In the 08-09 season the Giants stormed out of the gate to a 11-1 start. But rather than cruise to their second consecutive Super Bowl title, the Giants stumbled, losing their last 4 of 5, including a heart-breaking home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs. During their final 5 games the Giants averaged just 17 ppg opposed to the 29 points per game averaged in their first 12. Things won't be any easier for the Giants this year. The East is still considered by most to be the strongest in the NFC and their 2009 schedule has them closing the year against 5 playoff caliber teams (Dallas,Phil, Was,Car,Minn).
Offense
Over the past two years the Giants had one of the NFL's best rushing attacks. The trio of "Earth Wind and Fire" gave defenses around the league nightmares. However the trio has broken up as "Wind" (Derrick Ward) has moved on to a solo project in Tampa Bay. Despite the loss the Giants still have two dynamic backs in Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Jacobs is a bruiser that has a reputation for flattening defenders. Bradshaw has seen limited playing time since being drafted in the 7th round two years ago but in that time he has flashed an explosive running style. The Giants will return all 5 starting offensive linemen. The crew is anchored by RG Chris Snee who is one of the more well-rounded blockers in the league. While from an individual talent stand point the O-line may be middle of the road; put together Kareem McKenzie, Rich Seubert, Shaun O'Hara, David Diehl, and Snee are one of the best units in the league. They entrusted to protect the league's richest QB Eli Manning. When at his best Manning can effectively manage the offense and come up with big plays in high pressure spots (ex. 2007 SB run). At his worst, he can be inaccurate and ineffective (last years postseason game). Part of the reason for his ineptitude was the loss of favorite target Plaxico Burress. Burress is now infamous for shooting himself in the leg and will spend 09 dealing with the legal repercussions. Amani Toomer is also gone leaving the Giants with a lot of question marks at receiver. Domenick Hixon and Steve Smith appear to be the front runners for starting spots. Hixon has flashed potential but his hands are suspect at times. Smith has good hands but his style fits better in the slot. First round selection Hakeem Nicks looks to make a name for himself. Nicks's size and catching ability have the Giants confident he can make an immediate impact. Mario Manningham and Ramses Barden are the wild cards of the bunch. Barden is a huge target but will need to improve his route running, something that was not emphasized while he was at Cal-Poly. Manningham was hurt much of the pre-season last year and never caught up on the learning curve. His ability to adjust to the speed of an NFL game will determine his impact. Veteran Sinorice Moss and Super Bowl hero David Tyree will fight for playing time with their impact on special teams securing their roster spots. Kevin Boss has made great strides in his blocking ability but the Giants would like him to have a greater role in the passing game. He tends to disappear at times.
Potential Breakout Player: Ahmad Bradshaw, After watching from the sidelines as Jacobs and Ward both rushed for 1000 yards, Bradshaw will have his shot to show what he can do with increased playing time.
Defense:
The Giants biggest loss on defense was not on the field but on the sidelines. Steve Spagnolo gave up the Defensive Coordinator position for the Head Coaching job in St. Louis. The Giants don't figure to miss a beat with Bill Sheridan taking over the job. Sheridan plans to use the same aggressive schemes that have given the Giants their recent success. That success starts with one of the deepest D-Line's in the league. Osi Umenyiora is back after missing 2008 with a knee injury. He has looked good in training camp and it does not appear to have hampered his abilities. Justin Tuck has become one of the most feared pass-rushers in the NFL. His versatility is his biggest strength. The Giants will move him inside and insert Mathis Kiwanuka. Kiwanuka can also play the linebacker position and excels when rushing the passer. Last years starters at DT, Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield, both had offseason knee surgery. Both figure to be back at full strength by the beginning of the year. They will be joined by newcomers Rocky Benard and Chris Canty. The depth of the D-line should insure that the Giants will always have fresh legs on the field. The Giants added Micheal Boley from the Atlanta Falcons to boost their linebacker core of Antonio Pierce and Danny Clark. They also drafted Clint Sintim in the second round to be Clark's eventual replacement. Since the 2007 playoffs Corey Webster has evolved into one of the better corners in the league. Aaron Ross will lineup across the field and handle the opponents second string receiver. Ross has the potential but can be inconsistant at times. Terrell Thomas and Kevin Dockery will compete for the nickel spot. Thomas is a physical corner that could also see some time if an injury at safety was to occur. Kenny Phillips will have the starting safety spot to himself this season. Phillips is a hard-hitting ball hawk that can play both man and zone coverage well. Michael Johnson has the ability to play both safety positions and will fill the void left by James Butler.
Potential Breakout Player: Kenny Phillips, The undisputed starter at free safety, Phillips will be let loose on opposing offenses. He has the potential and talent to become one of the league's premier safeties. The only question is if he will put it together this season.
Special Teams:
The ageless wonder Jeff Feagles will once again handle the punting duties. Feagles will be playing in his 21st NFL season and has all but patented the "coffin corner" punt. Lawrence Tynes is back and healthy. He is about average as far as his accuracy and kick power is concerned.
