2008 NFL Season Previews: #5 New York Giants

Division: NFC East
Last Years Record: 10-6
Head Coach: Tom Coughlin
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Gilbride
Defensive Coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo

Key Additions:
QB Andre' Woodson
WR Mario Manningham
WR Craphonso Thorpe
DE Renaldo Wynn
S Sammy Knight
S Kenny Phillips

Key Losses:
QB Jared Lorenzen
FB Jim Finn
TE Jeremy Shockey
LB Kawika Mitchell
S Gibril Wilson
DE Michael Strahan

Offensive Breakdown: After the retirement of Tiki Barber and losing their first two games while giving up a combined 80 points, the playoffs not to mention the Super Bowl seemed like a long shot for the Giants. But they regrouped and finished the season strong, clinching a wild card spot with a record of 10-6. Then their chances got even smaller, they would have to win three road games including one on the frozen tundra and another against their hated rival in Dallas. Yet again they prevailed, but their toughest test was on the biggest stage against the most prolific offense the NFL had ever seen. They reacted by shutting down the offense of the Patriots and shocking the world. The Giants wrote their own storybook ending to an amazing season, but can they regroup to do it again?

Eli Manning stepped out from behind the shadows of his brother and father last season en route to a 3,336 yard performance with 23 touchdowns and a Super Bowl victory. He has frustrated the Giants fan base in the past but he showed last season that he has the ability to be a winner and a clutch performer. He led the Giants to 6 fourth-quarter comebacks over the course of the season, including the Super Bowl victory in which he directed two long touchdown drives in the final 15 minutes of the game. The main knock on this Super Bowl winning quarterback is his inaccuracy as he threw 20 interceptions during the season (tied for the most in the league), but after showing the world and himself what he is capable of I don't see that becoming an issue anymore. Anthony Wright and David Carr have fought for the backup job and a job period, as the 3rd slot is held for rookie Andre Woodson. The loser of the battle for the backup position will most likely be released.

The team was able to compensate for the retirement of the outspoken Tiki Barber with an effective backfield rotation headed by Brandon Jacobs (1009 rushing yards, 23 receptions, 6 total TD). Derrick Ward played well before breaking his leg as he is a receiving threat out of the backfield, leading him to 26 receptions. Rookie Ahmad Bradshaw (190 rushing yards, 1 TD) got a chance to showcase his skills when Derrick Ward broke his leg in December, and the youngster delivered with a 151-yard outing in a crucial late-season win at Buffalo and a strong showing in the playoffs. All three are back to spearhead a Giants' ground attack that was one of the league's best last season. Danny Ware, plucked off the Jets' practice squad in December, has impressed in the preseason, which could lead to Reuben Droughns release. Madison Hedgecock solidified the fullback position after being claimed off waivers early last season, and was rewarded with a five-year contract extension in November.

New York's championship run wouldn't have been possible without the season turned in by Plaxico Burress (1025 receiving yards). He played in every game despite being hobbled by an ankle injury all year long and amassed a team leading 70 receptions and 12 touchdowns, not to mention his dominating performance in the team's NFC Championship win at Green Bay. The big-play receiver will again be paired with Amani Toomer. Toomer remains a reliable possession target as he enters his 13th NFL season. Second-year player Steve Smith came through with big in the playoffs and gives the club a quality slot receiver, as long as he is healthy. Tight end Kevin Boss also stepped up in January after being pressed into duty when Shockey broke his leg in Week 15, and his play made it easier to trade the seemingly always disgruntled tight end. Boss will be backed up by blocking specialist Michael Matthews (6 receptions) and Darcy Johnson, a former practice squad member who missed all of last year with a knee injury. The Giants drafted Mario Manningham out of Michigan in the third round of April's draft to round out a receiving corps that should also contain kick returner Domenik Hixon and possibly third-year disappointment Sinorice Moss (21 receptions). It may not include Super Bowl hero David Tyree as he's been dealing with a knee injury which may keep him out until midseason. They also drafted Marcus Monk out of Arkansas, a tall receiver who could come in handy if the injury bug hits the receiving core.

No member of the starting five of the offensive line has ever made it to a Pro Bowl, although right guard Chris Snee deserved a nod. He headlines a unit comprised of steady returning starters Shaun O'Hara at center, left guard Rich Seubert and right tackle Kareem McKenzie, all of whom have eight or more years of experience. Also back is David Diehl, a former guard who did a admirable job as Manning's blindside protector in his first season at left tackle. Good interior depth is given by 10th-year veteran Grey Ruegamer, who filled in capably for an injured O'Hara in last year's NFC Wild Card game and is also the top substitute at guard. Guy Whimper and second-year pro Ryan Koets are also back as the reserve tackles. Holdover Kevin Boothe and ex-practice squadder Na'Shon Goddard are battling to be the other backup guard.

Defensive Breakdown:
The defensive line was easily the most feared and important area of the 2007 Giants' squad, but it won't be easy to replace both Strahan and Umenyiora. With last year's starting ends now unavailable, the task falls squarely on emerging star Justin Tuck, who got 10 sacks in sharing time with Strahan on the left side and working inside on passing downs last year. Mathias Kiwanuka, the starting strongside linebacker for most of last year, will now shift back to his original position to offset Umenyiora's loss. Both starting tackles are back and healthy, with the duo of Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield helping New York rank eighth overall in run defense (97.7 ypg). Depth is an issue here, which prompted the free-agent signing of veteran end Renaldo Wynn. Rodney Leisle, was out of the league last year but is working with the second-team tackles in preseason, while Dave Tollefson (4 tackles) has the inside track to stay as the fourth end and a special-teamer.

The offseason departures of Mitchell and Reggie Torbor thinned out the linebacking corps, but GM Jerry Reese did his best to replenish the core by signing former Texan Danny Clark and drafting both Bryan Kehl and Jonathan Goff over the spring. The Giants still have their leading tackler and best linebacker in Antonio Pierce, who also serves as the team's leader in the middle. Third-year pro Gerris Wilkinson is slated to claim Mitchell's old spot on the weakside, with Clark the favorite to start on the opposite end in the wake of Kiwanuka's probable move to the line. Chase Blackburn, Pierce's primary backup in the middle and Zak DeOssie have roles as valued special teamers, where Kehl should see time as well.

Before Aaron Ross and Cory Webster were inserted into the starting lineup, the secondary was questionable at best. Cory Webster transformed into a shutdown corner, and Aaron Ross makes plays. Those two will be the starters with Sam Madison expected to see a reduced role due to his age and offseason hernia surgery. The loss of the play making Gibril Wilson to the Raiders may be eased with the first-round selection of Kenny Phillips. The 21-year-old out of the U has wowed coaches with his athleticism and will likely be starting at free safety at some point this season. Second-year pro Michael Johnson has that job for now. James Butler had an inconsistent first year as a starter at strong safety, a reason why Reese brought in heady veteran Sammy Knight, who's coming off a productive season with Jacksonville, to create competition. Returnees Kevin Dockery (46 tackles) and 31-year-old R.W. McQuarters provide depth at corner back. Terrell Thomas a second round draft pick from USC, is looked at favorably and should see some time while adding depth in the secondary.

Season Outlook:
Even with the losses of Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, you should not overlook this team. They did a lot of things that seemed to be impossible last season, and its no time to start doubting them now. They will need the offense to carry the load as the defense will have trouble stopping good passing offenses, but I think they can win 11 or more games and win a wildcard spot.

Schedule:
Week 1: Sep 04 WAS @ NYG 7:00 PM NBC
Week 2: Sep 14 NYG @ STL 1:00 PM FOX
Week 3: Sep 21 CIN @ NYG 1:00 PM CBS
Week 4: Bye Week
Week 5: Oct 05 SEA @ NYG 1:00 PM FOX
Week 6: Oct 13 NYG @ CLE 8:30 PM ESPN
Week 7: Oct 19 SF @ NYG 1:00 PM FOX
Week 8: Oct 26 NYG @ PIT 4:15 PM FOX
Week 9: Nov 02 DAL @ NYG 4:15 PM FOX
Week 10: Nov 09 NYG @ PHI 8:15 PM NBC
Week 11: Nov 16 BAL @ NYG 1:00 PM CBS
Week 12: Nov 23 NYG @ ARI 4:15 PM FOX
Week 13: Nov 30 NYG @ WAS 1:00 PM FOX
Week 14: Dec 07 PHI @ NYG 1:00 PM FOX
Week 15: Dec 14 NYG @ DAL 8:15 PM NBC
Week 16: Dec 21 CAR @ NYG 1:00 PM FOX
Week 17: Dec 28 NYG @ MIN 1:00 PM FOX