I think the New York Giants enter the 2010 NFL season will a lot to prove. In 2009 they went 8-8, and only 4-4 at home. If they want to be a serious playoff contender that home record is going to have to improve. The Giants used a good number of their 2010 NFL draft picks on defensive prospects and they will need a good number of them to step up and make a solid contribution. The offense on the other hand will have to become more consistent and Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride needs to come up with an offensive attack that his QB can execute with greater success.
Of course that QB is Eli Manning, and he leads an for the most part balanced attack, but there are few high percentage throws in their arsenal. If the Giants want to be successful that is going to have to change. After leading the league in rushing two years ago, the Giants ground attack took a big step backward in 2009. RB Brandon Jacobs and FB Madison Hedgecock need to step up and dominate. There is still a big questions mark over this team’s receiving corps but I think Hakeem Nicks could have a breakout kind of year.
The defense will run a base 4-3 scheme and although new Defensive Coordinator Perry Fewell ran a Cover Two with the Buffalo Bills, it seems likely he will use more man coverage with the Giants. There are a lot of questions about this defensive unit, and I don’t have a very good read on what they are capable of. If they can be good, this team has a real shot at the playoffs, but if they are not…..
The Giants special teams are a mixed bag. Lawrence Tynes will be the kicker, and Punter Matt Dodge will have to win the job from Jy Blond in training camp. The Giants have many options at both kick and punt returner and training camp will shuffle all of that out.
Related Links:
• New York Giants news and notes • The Business of the NFL •MTR Football.com
