New York Giant's 2009 Schedule: An Analysis

Josh Berman by Correspondent Written on July 04, 2009

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Most Giants writers out there are looking ahead to training camp, worrying over Boley's surgery, and fretting over the WR corps; among other things.

Not me.

Yes, all of those things are relevant, but I'm confident Coughlin and Easy E can wrangle the team together for an outstanding season. So instead of breaking new I've decided to do a pre-training camp analysis of the year ahead.

Week One: vs. Washington

ASHBURN, VA - MAY 1:  Albert Haynesworth #92 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field after minicamp on May 1, 2009 at Redskins Park in Ashurn, Virginia.   (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Starting out of the gate week one expect a few hiccups. You might think the GMen would be raring to go but with brand new WR targets and an extensive injury list heading into training camp expect a few bumps along the road. (Million dollar man above)

Prediction: L 24-17

Week Two: @ Dallas

CARROLLTON, TX - JUNE 16:  Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys during mini camp at Standridge Stadium on June 16, 2009 in Carrollton, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Being the Dallas' home opener, especially in the new stadium, expect a lot of energy in Texas. Wouldn't it be great to spoil Jerry's fun? The GMen can do it easily enough if they stick to their D and give Eli enough chances. Expect it close and high scoring (Tony Romo above).

Prediction: W 34-28

Week Three: @ Tampa Bay

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 21:  Derrick Ward #34 of the New York Giants runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers in overtime on December 21, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Going to visit their first of many "old pals" this season, this time Derrick Ward the 1,000+ yard rusher from last season. With Tampa's QB situation up in the air and the rest of the team seemingly floating around expect and easy win for Big Blue (Ward above; he looks better in blue).

Prediction: W 24-10

Week Four: @ Kansas City

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 28: Larry Johnson #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the NFL game on December 28, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

On the road for the third straight week the Giants will have had about enough traveling but they won't be worn out enough to give one away to this one away easily (Larry Johnson above).

Prediction: W 17-14

Week Five: vs. Oakland

ALAMEDA, CA - SEPTEMBER 30:  Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis speaks during a press conference to announce the firing of head coach Lane Kiffin of the Oakland Raiders at thier training facility on Septemer 30, 2008 in Alameda, California.  (Photo by Jed Jac

I'm sure the team will appreciate being home again, especially against a push over like Oakland. That is assuming that Al Davis really was crazy for pick Hayward-Bay and guessing the Russel will still have issues.

Prediction: W 28-10

Week Six: @ New Orleans

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 30: Tight end Jeremy Shockey #88 of the New Orleans Saints sets for play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2008 in Tampa, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

"On the road again, Oh we just can't wait to get on the road again", I bet the GMen will want to call whoever wrote that song a big fat liar. They head back on the road to face a tough New Orleans team with outstanding passer Drew Brees and old friend Jeremy Shockey.

Expect a shoot-out in the Superdome, assuming the Giants' offense can keep up.

Prediction: L 35-28

Week Seven: vs. Arizona

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 30:  Wide Receiver Anquan Boldin #81 of the Arizona Cardinals poses during a portrait session at Cardinals Training Facility on November 30, 2004 in Tempe, Arizona.  (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Next the team heads home and the desert comes to town, to face almost Giant Anquan Boldin and the Cardinals. The Giant's D should have enough power to slow down Arizona's speed machine of a team long enough for Eli to put it away.

Prediction: W 21-14

Week Eight: @ Philedelphia

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 1: Quarterback Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during minicamp practice at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

Ahh Philly, we meet again! In a rematch of last seasons playoff debacle Big Blue should be pumped and better be ready for a hard fought game.

I guarantee every player on either team has this one circled already in fact the trash talking has already been reported. Should be interesting.

Prediction: W 28-17

Week Nine: vs. San Diego

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 11:  Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers celebrates after he threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson #83 in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their AFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 11, 20

Hopefully being close to home will help in this one. Its bound to be a shoot out. Former fourth pick Phillip Rivers comes to town for the first time and the two QBs get to once and for all hash out who's the best of the best (Phillip Rivers).

Prediction: W 35-28

Week 10: Bye

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The bye week couldn't come at a better time being so late in the season. Expect the men in blue to need a much-deserved week off and hopefully it will help them freshen up for a postseason run.

Week 11: vs. Atlanta

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts a pass during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia.  (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images)

Another game close to home might be just what the doctor ordered. Playing Matt Ryan and the Falcons may be nice too. Sure, they have a great run game, but I don't think there D is good enough to win this one.

Prediction: W 28-17

Week 12: @ Denver

ENGLEWOOD, CO - MAY 03:  Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 particiaptes in practice during Denver Broncos Minicamp at the Broncos training facility on May 3, 2009 in Englewood, Colorado.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Headed out to Denver might have been trouble in the past but with a ton of question marks, a new coach, a lost QB and an upset WR don't expect big things out of Denver this season.

Prediction: W 35-17

Week 13: vs. Dallas

IRVING, TX - MAY 01:  Head coach Wade Phillips of the Dallas Cowboys during rookie mini camp on May 1, 2009 in Irving, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Dallas comes to town and everyone knows what high-intensity games those are. Expect the same with a low defensive score.

Prediction: L 17-14

Week 14: vs. Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 1: Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles speaks at a press conference during minicamp at the NovaCare Complex on May 1, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)

Philly is back again and don't expect them to be easy. Remember they will be in the playoff hunt at this point, too.

Prediction: L 17-10

Week 15: @ Washington

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 14: Jim Zorn, the Head Coach of the Washington Redskins, is pictured the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 14, 2008 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Heading down to the nations capital is usually a successful trip and even though I don't expect Washington to be in the playoff hunt they will do anything to spoil Big Blue's chances.

Prediction: W 28-24

Week 16: vs. Carolina

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 28:  Jonathan Stewart #28 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints on December 28, 2008 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

If Carolina is anything like they were last year, expect another great game between two playoff bound teams. It will be close and hard, so you'll definitely want to circle this one on your calender.

Prediction: W 42-35

Week 17: @ Minesota

MINNEAPOLIS - DECEMBER 28:  Adrian Peterson #28 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball in for a touchdown as James Butler #37 of the New York Giants defends on December 28, 2008 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by E

The Big Blue Wrecking Crew probably won't need this one for a playoff berth. But I think Tom has learned his lesson about benching starters and knows how important momentum is so expect them to play hard but loose to a team who wants it more.

Prediction: L 31-24

Summary

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Expect the Giants to be up and down at times but still finish in the area of 11-5. They have a lot to prove this year, most notably that their Super Bowl wasn't fluke and they can win without Plax.

Expect second seed in the playoffs with a first rd. bye but not home field advantage throughout. Good luck this season GMen!

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written on July 04, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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