Giants Must Bounce Back from Disappointing Season
This offseason, the New York Giants front office was relatively quiet. By not really going after a big name in the free agency, they essentially told their players they just have to play better. Simple enough for the Super Bowl XLII champions who are coming off a collapse in 2009, right?
After starting their season 5-0, the Giants slipped to 8-8 as their defence was dreadful in the last half of the season and many were wondering where the defence they saw the previous few seasons went.
General Manager Jerry Reese though is right in doing what he did or didn’t do, when you realize that the team is only two years removed from a championship and went 12-4 in the 2008 season. There wasn’t really a sense to panic and revamp the team.
The only real change the team made was dismissing defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan, as his system clearly didn’t pan out for the Giants. Steve Spagnuolo’s departure to coach the Rams clearly affected the defence, and head coach Tom Coughlin hired his former Jaguars’ assistant coach Perry Fewell. His defensive scheme is a little closer to the one Spagnuolo ran in New York.
On offense, Eli Manning is continuing to develop into one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and at 29 years-old, he may still be developing. Last season, he put up career numbers as the loss of Plaxico Burress did not hurt him one bit. The young trio of Steve Smith, Mario Manningham and Hakeem Nicks at receiver proved to be very effective.
Some may overlook the fact that Smith caught a franchise record 107 passes last season. Also Manningham and Nicks are still developing in their young careers and may be downfield threats for years to come in New York.
The Giants offensive line (O-line) is slightly aged but still one of the best in the league with Shaun O’Hara and Chris Snee leading the way for the young draftees coming in.
Kevin Boss at tight end is also a staple in the offence, and may just be emerging as one of the leagues' best receiving tight ends.
In the backfield, of course, is the beastly Brandon Jacobs, who has the ability to run over many defenders at 6 foot 4 and 260 pounds.
The Giants also have the speed to match the power of Jacobs with Ahmad Bradshaw, who is very fast and a lot stronger than he’s given credit for.
Whichever running back is in play, FB Madison Hedgecock will have to lead the way for his tailbacks.
Defensively, the Giants may have one of the best pass rushes in the league. Take a look at these defensive ends: Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, Mathias Kiwanuka and Jason Pierre-Paul. All four would be number ones on any given team. Tuck is all around the best of the four, while Umenyiora is a pass-rush specialist. He does struggle against the run though.
MLB Antonio Pierce has retired, meaning there will be fresh faces in the line-backing corps. They will be young though and will likely be mistake prone.
The secondary gives the Giants more upside. Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips make a strong duo at safety and should help out in deep plays.
The Giants also have great cornerbacks with Corey Webster, Terrell Thomas and Aaron Ross. They are spectacular in coverage and have the ability to force turnovers.
The Giants special teams will need to find a good replacement for Domenik Hixon, who will sit out the entire season. Manningham or Sinorice Moss will likely get their share of time as returners.
Lawrence Tynes is solid on field goals but will need to improve his kickoffs. Jeff Feagles retiring leaves the punting role to rookie Matt Dodge, who is currently being mentored by Feagles.
Overall, the Giants are a very well-rounded team with only line-backing being their main weakness. They do play in a tough division, which may prevent them from finishing near the top of the NFC, but you can expect a bounce-back season and a return to the playoffs is very likely.
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