Twenty Questions For Osi Umenyiora: A Chat With the Chief

After suffering a season-ending knee surgery in August of 2008, the one-time defensive captain of the Giants was reduced to the sideline. Amid a tumultuous 2008 season, many have forgotten about The Chief quietly waiting in the wings, ready to return to football. In 2009, Osi returns, and he is shaping up to be one of the key players in Bill Sheridan's new defense.

The Giants pass rush seemed to fade down the stretch in the 2008 season, but with Osi back in the fray, as well as a number of other key additions, the pass rush seems to be primed for an incredible season.

The new defensive personnel coupled with a season away from football begs the question of what is going on inside the mind of Cheif Osi.

Here are some questions I would pose to the All-Pro defensive end:

1. How has a season away from the game of football changed your perspective on the game itself?

2. How did seeing your teammates fall at the hands of Philadelphia affect you emotionally?

3. How did your injury change your training regimen?

4. Do you think Bill Sheridan will impact the defense in any negative capacity?

5. From the perspective of Steve Spagnuolo's defense, how much do you see your role personally changing in Bill Sheridan's defense?

6. Do you view the additions of Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard as more of a threat or and aid?

7. What aspect of your game do you believe the Giants missed most in 2008?

8. From a personal perspective, what was the most significant play in your career?

9. Do you believe that between yourself, Justin Tuck and Antonio Pierce that there is enough emotion and attitude to carry you through the 2009 season?

10. What is the best way you can describe quarterback Eli Manning?

11. Outside of your six sack performances, what was the best game of your career?

12. In terms of total sacks, what is your goal for the 2009 season?

13. Does the team have a goal in terms of sacks for 2009?

14. What event in your career had the most impact in terms of how your approach the game?

15. Who is the toughest left tackle you have faced?

16. What is your bread-and-butter pass rush move?

17. What new member of the Giants do you believe will have the biggest impact?

18. What game are you most looking forward to in the 2009 season?

19. Of the three other NFC East teams, who do you enjoy beating the most?

20. Do you believe that the Giants can win more championships under Eli Manning?

All of the answers to the questions will undoubtedly reflect a lot about the pulse of Osi Umenyiora and the Giants' locker room.