NY Giants Season Preview

The New York Giants have their work cut out for them during this upcoming 2009-2010 season. They play in the hardest division by far in all of the National Football League. The key for the Giants to succeed will be if they can win their games against average opponents out of their division because everyone in it is very good.

Early September is going to be tough for the G-MEN with games against the Redskins and Cowboys but after that their schedule lightens up drastically. Next, they play Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Oakland, New Orleans and Arizona. These five games are all must wins for the Giants if they want to secure the NFC East crown. Once those games are complete, the final ten weeks of the season consist of a bye and four games against in division opponents. Ideally the Giants need to win three of these but two would also be okay.

The biggest move of the off season was signing Eli Manning to a six year, $97.5 million contract extension. The Giants hope that with Manning’s financial future set he will put his entire focus on winning. In theory, that is good logic but they greatly overpaid for a slightly above average quarterback who happened to win a Superbowl in dramatic fashion. Another highlight of the off season was a move that wasn’t made; the Giants did not resign Derrick Ward. Last year the Giants showcased three running backs; however, this year it will only be two. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw will be splitting carries so they will each have enough rest to be efficient even though they lost a teammate.

The biggest question raised since the Plaxico Burress saga began was, “Who would Eli Manning have to throw to?” Many people have said, “No one” but the intelligent answer is, “A large group of young and talented wide receivers such as, Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith.” Of course Eli will miss the downfield threat that Burress posed to defenses but the Giants believe in their young guys and they want to let them develop instead of trading for or signing a whiney established wide receiver.

Big Blue’s offense may be in question but the defense is not. The Giants will be putting out a tough and strong side every week, Osi Umenenyiora is back after being out all of last season and having two solid cornerbacks in Corey Webster and Aaron Ross greatly helps the secondary.

All in all, as like any team, the Giants have doubters but they have put together a very good team on offense, defense and special teams. If they defeat their easier opponents and win games against division rivals, the New York Giants should be playoff bound during this National Football League season.

Daniel Weberman
NYchalktalk.com