NFL Season Preview: #3 New York Giants

Overview: The Giants took a fall from glory last season. Although they dominated most of the regular season, New York faltered late losing three of its last four games, which happened to be right around the time of WR Plaxico Burress’s suspension. With a 12-4 record, the Giants easily made the playoffs, but lost in the first round to the Eagles.

Offseason Moves: The for mentioned WR Plaxico Burress was then released by the Giants in one of their first moves of the off season. New York also lost RB Derrick Ward and CB Sam Madison. The Giants began adding again through the draft, where they selected Burress’s replacement, North Carolina WR Hakeem Nicks in the first round. On defense, New York added DT Rocky Bernard and LB Michael Boley.

Upcoming Season: The Giants have a weak passing game with no true No.1 receiver. QB Eli Manning will be looking for WRs Domenik Hixon and Sinorice Moss to step up. New York still has one of the best offensive lines and running games in football, led by RB Brandon Jacobs and T Kareem McKenzie. On defense, the Giants have one of the best defensive lines and line backing cores in the NFL with DEs Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora and LBs Michael Boley and Antonio Pierce. Although, the secondary doesn’t have the depth it had in recent years, it is still solid.

Player to watch: QB Eli Manning loved using WR Plaxico Burress’s size as an advantage. While WR Hakeem Nicks isn’t a giant at 6’1″, he has the closest skill set to Burress. Nicks will be leaned upon heavily in his rookie season, and look for him to produce.

Prediction: 10-6, 2nd in NFC East

The Giants did get a little bit worse, but are still a strong team. Of course, the Eagles did get a lot better, and New York can still expect to be in the postseason.