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

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

Behind them are C.C. Brown, who was an offseason and addition from Houston, and Steve Cargile. Sha'reff Rashad is also doing well in the Giants' offseason activities, which means he will probably get into the mix. None of the backups have more than four years of experience, but it looks like Brown is a capable defender.

Finally, we have the special teams. Now that the 45-year-old John Carney has been deemed too old to kick, Lawrence Tynes will take over. Tynes, who at times struggles with his accuracy, is favored by the coaching staff because of his strong leg and youth. He is able to kick in swirling winds, a problem they have in the Meadowlands.

The punter is Hall-of-Famer-to-be Jeff Feagles. Although old, it's safe to say that nobody can match his angle-punting skills. He can put the ball where the other team cannot return it every time he punts, which is why he is a perenial Pro Bowler.

Returning the kicks will be Ahmad Bradshaw and Domenik Hixon. Bradshaw will probably handle kickoffs, while Hixon will return mostly punts, but looks to see time on kickoffs, too. Bradshaw has shown that he has big play ability, while we have seen that Hixon can take it the distance on multiple occasions.

One of the best long snappers and special teams players in the league is Zak DeOssie, who will try to make back-to-back Pro Bowls, while in New York. Jay Alford can also handle the long snaps if he is needed.

With a strong offense, indomitable defense, and solid special teams, the G-men look like a well rounded squad.

With all that being said, it looks like the Giants are headed for another fine year.

Expect no less than 10 wins in 2009. Their victory total will probably reach no more than 13 though. They are a legitimate contender to take home the NFC title.

Super Bowl contenders?

Maybe.

They've got the talent to pull it off, and Tom Coughlin has won over the players in the locker room. They have a very realistic chance of winning the NFC East, a tough division nonetheless. All four NFC East teams are very strong, so do not be surprised if the Giants have to settle for a Wild Card berth.

However they get in, the Giants will probably be playing come January. They are less prone to a collapse, unlike say, the Dallas Cowboys, because the Giants have great team chemistry. They have a very optimistic outlook on the 2009 season.

There is a lot skill and potential at each of their positions, which makes the Big Blue Wrecking Crew a team to look for come playoff time.

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