins, who head into their bye off a 27-27 tie with the Bengals in London. There is no doubt these Giants have a more talented defense that figures to improve as the new and old continue to mesh together. There is also no doubt these Giants exhibit troubling offensive flaws and production slowdowns.
A two-game winning streak as they return from their bye week has the Giants in a good place, spirit-wise, if not in the standings, but those who were on the scene last season know today’s crackling vibe can turn into tomorrow’s flatline in a hurry.
“I think the guys that are here know that and understand that but you don’t want to harp on that, because the momentum’s good, the atmosphere’s good,’’ Rodgers-Cromartie said. “Get back in and get on our opponent and study them as best you can and prepare for a game.’’
The Giants come out of the chute with a game that could make or break their season, as they begin a rare three-game homestand with their first look at the Eagles.
In Ben McAdoo’s first season as head coach, the Giants have not helped or hurt themselves much as they look to snap a four-year stretch failing to make the playoffs. McAdoo preaches “Protect the Duke’’ and yet only two teams have a worse turnover differential (minus-7).
Spending more than $200 million to upgrade last season’s worst-ranked defense has paid dividends, as the Giants went into their bye 19th in overall defense (based on yards allowed) and 10th in points allowed. The most glaring problem with this team is that the Giants after seven games were tied for 25th in points scored, an indictment of McAdoo, Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., the line and everyone associated with the disappointing offense.
“I feel like we have yet to have a complete game, when the defense is on point and we’re on point at the same time,’’ rookie receiver Sterling Shepard said. “We can get those things rolling at the same time we can do something special. That’s on us having to figure what to do to get to that point.’’
Pre-bye highlights and lowlights:
Seven-game MVP
Janoris Jenkins. This guy is better than advertised. Jackrabbit never stops running and seemingly never gets tired — he’s played virtually every snap. Sure, he’s been beaten twice over the top, but find a cornerback who hasn’t been. Jenkins competes at the highest of levels and did lockdown work against Dez Bryant, Brandin Cooks and Stefon Diggs.
Least pleasant surprise
The overall lousiness of the offense. The Giants are 32nd (dead last) in rushing yards, 29th in yards per rushing attempt, 24th in first downs, 26th in third-down efficiency and tied for 25th in points scored.
Best surprise
Justin Pugh has progressed from solid to sensational. He made great strides last season, finally finding a home at left guard, and he has stepped up his performance. If he continues to excel, he will deserve serious Pro Bowl consideration.
Biggest disappointment
This was supposed to be the coming-out party for Owa Odighizuwa, now healthy and primed in his second NFL season. The muscular defensive end from UCLA has not earned many snaps and has not done much with the snaps he gets. It is way too early to give up on him, but an upsurge would be welcome any time now.
Best moment
Beckham made sure a bogus pass interference penalty called on Rodgers-Cromartie became a footnote when he took a short slant and raced 66 yards for a game-winning touchdown to beat the Ravens in the closing minutes.
Most fortunate moment
Cowboys receiver Terence Williams losing his mind as he fought for yards instead of running out of bounds to stop the clock, a mindless gaffe that allowed the Giants to purge some bad memories and escape the season opener with a victory at AT&T Stadium.
Worst moment (Off the field)
The entire Josh Brown affair, which placed the Giants organization in a negative light as the controversy hovered over the first half of its season and, unfortunately, accompanied the team on its overseas trip to London.
Worst moment (On the field)
In Week 3, after all their transgressions, the Giants had a chance to move down the field for a game-winning field goal as they trailed the Redskins, 29-27. With time to do what he’s done so many times in the past, Manning inexplicably forced a pass into the tightest of quarters and Su’a Cravens brushed past Shane Vereen for the game-clinching interception with 1:02 remaining.
Most misleading stat
Olivier Vernon has only one sack, putting him on pace for 2.3 sacks in his first season with the Giants. For $85 million, the Giants expect and need Vernon to be more of a home-run hitter. Still, he has been extremely active and one of the league leaders in quarterback hurries, despite a cranky left wrist that has hurt his effectiveness.
Upcoming decision
The Giants thrived on offense in 2014 and 2015 with McAdoo calling the plays, but they’ve been remarkably ineffective with him calling the shots now that he’s the head coach. Does he change it up and give the play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan?