2025 NFL Season Preview: Giants, Jets, Panthers, Dolphins
/Welcome to day two of my preseason 2025 NFL countdown.
Coming in at number 28 I have the New York Giants. I mean, this team just continues to stay stuck in the mud. I do like that they went out and signed Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston. For all the flaws those two may have, they can both still sling it. Wilson came on strong at the end of last season and looked solid. He helped guide the Steelers back to the playoffs. Winston is a true wild card, but the dude is confident. He may throw 30 picks, but he will also throw 30 tds. Jaxson Dart shouldn't see the field unless something bad happens. They truly whiffed when they picked Daniel Jones over Saquon Barkley. Barkley is a key cog in a Super Bowl champ now. The Giants are now relying on Tyrone Tracy Jr as their lead back. He is fine, but he is nowhere close to Saquon's world. Malik Nabers is a true number 1 wideout. He has every tool you want in a star receiver. He's awesome. It's pretty rough after that. They have no other threats on the outside and the O line is mediocre. The defense does have two studs in Kayvon Thibodeaux and rookie Abdul Carter. Those dudes have the ability to wreck backfields. And Brian Burns is still very productive. Then it is a list of unknowns for me. The defense should be the best unit on this team, but they are going to struggle to keep them in games. And the offense is still kind of a mystery outside of Malik Nabers. The Giants are the epitome of mediocre. They are a six win team, even with the new QB's, at the very best.
At number 27 I have the other New York team, the Jets. They are rid of Aaron Rodgers, thank goodness. And I do think Justin Fields is an upgrade because he is a threat to pass and run. Breece Hall is a very good running back 1, and Brealon Allen is one of the better backups in the league. Garrett Wilson hasn't popped just yet and Allen Lazard is old. The O line can't block, so Fields legs will come in handy. The defense is what keeps this team in games. Sauce Gardner is the best corner in the league. He is getting up to Darelle Revis levels for me. He takes away one side of the field. Quinnen Williams is a solid interior D lineman. Byron Cowart is a nice lineman eater right next to Williams. The linebacker corps can tackle. The issue for this defense, they are constantly on the field. They get next to no rest. That has to be tough for them. This defense deserves better. They are so good that they deserve an offense that can win them games and keep them off the field for a bit longer than usual for them. Maybe Fields and Hall will help, but maybe not. And that's the problem. The Jets may win seven games, but I feel like they're more likely to win five games, all of which are close.
At number 26 I have the Carolina Panthers. I think benching Bryce Young for a few games last season may be the best thing that has ever happened to him for his long term career. When he was reinserted into the starting role he looked good. He looked ready to lead and he looked every bit like the number one overall pick. Chuba Hubbard had some up and down moments last season, but maybe he has more up than down this year. I love that they took Tet McMillan at number nine. He has the makings of a top wideout in the league in a few years. Xavier Lagette will hopefully become more than a sound bite machine. Adam Thielen is washed. He is old now. The O line is worrisome, and I think they need to take some blame for how poorly Young played during his rookie year. The defense is very bland. I feel like every good defensive guy they get is now gone. They still have Jaycee Horn, but not much else. They are breaking in a whole bunch of new dudes and some also rans. The defense will be a work in progress in more ways than one. But, I do think the Panthers can look relevant this season. They have some weapons and they played well to finish off last year. I think seven wins would be a big deal for them this year.
The final team for today, at number 25 I have the Miami Dolphins. Things seem to be messy and worrisome in Miami right now. It feels like a bunch of players don't like the coaching staff and their system. Maybe that will change, but it is never a good sign when this stuff starts to get leaked. I like Tua Tagovailoa. He is a good QB with a strong arm. But he has had far too many concussions and maybe he needs to step away from the game. But that would leave them with Zach Wilson. Yikes. De'Von Achane is fast as lightning, but he also gets hurt constantly. Tyreek Hill is awesome, but he seems incredibly unhappy with this team. Jaylen Waddle is legit. And Darren Waller unretired to play for this team. The O line is not great. The defense is very suspect. I adore and will always root for Kenneth Grant, but he is a rookie and he is still pretty raw. He needs a little time to develop. Minkah Fitzpatrick was traded here, and while he is good, he is older. I love the name Storm Duck, who is on this team, but I couldn't tell you one thing about him and his game. And Bradley Chubb has never recreated his one great season. The Dolphins struggle to win games away from Miami. They also struggle to keep key players healthy and they cannot win a playoff game. This feels like a make or break season for this roster and coaching staff. Maybe eight wins will be enough to give them another chance with the team as currently constructed, but I don't see them winning any more games than that.
That's it for today. Come back tomorrow for my next four teams.
Ty
Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.
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