2010 NFL Predictions: New York Giants

July 10, 2010

The New York Giants are hoping the 2009 season was a culmination of bad luck and injuries. Just two years removed from perhaps the most stunning Super Bowl Championship in NFL history as they beat the undefeated New England Patriots, the Giants have fallen all the way back to .500.

The most obvious problem is the lack of team defense. New York has been known for their dominance defensively, especially when they held the Patriots powerhouse offense to just 2 touchdowns in their Super Bowl victory in 2007. Last season was horrible for the “D”. Although they finished 13th in total defense for the 2009 season, that was well below the top 10 finish that they have been accustomed to. Allowing over 30 points 7 times throughout the year is a sign that there is either a lack of talent or cohesiveness on defense.

The defensive end position has been a staple defensively in the Giants organization. Lawrence Taylor was a pioneer at this position, but Michael Strahan was the leader of this new Giants team. Currently, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka have taken over as dominating defensive ends that wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. Last year was plagued with injuries as Unemyiora was out for much of the year. The Giants used their first pick in the 2010 NFL draft to solidify this position as they picked up Jason Pierre-Paul. Pierre-Paul is a freak physically. He’s 6’5” and 270 lbs, but has the athleticism of a player much smaller. He is considered a work in progress, but has the capability of being a force in this league for years to come.

Eli Manning has become the quarterback that New York hoped it be when he was picked up via trade after being selected with the first pick in the draft. He doesn’t have the gaudy numbers of a Drew Brees or Tom Brady, but he has become a leader in the locker room and on the field. Last year Manning passed for over 4000 yards for the first time in his career despite not having a true, “go-to” receiver. His completion percentage was over 62% and he finished with a passer rating of 93.1. The future looks great for Manning as he is getting more comfortable to getting the ball down field.

Manning may not have the best cast of receivers in the NFL, but he has plenty of sure-handed players that can get the job done. Steve Smith has become a solid clutch receiver, but lacks the speed to make short catches into touchdowns. However, the Giants have 2 young players that they are hoping will turn into big play receivers. Mario Manningham showed signs of being that type of player during the course of the 2009 season, and will be expected to contribute in a big way this year. Ramses Barden is a 6’6” 230lb beast that has the capability of being one of the best receivers in the game. He has tremendous hands, but is still learning how to run routes. Domenik Hixon and Hakeem Nicks round out this group.

Brandon Jacobs is a work horse. Unfortunately his hard running has resulted in multiple injuries that has hindered his ability to carry the load. Ahmad Bradshaw will need to come up big this season as Jacobs is still recovering from surgery on his knee. Bradshaw had a phenomenal year in limited action. He rushed for almost the same number of yards as Jacobs despite having 70+ less carries. His 4.8 yards per carry shows that he is elusive and has the ability to make defenders miss.

The New York Giants are still considered one of the best teams in football. Many NFL predictions have them finishing either first or second in the NFC East. In my opinion it all comes down to the defense. We’ll see if they can stay healthy, and win the with pounding the football on the ground and solid defense.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NFL

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