Why the New York Giants Will Return to the Playoffs in 2009

Today, Yahoo Sports featured an article called, “NFL playoff teams that might not make it back">Six NFL playoff teams that might not make it back” written by Mike Florio listed the New York Giants as one of the six teams that will not make the playoffs this year.

He included the Giants in a list with the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans, San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, and the Arizona Cardinals.  

Some of the other teams in this list are understandable. The Dolphins could have been a fluke, the Chargers are aging, the Vikings have no QB (unless they sign Brett Favre), the Titans have an aging QB, and the NFC West is strengthening for the Cardinals.

The main argument against the Giants in the article is the loss of Plaxico Burress. The former Giants wide receiver who was cut from the team after an accidental shooting and legal troubles.

The article states that the Giants will miss the playoffs because of the loss of one player.

The article does not mention the key acquisitions by the Giants over the off-season. The Giants signed Rocky Bernard, Chris Canty, and Michael Boley to bolster the defense.

Along with this, they also had a pretty good draft, drafting two wide receivers, one of which may be the replacement to Plaxico Burress.

Without Burress, the Giants may not have someone who draws double coverage depending on the performance of Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden. Aside from this the Giants may have the deepest receiving corps they have ever had.

The Giants will make it to the playoffs in 2009. In 2008 they had one of the best defenses. This defense can only get better with their additions and the return of Osi Umenyioria. The new and improved defense can only help the Giants cut down the opposing team’s offense.

The Giants also are returning with one of the best running games in the league. The Giants have one of the best offensive lines and a returning 1,000 yard downhill rusher in Brandon Jacobs.

The Giants rushing game will be keys in their return to the playoffs, and the team has an opportunity for back-to-back years with two 1,000 yard rushers. This part of the offense will be the weapon of choice entering the season.

With the Giants playing in the best division in football, must play well the entire season to return to the playoffs.  The Giants will rely on their running backs and defense, but I can assure you they won’t shy away from passing the ball.

The Giants will return to the playoffs in 2009 and have another shot at a second Super Bowl appearance in three years.