2009 NFL season in review: New York Giants

It really seemed like the New York Giants were a lot better than their 8-8 record suggests. They also somehow managed to finish third in their division, with that in mind there is some blame to go around. Some want to put all the blame at the feet of QB Eli Manning, but it really seems that this team needs a little tweak on the defensive side of the ball and they will be just fine.

In 2009 the Giants offense scored 402 points or 25.1/game that was good enough for the 8th best offense in the NFL. Manning completed 62.3% of his passes, threw for 4,021 yards and 27 TD’s while throwing just 14 INT’s. How one finds fault in that is way beyond me. On the ground they rushed for over 1,800 yards as a team without the benefit of a 1,000 yard rusher. The offense in New York is just fine, but the defense needs some work.

Their defense gave up 427 points or 26.7points/game. That was the 30th best defense and for the Big Apple, or the NFC East. Their take away differential was -7. All these are indicators that their problems lie with the defense. This team gave up 5,435 yards of offense. Giant haters who hate Eli most of all want to blame him, but these numbers clearly indicate that the 2009 Giants defense was why this team struggled to an 8-8 record.

Heading into 2010 this is a team that needs some playmakers in the middle of their defense. A DT or MLB that can clog up the running lanes, or maybe even a DE that can provide support and pass rushing abilities. They might also need some help in their secondary. Those will the primary needs as they navigate free agency and the 2010 NFL Draft.

Related Links:

•New York Giants news and notes
•NFL Complete.com
•2010 NFL Draft news, notes, and rumors