EmpireWF
Giants in the Super Bowl
At least we won't have to listen to all the BS stuff about him being or not being elite this year. Coming off his second Super Bowl MVP, Eli still has room to grow. His 16 picks last year were the third fewest in a 16-game season of his career. His 61% completion rate was the third highest of his career (while throwing the most amount of passes he ever has in the NFL), but definitely needs to improve. 29 TD in 2011 was the second best year of his career, and he set career bests in 4th quarter comebacks and game winning drives. Hell yes.
Quarterback Depth: F
Eli Manning has not missed a start in the NFL since he took over in November 2004. David Carr is the back-up and didn't take a snap in a game last year. If he's in the game and it's not a blowout, FUCK!!!! The semi-prospect they've been bringing along is Ryan Perrilloux who spent last season being placed on and taken off the practice squad. He won't make the team unless Carr is injured, so back to the practice squad for him.
Runningback: Ahmad Bradshaw, C+
After being a top 10 rush attack in 2010, the Giants had the worst statistical rushing game in 2011. Brandon Jacobs is gone and Ahmad Bradshaw is back as starter. The problem with Bradshaw is always health, he started 11 games in 2010 and 9 games last season. His yards/attempt was also a paltry 3.9 yards with just 55 yards per game (average). He still set a career high with 9 rushing TDs and had one of the most awkward Super Bowl clinching touchdowns you'll ever see. In March, he underwent a non-surgical procedure where doctor's shot him up with Mini IGNITE to promote bone healing. He has 700 career rushes in the NFL, but you can always count on him to have ankle problems. They need him to have a bounce back year.
Runningback Depth: D
D.J. Ware was a key back-up a year ago as a situational runner. He's had his share of injuries (concussions) and is not an explosive back in the least, but he's a decent #3 back. The key to the Giants run game (beyond Ahmad's health) is first round pick, rookie David Wilson. He's another strong little guy (like Bradshaw) and is known for his blazing speed. He needs to work on not fumbling and pass proaction…he's the complete opposite of what Brandon Jacobs was (no short yardage here). The other name you'll see is last year's 7th round pick, Da'Rel Scott who played minimally as a rookie. He's got insane speed but his size is an issue in the NFL if he's to stick at running back and not just be a return specialist. The #2 RB spot is Wilson's for the taking. Fullback Henry Hynoski didn't factor into the grade but he's great. He's improved his blocking and showed some decent hands late in the season to surprise defenses.
Wide Receiver: Hakeem Nicks, A
Nicks is expected not to miss week 1 with the foot injury, and that's his biggest weakness. He is injury prone, missing 6 games in his three-year career. His production the past two seasons has been great. Averaging about 77 catches, 1100 yards and 9 TD in 2010 & 2011, he's a perfect weapon for Eli because he can go up and get the ball with his monster hands. He's only 23-years old but he's 6th among active receivers in yards per game average (only Andre Johnson, Fitz, Megatron, Boldin and Colston are ahead of him).
Wide Receiver: Victor Cruz, B+
I'd give Cruz an A but his rookie season is almost impossible to match, right? Literally, out of nowhere, after Domenik Hixon went down early in 2011, Cruz stepped up and never looked back. Go check out his book via the VSN Amazon Store, by the way. :smug: Cruz played in all 16 games, started 7 and ended with 82 catches, over 1500 yards and 9 TD including the season saving 99-yarder against the Jets. :rofl: He even capped off his amazing year by scoring a touchdown in the Super Bowl and doing the salsa. This year, he's starting from week 1 and teams have to game plan against him (and Nicks, too), so all eyes will be on him to see whether he's a one year wonder. With Manningham gone, Cruz is pushed outside unless they insist on using him out of the slot where he has become one of the best in the game.
Tight End: Martellus Bennett, D
I have no idea what to expect from this guy. For years, I've seen him amount to nothing for Big D, listened to Ray dress him down time and again….then the Giants go out and sign him to be their starter. He's a solid blocker but can he be relied upon to be the #1 guy? There's no Witten blocking him in NY. Getting as big as 290, I'm fully expecting him to flame out. If he does, it's all on him because Eli Manning loves hitting his tight ends. Bennett hasn't proven anything so he's a big ?
Wide Receiver Depth: C-
Aside from the RB situation, the biggest question is who can emerge out of the pack of wide receivers off the bench. TE Travis Beckum is out for most if not all of 2012 because of the ACL injury in the Super Bowl. Rookie Adrien Robinson (4th rounder) has been compared to JPP in terms of his physical measurements and the fact he's such a raw player. The Giants like him because he can block and he's a huge target in the passing game. Bear Pascoe is the other TE, likely to make the team again, and is a fine average blocker and sometimes pass catcher.
Among the wide receivers, the debate is who can take the #3 spot with Mario Manningham leaving (thus, causing Cruz to move to the #2 role). Ramses Barden (DJRHUDE!!!) is likely in a make or break year after being drafted in 2009 (third round), and not producing anything since. He's 6'6, doesn't have a ton of speed but he can compete with NFL DBs. Domenik Hixon is coming off a second ACL tear in 2011 (the same injury cost him his 2010 season). The Giants are giving him a chance to make the team but expectations are low for the guy. Before being hurt, he was the last effective Giants return specialist. Glory days. 2nd round pick of this April's draft, Rueben Randle was expected to go in the first but lasted until #64. He has the size and enough speed to get downfield and make plays. A hard worker on the blocking end of things, a lot of people expect him to be a force as a rookie in the offense. Then there's Jerrel Jernigan (a 2011 third rounder), one of those small but extremely productive burners who did so much in college. As a rookie, he didn't register a catch in 8 games, but he did handle some kickoffs. Some believe he can still develop into a serviceable NFL wide receiver but it's another question mark.
Left Tackle: Will Beatty, C
He missed half of 2010 with a broken foot and ended up on IR last fall because of a detached retina. He was solid at LT, nothing special. If he can stay healthy, consistency would not be an issue.
Left Guard: Kevin Boothe, C+
Coaches must love the guy because he played at LG, C and RG in 2011. Hopefully, he can stick at one spot and improve, not worrying about different responsibilities.
Center: David Baas, B-
Last year's big free agent signing, he missed 5 games during the regular season for neck and migraine problems. He returned and played throughout the post-season. He was definitely more effective later in the year and the hope is with a full off-season and camp with the NYG, there won't be a slow start.
Right Guard: Chris Snee, B+
Snee has been the one consistent lineman since he was drafted eight years ago, playing in every game until he missed one last year because of a concussion. 2011 was his weakest year, seemingly with an increase in penalties and overall ineffectiveness. When he's at his best, the run game is booming.
Right Tackle: David Diehl, B-
Diehl has practically played every spot on the line except center in his career. He played last year at LG with a broken hand and took over the LT spot last year when Beatty went down (his more natural spot). He'll move to RT to take over for Kareem McKenzie who was not re-signed. A better run blocker than pass protector, some think we'll see a drop off from him but he's a pretty consistent guy.
Offensive Line Depth: C
OT James Brewer has not played in the NFL yet, but the Giants like his potential. He's a raw player who's been working on his technique. OT Sean Locklear was signed away from the Redskins and could be in play at RT if injuries end up forcing Diehl to the left side. Fan favorite G Mitch Petrus played in six games last year and is your prototypical masher in the run game. 2012 4th round pick Brandon Mosley figures to be the James Brewer this year, not playing and improving technique. Jim Cordle and Chris White are up to be back-up centers.
Left End: Justin Tuck, B
Tuck had the worst year of his career (since emerging in 2007) due to a series of injuries throughout the year. He underwent shoulder surgery after the Super Bowl. He missed 4 games in 2011 and the result was a season of 37 tackles, 5 sacks and 1 FF. Terrible numbers for him. He shouldn't be this afflicted in 2012, so a bounce back year is in order!
Defensive Tackle: Chris Canty, B
Canty had a great season in 2011 and had surgery to clean out his knee in February. He finished 2011 with 47 tackles and 4 sacks (both career highs). He was a big part in the defensive push towards the end of the season.
Defensive Tackle: Linval Joseph, B
In his first full season as a starer, Joseph collected 49 tackles and 2 sacks. He too underwent off-season surgery, on his ankle. A young player, he is still developing after being a 2010 2nd round pick.
Right End: Jason Pierre Paul, A
Wow. What this guy was doing as a sophomore in the NFL was insane. 86 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 2 FF and a blocked field goal. He's powerful, fast, almost unblockable and is still learning about the game.
Defensive Line Depth: B
Osi Umenyiora is back and with the contract issue in the past, can he still find his sacks? He had 9 sack in a half season due to injuries. The other DE may be Justin Trattou, Adrian Tracy or Craig Marshall. Plenty of depth at DT between Marvin Austin, Shaun Rogers and Rocky Bernard. Austin has not played football in two years due to problems at UNC and a pectoral injury last year. Rogers is at the tail end of his career and Bernard is a nice hand to have in the rotation.
Outside Linebacker: Mathias Kiwanuka, B-
Kiwanuka starts at OLB, but is also used as a DE in certain packages under DC Perry Fewell. He started every game in 2011 and finished with 84 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT and 1 FF. He's not a great player in coverage, but he's not lost. He is at his best when he can play the run or rush the passer, even though he's not quite the sack artist Tuck and Osi are.
Inside Linebacker: Chase Blackburn, C-
Blackburn was on the verge of becoming a substitute teacher when the Giants called him and he returned. The defense improved with his return and he led by example with an interception against Aaron Rodgers in the regular season and then an EPIC interception of Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. He's not the fastest guy on the field, but he's good in run defense and is capable of being in spots and being productive defending the pass. Just don't expect him to run step for step with some of the better TEs in the league.
Outside Linebacker: Michael Boley, B
Boley easily had his best year as a Giant in 2011, taking control as the defensive leader….the defense literally played best when he was playing. He missed a few games and was hung up by a bum hamstring in others but finished with 93 tackles, 1 sack and 1 FF.
Linebacker Depth: C
The acquisition of Keith Rivers definitely improves depth as he will play some outside and could potentially get time in the middle. After him, the rest of the unit is filled with young players who played more than they probably should have in years past. 2011 rookies Jacquian Williams, Mark Herzlich, Greg Jones and Spencer Paysinger will all be back. Williams became a hero for coming through with a clutch forced fumble in the NFC Championship game. He played in every game and had 78 tackles, 1 sack and four passes defended. Herzlich played 13 games but was nothing more than a run defender. Jones played in every game (including some starts at MLB) but struggled on defense. He was most productive on special teams. Paysinger was also productive on special teams.
Cornerback: Corey Webster, A
He was the first real shutdown corner the Giants have had in a long time. He finished with a career high 6 picks in 2011 and 16 passes defended. He now has 2-years left on his deal ($6.5M and $7M).
Free Safety: Antrel Rolle, B
Due to the enormous amount of injuries the Giants faced in the secondary last year, Rolle was counted on to play out of position more than usual as a nickel back. He had 96 tackles, 2 INT, 1 FF and 4 passes defended. He's known as a bit of a nuisance off the field because he likes to talk, but he definitely bought in to Tom Coughlin's system during the 2011 season to the point where he became one of the team leaders in the second half. He'll be 30-years old in December (and owed $7M in 2013 and 2014). I would not be surprised if his salary becomes an issue next year.
Strong Safety: Kenny Phillips, B+
KP7 put all concerns about his surgically repaired left knee to rest in 2011. He had 82 tackles, 11 passes defended and 4 interceptions. He'll be a FA after this season.
Cornerback: Terrell Thomas, C+
You know what I think of TT2. He's coming off an ACL tear last summer and is expected to step back in and start from day one. Of course, he tore the same ACL in college so maybe he will never be quite the same player. He was coming off a career year in 2010 with 81 tackles, 5 INT, 2 FR and 1 sack.
Secondary Depth: C
The Giants have lots of bodies, so some better stick (NFL NETWORK ANALYSIS). 2011 first round pick Prince Amukamara has a full spring and sumer with the team, as opposed to signing his rookie contract late and then breaking his foot in his first practice. He didn't make his debut until November and could not get his feet underneath him. Depending on how well Thomas does this year, Amukamara may become a starter at some point. Other options at CB include Justin Tryon, Michael Coe, Bruce Johnson, Antwaun Molden, rookie 3rd rounder Jayron Hosley and rookie UDFA Janzen Jackson. At safety, the serious depth lies with Tyler Sash (2011 6th rounder) because Deon Grant was not re-signed. Sash played in every game and was a key special teams player. He's best against the run when playing safety. Other guys looking to make the team as the #4 safety include Will Hill, Stevie Brown and UDFA Jojo Nicolas. Point being, starting safeties and corners MUST STAY HEALTHY!
Special Teams: B
Lawrence Tynes has now been the lead kicker for the Giants in four of their last five seasons (this year will be five of their last six). He had his lowest FG% since 2006 in Kansas City with 79.2 of his kicks making it through the upright (19 of 24). He went 1/3 from 50, 3/5 from 40+, 3/4 from 30+ but 12/12 from under 30 :fap: He has not missed an XP since 2007.
Free agent punter Steve Weatherford was awesome in 2011. He had the best yards/punt of his career with 45.7 and had 25 punts fall inside the 20. As a measuring stick, his 2011 was better than Jeff Feagles' 2007. Aside from punting, Weatherford was an ace as Tynes' holder. The most important hold of his career came in the NFC Championship game on a terrible field in San Francisco when Tynes kicked the game winning 31-yarder. The Giants franchised Weatherford and they reached an agreement on a 5-year deal.
The Giants were 9-7 last year and ended up winning 7 of their final 8 games to win the 4th Super Bowl championship in franchise history. There were no big, earth shattering acquisitions (as has been the norm under Jerry Reese) but nobody can whine about that. Tom Coughlin is arguably the best coach in the NFL (when fans don't want his ass on a firing line) and they have a top 10 QB in Eli Manning. The heart of the team is the defensive front with JPP, Tuck and Osi returning, if they can stay healthy, the sky is the limit. The biggest question on offense is the run game, which has nowhere to go but up considering they were dead last in the NFL last season.
The last two Super Bowl champions to miss the playoffs the following year were both Pittsburgh, in 2009 and 2006.
The last Super Bowl champion franchise to make it back to the Super Bowl was the 2004 Patriots.
