New York Giants: 6 Things to Look for Against the Chicago Bears

The New York Giants won the Super Bowl last season, but that doesn't mean they don't need to see improvements in their preseason game against the Chicago Bears tonight.

Typically winning the title means the team has little flaws, but the Giants are far from perfect.

They lost wide receiver Mario Manningham and running back Brandon Jacobs. Their offensive line struggled last season and hasn't been much better so far this year. Eli Manning was absolutely elite last year, but they need him to keep it up. 

These are just some of the storylines to follow in the preseason game for Big Blue. 

The final score of the game will likely not be of significance, but keeping an eye on the various battles that will occur on the field will make this one a game worth watching. 

1. Eli Manning Mistakes

This season, Eli Manning will take on what is perhaps the only challenge more difficult than winning the Super Bowl. That challenge, which is of course defending that title, is only completable if Eli Manning can put up the kind of numbers he produced last year.

After setting NFL records for most fourth quarter touchdowns and comeback wins in a season last year, the only thing Eli Manning wants to change this season is decreasing his interceptions—he threw 16 last season and has tossed 55 over the past three seasons.

To the despair of Tom Coughlin, those occasional errors don't appear to have disappeared after Eli threw an awful pick to Laron Landry against the Jets.

Manning will have to stay clear of major errors against the Bears to start the season on the right foot. 

2. Victor Cruz's Performance

Last season, Victor Cruz came out of nowhere to finish third in the NFL in receiving yards with 1,536 yards. This year, he won't be catching anyone by surprise.

In order to keep his numbers at a similar level, Cruz will have no choice but to keep his chemistry with Eli Manning strong.

This preseason has shown the two stars have kept their connection going by hooking up for 79 yards on six catches, but they will need to continue that trend tonight.

Look for Cruz to be targeted early and often, and expect him to haul in several passes from Eli. 

3. Which Wide Receivers Step Up?

Mario Manningham was the obvious third option at wide receiver last season—making one of the biggest catches in Giants' history in the Super Bowl. Those are some big shoes to fill. 

Unfortunately for the Giants, those shoes have yet to find a new owner. Ramses Barden was expected to take the role, but he has struggled immensely to find comfort with Eli Manning.

Jerrel Jernigan and Rueben Randle are options and both have done well this preseason. Domenik Hixon has yet to truly stand out, but he is still in the running. 

Tonight will give these pass catchers one of their last chances to impress Tom Coughlin and the battle will be one of the most important stories of the game. 

4. How Does the Offensive Line Perform?

By winning the Super Bowl, the Giants showed very few flaws in their title run last season. If there was one chink in their armour though, it would have to be the offensive line.

The o-line was weak all year and may even be worse so far this year. They have consistently allowed hits on Eli and have yet to establish a solid running game.

They have no choice but to create gaps and hold off pass rushers tonight if they don't wan't to be surrounded by major doubts going into the regular season. 

5. Running Back Production

In 2011, the New York Giants finished dead last in the NFL in rushing yards per game. They got away with it because Eli Manning threw the sixth most yards by a quarterback ever.

Without Brandon Jacobs, they are now without a truly bruising running back. To make matters worse, Ahmad Bradshaw left the game against the Jets. According to ESPN, he suffered a hand contusion but he should be fine and will be questionable for the game.

This game will be a good opportunity for the David Wilson to impose himself in the running game and show that he deserves touches. It also, obviously, will allow for Coughlin and fans to see how the offensive line can do establishing a running game. 

6. Prince Amukamara

Drafted in the first round of the draft last year, Prince Amukamara broke his foot in the preseason and was only able to play in seven regular season games.

He was able to record his first career interception and won the Super Bowl in his rookie season but it did still feel like he was never at his full potential.

The Giants hope he can reach that level this season and that starts with a good showing against the Bears tonight.