The New York Football Giants: Depth, Uncertainty, and Promise in 2009

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Giants' running game is good enough to take them as far as it did last season, but when the eighth man is dropped into the box and the Giants have to throw over top, the question marks catching the ball need to quickly become the answers.  Good playcalling that maximizes the talent of these players could be the key to the Giants offensive success this season.

On Defense 

Not many teams can boast a defensive line like that of the New York Giants.  The return of Osi Umenyiora should be enough to drive fear into the hearts of all opposing quarterbacks. 

Couple that with the GMen keeping Mathias Kiwanuka in the dirt and the multi-millionaire dollar additions of DT's Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard, and the Giants d-line suddenly went from great to downright frightening.  Opposing teams will be lucky to keep the Giants off their QB less than three times a game. 

The linebacking corps is the weakest of the defensive thirds, although that is not saying much.  Antonio Pierce is one of the best defensive signal callers in the league, and Michael Boley was a fantastic addition to this team on the weakside.  Strongside backer is a bit of a question mark though. 

Danny Clark is a serviceable player, but has seen his best days.  I would expect to see new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan give every linebacker a look at this spot to find the best fit, but the Giants love to run exotic looks and even played three safeties at times last year, with Michael Johnson dropping closer to the line. 

I expect to see either Clark or rookie Clint Sintim in the starting lineup, but would not be surprised to find a lot of different looks being thrown at opposing QB's.

The secondary is so young and talented that the Giants may be set for another five seasons without making a single change.  Cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are gifted playmakers around the ball and can both stick their nose in on the run.  Safety Michael Johnson, a former seventh-round pick, has become a solid starter in this defense and knows exactly what is expected of him. 

Second-year man Kenny Phillips may truly be the Giants most talented defensive player.  He has all the tools to be a perennial Pro Bowler and should thrive as a new starter in this defense.

The rest of the secondary players provide a ton of versatility behind the starters, and corners Kevin Dockery and Terrell Thomas get a lot of snaps, while recently acquired veteran C.C. Brown can step up in a pinch.

It is truly hard to find a weakness in this Giants defense.  They have talent all across the board at every position, with a good mix of young and veteran players.  If the starting linebackers and safeties stay healthy and the pass rush heats up, the Giants should boast a top three defense this season.

Overall

This is a power running offense that beats to its own drum and an innovative defense that loves to cause havoc.  Both sides of the ball have their question marks, but a true weakness is hard to come by. 

If the players in question can step up early and establish themselves, this Giants team will be hard to beat early and down the stretch.  Not many teams have depth like this, and Coach Coughlin knows how to get the most out of his players.  A healthy Giants team has to be considered a Super Bowl contender for '09.

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