Giant Expectations: Will Big Blue Crack Under Pressure in New York?

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

The 2009 season is a pivotal one for the New York Giants.

Was 2008's successful season a fluke? There is only one way to tell, and that will be to watch the G-men this coming season.

Last year was fantastic for the Giants...well, at least the start was.

The Giants finished 12-4, but were bumped in the Divisional round of the playoffs by their hated rivals from Philly.

This year, the Giants will start the season as reigning regular season champs of the NFC and will have to defend their NFC East crown.

But a lot has changed since then.

The offseason seemed bleak at times in New York, as their fans watched big time players such as Derrick Ward, Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Sam Madison, R.W. McQuarters, and John Carney go. Reuben Droughns, Grey Ruegamer, and Jerome McDougle will probably be among that list of players who won't be suiting up with the Giants this year.

But there are plenty of positives to come out of this past offseason for the Giants as well.

Michael Boley, Chris Canty, Rocky Bernard, Lee Vickers, C.C. Brown, and Kelvin Smith are notable names that have signed with the Giants. Also joining the squad are Andrew Carnahan, Shaun Bodiford, Allen Patrick, and Tutan Reyes.

The draft was a success for the Giants, as they managed to fill some holes at crucial positions. The highlight of their draft was the stud receiver Hakeem Nicks, who they chose in the first round out of North Carolina. Clint Sintim, William Beatty, Ramses Barden, Travis Beckum, Andre Brown, Rhett Bomar, DeAndre Wright, and Stoney Woodson were their other draftees.

The Giants took another big hit when Steve Spagnuolo, one of the league's greatest defensive minds, opted to take over as head coach of the St. Louis Rams. Linebackers coach Bill Sheridan has been promoted to fill the gap at defensive coordinator.

The quarterback situation is already set for the Giants, unlike for another team that plays in New York.

Eli is the man who will call the shots for the Giants, with David Carr as his trusted backup. Beyond that, Andre' Woodson and Rhett Bomar will have to fight for third-string duties.

Manning was inconsistent in the first couple of years of his career, but last year he looked like a different man. Calm, cool, and clutch, he lead the Giants to one of their best starts in recent memory. Sure, it's a disaster when Eli loses confidence, but he is a spinning image of big-brother Peyton when he finds his rhythm.

Brandon Jacobs will take the thick of the carries for Big Blue. There aren't many guys you could want to be taking hand-offs for your team.

Jacobs is a monster, standing stall at 6'4" and weighing around 264 lbs. He is one of the most physical players in the league, powering his way through linebackers and defensive linemen, making defenses pay for not going at him one hundred percent. He is very swift and quick considering his size, making him one of the most dangerous players in the league.

Think of a piano on wheels, rolling down a steep hill. That's what you are essentially dealing with when you go against "The Baby Rhinoceros."

The departure of Derrick Ward, one of the league's top backups, will open the door for the other backs on the team. Already proven is Ahmad Bradshaw, who will now have the chance to establish himself in the league as Ward did. The search for the new third member of the Giants' three-headed monster has come down to Danny Ware and Andre Brown. Neither has much of a track-record in the NFL, but so far Ware is the favorite.

At fullback, the Giants have Madison Hedgecock, a guy who does not receive nearly the credit he deserves. He is any running back's best friend, leading the way into the hole, taking out defenders left and right. Quarterbacks love him too, being that he excels as a pass blocker. If Hedgecock were to move on to another team, you would probably see a drop-off in the Giants' rushing numbers.

Wide receiver is the position that has caused the most turmoil for the Giants. After multiple trade attempts to bring in a receiver fell through, the Giants decided to turn to the draft to do their wide-out shopping. The draft produced two new Giants' receivers: Hakeem Nicks, who is North Carloina's all-time leading receiver, and Ramses Barden.

The competition looks wide open as of right now, with nearly all of the receivers having an equal shot. The front runners are Nicks, Steve Smith, and Domenik Hixon. Sinorice Moss and David Tyree will also be given plenty of opportunities. Barden and Mario Manningham will probably find their way onto the field as well.

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