Russell Wilson's decision to join the New York Giants came after reaching out to tight end Chris Manhertz, his former teammate at the Denver Broncos. Manhertz provided insights about the Giants, having spent a year with them, and emphasized the team’s culture and professionalism. He praised Wilson’s winning attitude, stating that the quarterback's experience would be an asset to the Giants. Wilson's excitement about joining the Giants was palpable, especially regarding the camaraderie with players he has previously played alongside.

Manhertz, who has re-signed with the Giants, expressed his belief that Wilson would seamlessly integrate into the team's system, adding a dynamic that the Giants hope will lead to success. His recruitment efforts reflect a strong bond formed during their time in Denver, showing the importance of relationships in player decisions.

The Detroit Lions' offense continues to shine, ranked as one of the league's best in 2024. With the addition of new offensive coordinator John Morton, the team is poised for further enhancement heading into the 2025 season. Though known for their cautious approach to free agency, the Lions are set to explore opportunities to bolster their roster with ten external free agents who fit their style. Notable candidates include Tyler Lockett, a veteran receiver with extensive experience, and offensive linemen like Will Hernandez and Daniel Brunskill, both of whom could enhance the Lions’ blocking schemes. Morton’s familiarity with players like Javonte Williams—a versatile RB—suggests a potential for interesting plays. Additionally, the return of Josh Reynolds and a backup quarterback competition could further enrich the offensive dynamics.

Chris Manhertz solidified his status as a key player for the New York Giants in the 2024 season, earning commendation as a top blocking tight end. Standing at 6-foot-6 and 235 pounds, his physical prowess greatly contributed to the Giants' running and passing game, especially during the latter part of the season. Manhertz recorded a career-best 69.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), showcasing his effectiveness in both run-blocking and pass protection.

Despite a slow start, Manhertz's performance improved significantly, which included only allowing three pressures throughout the season. His blocking was instrumental in supporting the offensive line, particularly for running back Tyrone Tracy Jr., who thrived behind Manhertz’s key blocks. The tight end's versatility also allowed him to contribute to the passing game, with three receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating his multifaceted role even beyond his primary blocking duties.

At 32 years of age, Manhertz's durability and sustained performance mark him as a valuable asset for the Giants. His ability to step up amid injuries and fill in gaps has proven essential. As the Giants look to the future, his experience and reliability will likely continue to be sought after as they work to enhance their offensive line and overall blocking schemes for the upcoming seasons.

The New York Giants' passing game dynamics shifted significantly with the emergence of wide receiver Malik Nabers as the primary target, alongside Wan'Dale Robinson. By 2023, tight ends were only targeted 21.9% of the time in passing plays, catching 53.9% of those passes and accounting for 25.1% of total yards. In contrast, receivers were targeted 56.9% of the time, showcasing a stark contrast in production with 23.5% of receptions and a dominating 61.2% of yards.

The 2024 season saw a further decline in tight end targets to 13.1%, while receivers garnered 71.3%. The tight ends managed to catch only 13.7% of their targets, amassing 14.5% of the yards. Red zone usage was particularly low for the tight ends, with only minimal targets translating into two catches and a touchdown across the entire season. Meanwhile, receivers exploited red zone opportunities more effectively, yielding a better touchdown rate.

Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll's decision to pass on first-round quarterbacks in the draft is now under scrutiny as Michael Penix Jr. prepares for his first NFL start with the Atlanta Falcons against the struggling New York Giants. The Giants, sitting at 2-12, face the possibility of a 10th consecutive loss, further complicating Schoen and Daboll's future.

Despite their choice of wide receiver Malik Nabers at No. 6 overall, the Giants' offense has struggled, averaging just 14.9 points per game. Meanwhile, the Falcons, despite their own issues, have opened as favorites for the matchup.