New York Giants: Reasons Why the Giants Won't Repeat

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The New York Giants have been one of the more consistent teams in the last decade.  With two super bowls in five years, the G-Men haven't gotten as much publicity as the New York Jets as of late, but the field performance speaks for itself.

However, the Giants lost some key pieces to the super bowl team of last season.  While quarterback Eli Manning is still leading the way, other pieces to the success of New York have went elsewhere.

The Giants have had successes against top teams in the NFL recently, but New York faces one of the more difficult schedules in the league.

Besides the difficult competition against the NFC East teams, the Giants go away at San Francisco, Cincinnati, Atlanta and Baltimore.

Difficult home games consist of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. 

Here are some reasons that the Giants won't repeat as champions in the 2012-2013 season. 

Well, It's Difficult to Repeat..

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There are not many teams that repeat in winning a Super Bowl.  There have been a handful of teams that have repeated, but not many recently.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have repeated twice (1978, 1979, 1974, 1975).  Out of the Steelers eight appearances in the Super Bowl, Pittsburgh has won six.

The Dallas Cowboys have repeated in 1992 and 1993.  The Denver Broncos also repeated in the 90's, winning in 1997 and 1998.

The Miami Dolphins have won twice out of their five appearances in the Super Bowl.  Miami was able to repeat in 1972 and 1973.

Out of the New England Patriots' seven appearances, it has repeated in 2003 and 2004. 

The most impressive resume consist of the San Fransisco 49ers, who have won in all five Super Bowl appearances.  It has repeated in 1988 and 1989. 

Yes, it has been done, but it's no easy task.  With the Giants difficult schedule, it gets even harder.  New York must get some quality wins in order to win the division or obtain a wild card. 

From there, Manning must lead this team to another run.  The wide receivers must be unbelievable once again.  The Giants will hope to build a stronger running game after a difficult rushing attack last season. 

The Loss of Mario Manningham

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The loss of wide receiver Mario Manningham was a big blow to the New York Football Giants.  He has joined the San Fransisco 49ers. 

In the 2009 season, Manningham played in 14 games, adding 57 receptions for 822 yards.  He had five touchdowns.  In 2010, Manningham played in 16 games.  The 26-year-old wide receiver had 60 receptions, 944 yards and nine touchdowns. 

In 2011, Manningham played in 12 games.  As he dealt with injury, the former Michigan Wolverine was able to provide 39 receptions for 523 yards and four touchdowns.  Manningham also had three postseason touchdowns in the Giants playoff campaign.

Manningham was a large part of the Super Bowl win over the Patriots.  He caught a 38-yard pass with under four minutes remaining to set up a game-winning drive.  It was another memorable play that Eli Manning has had with a wide receiver.

He was able to keep his feet in bounds with two defenders around him near the left sideline. 

Throughout these last three seasons, Manningham has provided 18 touchdowns and 2,315 yards.  It's a large part to make up for. 

The Loss of Jake Ballard

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The New York Giants have also lost tight end Jake Ballard.  The 24-year-old Ohio State Buckeye had 38 receptions for 604 yards and four touchdowns last season.

In the postseason, Ballard dealt with injury, but was able to give New York five receptions for 43 yards.

While he is young, there is no question that this guy is a loss for the Giants and a gain for the New England Patriots.

In the Super Bowl, Ballard left in the second half with a torn ACL in the left knee.  Then a Giant, Ballard wasn't able to continue in the game. 

In June 2012, Ballard was claimed off waivers by the Patriots.  Many believed he would re-sign with the Giants. 

The Loss of Brandon Jacobs

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There's no denying that Brandon Jacobs isn't the big, scary guy who was feared around the NFL anymore.  The 6'4", 264-pound running back has joined Manningham as a San Fransisco 49er. 

In Jacobs' career, he has piled up 4,849 total yards with 56 touchdowns.  In the 2011 regular season, Jacobs had 571 yards on 152 attempts.  He was able to provide the Giants with seven rushing touchdowns and a receiving one as well.

In the 2011 postseason, Jacobs had 164 yards and a touchdown.  While his numbers aren't anything to write home about, Jacobs has been a vocal, physical leader for this Giants ball club.

Ever since 2007, Jacobs' numbers have steadily declined.  In the 2007-2008 season, Jacobs ran for 1,009 yards and four touchdowns.  The next season, he was able to do a little better with 1,089 yards and 15 touchdowns.

In 2009 and 2010, Jacobs had 835 yards and 823 respectively.  He added a combined 14 touchdowns in those two seasons, one shy from his single-season mark in 2008.

While Jacobs numbers and ability to run have been on the decline, his leadership on the New York Giants will be missed.