New York Giants 2009 Quick Preview

The New York Giants ended their 2008 campaign with a 23-11 loss to the Eagles in the Divisional round of the playoffs.  They won the NFC East with a 12-4 record and were the top seed in the playoffs.

Offense:  The Giants retained running back Brandon Jacobs and have Ahmad Bradshaw as his backup.  They did not retain  third string running back Derrick Ward.  Without veteran receivers like Burress and Toomer, the running game will be much more important this season.  Both Jacobs and Bradshaw rushed for over 1,000 yards each last season and will need to do the same in 2009.  Eli Manning will be throwing to young receivers like Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon and first round pick Hakeem Nicks.  The receiving corps is weakest part of the offense.  I could see rookie Hakeem Nicks playing a big role in the offense.

Defense:  The Giants lost their defensive coordinator, Steve Spagnuolo, to the Rams and replaced him with linebackers coach, Bill Sheridan.  The defensive scheme will remain very similar although there will be some new faces on the field.  The Giants dove into the free agency pool over the offseason and signed linebacker Michael Boley (who will be suspended for the first game), defensive tackle Rocky Bernard, and defensive end Chris Canty.  The front seven looks as strong as ever and they have great depth on the line as well.

Overall:  The Giants have a stout defense and an offense that will need to run the ball and wear down opponents.  Inexperience at the receiver position may be the only downfall and hopefully will not hurt them too much this season.  The Giants will play the AFC West and I think they will match up well against those teams.

Prediction:  I think the Giants will go 11-5 (losses to Dallas, Philly, Atlanta, New Orleans or Arizona, and Minnesota) and win the NFC East.