While most teams would be pleased with a 10-6 record, the New York Giants were extremely disappointed with how their 2010 campaign ended. Sloppy play and a few collapses, particularly the meltdown against Philadelphia at home, are all most seem to remember about last season. After giving Tom Coughlin an extension during the off-season, management has given the coach a vote of confidence after a couple of late season let downs. New York is looking to come back strong this season after falling short the previous year, but it will not come easy. Dallas and Philadelphia are both looking very strong within the division.. Long-time linemen Shaun O’Hara, Shawn Andrews, and Richard Seubert were released by the team looking to get younger up front. Also not brought back were tight end Kevin Boss and fullback Madison Hedgecock. Both were integral parts of the Giants’ run game the past few years. Wide receiver Steve Smith, one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets, signed with rival Philadelphia while recovering from microfracture surgery. Those are a lot of major subtractions and this only covers the offensive side of the ball. A lot of the team’s success will depend on Eli Manning. Manning threw for a lot of yards and touchdowns last year, but his play came with a league leading 25 interceptions and 5 lost fumbles. It will be tough for Manning to significantly lower those numbers with a diminished supporting cast and improved competition. David Baas was signed to replace O’Hara and has done a good job thus far. Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham both return and should make a formidable duo of receivers. The Giants are also expecting big things from last year’s preseason star ,Victor Cruz, which is why they felt it was alright to pass on Smith, among the injury concerns.
The vaunted Giants defense is looking vulnerable this year after a rash of injuries during the preseason. Osi Umenyiora had surgery on his knee after holding out for a new contract and demanding a trade. First round draft pick Prince Amukamara broke his foot on the first day of training camp and won’t be back until mid-September. Leading tackler cornerback Terrell Thomas tore his ACL in the Giants’ second preseason game. Joining him on IR will be fellow corner Bruce Johnson and second round pick defensive tackle Marvin Austin. Fellow defensive tackles Rocky Bernard and Barry Cofield left via free agency. New York is hoping for big things from second year defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul. As usual, look for the Giants to rush the passer very well with their front four. The linebacking and defensive backfields are looking very thin right now. Projected starters Clint Stintim and Jonathon Goff have also landed on IR. Former linebacker Kawika Mitchell was recently re-signed to fill in. He will be joined by Mathias Kiwanuka. Kiwanuka is coming off injury as well and is a more natural defensive end. The injuries leave just Aaron Ross and Corey Webster as the starters in the secondary
The outlook for the 2011 Giants is tough to predict. They are a talented team, but have had a very troubling offseason. Can Eli Manning cut down on the mental errors? Can they overcome the injuries and players lost in free agency? The mental toughness of this team will be challenged from the get-go. If Eli is ready to take charge of the team and be the player the Giants expect, look for this team to fight until the end for a playoff spot. If Manning is unable to then New York could be in for another season of disappointment.
