This article is the first in a series of articles I have decided to write. Each article presents the five biggest questions for each team in the NFL. The first article rightfully is dedicated to the New York Giants, the Super Bowl Champions. These questions are in no particular order.
1. Can They Stay Healthy?
Health seemed to hurt the Giants at times last season. Plaxico Burress battled a right ankle injury all of last season, and he re-injured it July 28.
Brandon Jacobs, the starting halfback for the Giants, was injured several times last season, fighting injuries such as hamstring, knee, and ankle. Eli Manning even had problems with his shoulder at points throughout the season.
With Jacobs out of the lineup, New York was 3-2 last season. With him, however, they were 11-4. Manning and Burress didn't miss any games, but you could tell their production was down. I really can't provide an answer to this one.
2. Can They Emerge in Their Division?
Four of the toughest teams in the NFL lurk in the NFC East, the division the Giants play in. The Cowboys, Eagles, and Redskins are all champing at the bit to bring down New York.
They went 4-3 when playing teams in their division, losing twice to the Cowboys and once to the Redskins. All three teams have improved since last season.
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The Giants will have some tough battles against all three teams, and shouldn't expect to walk away 6-0. I think the Giants will go 5-1, being very honest, with the only loss being at Dallas.
3. How Will They Fare with the Retirement of Michael Strahan?
Michael Strahan, former defensive end for the Giants, has been very productive, and was a huge reason the Giants excelled in the postseason. Justin Tuck is a very accomplished back-up, but we all know that some players do better when coming off the bench.
Plus, there is just no replacing a future Hall-of-Famer. I would have to say that the Giants' defense will suffer this season, but could go back to normal production if Tuck can prove he is Pro-Bowl caliber, in which case, the Giants will have a Top Five defense once again.
4. Can They Continue Their Dominance on the Road?
The Giants record on the road was an astounding 11-1, losing only to the Dallas Cowboys in the first game of the season. That includes all four games in the postseason, enduring the heat of Tampa and the chills of Green Bay.
Playing three of the toughest opponents in your conference and the best team in the world (at the time) is a tough enough task, but all on the road in consecutive contests? The Giants pulled it off.
But now that each team has had the whole offseason, you would think that they would be more prepared for the road-warriors.
There are several intriguing match-ups on the road, playing the two toughest teams in the AFC North on the road, as well as Dallas and Minnesota. Knowing how well they perform on the road, they can go 3-1 through that stint.
5. Can They Repeat as Super Bowl Champions?
It doesn't matter if your team is destined to become the worst in the NFL after winning a Super Bowl, this is always going to be a question. They return the main pieces on offense, besides getting rid of tight end Jeremy Shockey.
However, the Giants won the Super Bowl with Shockey missing all four of the playoff games. Kevin Boss showed last postseason that he is capable of starting and being successful. The same goes for Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck.
Honestly, I don't know if it can happen. I like the Giants as a team, but repeating as the Super Bowl champion is tough for any team to do, no matter how talented you are.
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4 months ago
I like this article. Putting five questions to each team and seeing how they stack up could be a good indicator of what we'll be looking at in the NFL this year.
As for the repeat...it's possible, but I don't think it will happen.
4 months ago
Thanks Andrew. Tomorrows edition is the Dallas Cowboys.
4 months ago
Here's the problem with predicting a repeat: no one in his right mind would have predicted that the Giants would win the Super Bowl last year. They looked pretty good, but without Tiki Barber, no one considered them a contender. This year, again, they don't appear to have the makeup of a championship team. They look good again, with the added bonus of the title on their side, but most people don't think they can repeat. I'm not saying I think they'll win again (I don't), but don't write them off so quickly. They've still got the determination that fueled them last year.
4 months ago
Good information. Did they really win the Super Bowl last year? I thought it was a dream (a bad one at that.) I think you covered it all. If you are writing about the Cowboys next - you may have to expand to 20 questions. I look forward to your insight.
4 months ago
good stuff with this article...but I think it might be a bit wishful thinking by you saying they will be 5-1 in the division this year. I would love for you to be right but that would be quite an accomplishment if it were to happen...and let's hope the injury bug doesn't strike again...last year was a relatively healthy season compared to other recent years (especially on the defense)
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