The New York Giants are Reloaded and Ready for Success

Coming off a 2008-2009 campaign that concluded with a disappointing playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Giants look to rebound in an attempt to replicate their 2007-2008 championship season.  

The New York Giants have high expectations for the 2009-2010 season.  Despite losing playmaking WRs Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer on offense, the Giants bolstered their defense by acquiring LB Michael Boley, DE Chris Canty, DT Rocky Bernard, and S C.C. Brown through free agency.  

The Giants also resigned starting RB Brandon Jacobs to a four-year contract and resigned QB David Carr to be Eli Manning’s backup. 

The Giants turned to the draft to address their other needs.  Attempting to fill the void left by Burress and Toomer at wide receiver, the Giants tackled their biggest weakness by selecting talented WR Hakeem Nicks (UNC) with their first draft pick. 

They also selected WR Ramses Barden (Cal Poly), whose 6’6” 229 lb physique could provide QB Eli Manning with that large target he will be missing with the absence of Burress. 

On defense, the Giants drafted playmaking LB Clint Sintim (Virginia) to strengthen their aging linebacking core.

Despite some key offseason departures, including CB Sam Madison, S Sammy Knight and RB Derrick Ward, the Giants have one of the most talented and thorough rosters in the NFL. 

Top to bottom, the Giants do not have a glaring weakness at any position.  GM Jerry Reese deserves credit for the Giants drafting successes, as he able to assemble a competitive roster year after year.   

In order for the New York Giants to make the playoffs, they must win some tough divisional games on the road.  The Giants will be tested as early as Week Two, when they travel to Dallas and face an invigorated Cowboys team.

The Giants will also visit the Eagles on November 1 and the Washington Redskins on December 21.  If the Giants are able to win two of those three road divisional games, they will be headed towards another first round bye in the playoffs.   

Another obstacle that stands between the Giants and potential success is injuries.  Last season, the Giants suffered a devastating injury to DE Osi Umenyiora, which greatly impacted their defensive gameplan.  

However, for the past couple seasons the Giants have been able to start the same five offensive linemen each week.  Despite often being overshadowed by the skill positions, a congruent and injury-free offensive line contributes just as much to the success of a franchise as does its skill players. 

In order for the Giants to have a successful season, they will have to avoid serious injuries to their star players as well as their offensive line. 

The Giants also need relatively untested RB Ahmad Bradshaw (90 career carries) to step up and fill the shoes left by the departure of backup RB Derrick Ward.  Because of RB Brandon Jacobs' bruising style of running, Bradshaw figures to get many carries as Jacobs will likely miss time due to injuries.

If the Giants are able to remain healthy, develop their young players to fill key positions, and win some tough divisional games, they will likely win the NFC East and continue to play into January.