Playbook Outlook: An Overview of the New York Giants' Offense

After getting ousted from the playoffs last season, it has become evident that the New York Giants have to make some sound adjustments to their offensive playbook.  Despite establishing a smash-mouth flow with the running game, there is no question that the Giants have lacked a certain creativity in their play calling.          

The foundation of the New York Giants' offense is designed around the durable bruiser, Brandon Jacobs.  On every single carry, Jacobs is the one that helps set the tone for his team.  If Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown can step up, the Giant’s play calling for the running game will basically be identical to last season, with some exceptions.

One constant that Derrick Ward brought last season was the ability get open in the backfield and come up with big time receptions.  Look out for Offensive Coordinator Kevin Gilbride to find out what types of roles both Ahmad Bradshaw and Andre Brown will have in catching the football out of the backfield.

In regards to individual contribution, the Giants have to find a way to get Kevin Boss more involved.  The young Tight End was key to last season’s offense in the green zone.  Unfortunately, Boss would go through phases where he would just disappear from football games.  Boss is a big target that the G-men need to take more advantage of.

Overall, the biggest test for both Kevin Gilbride and Eli Manning is to find out which Wide Receiver will become the top target.  Steve Smith became Manning’s go-to guy on third down last season and they seemed very comfortable with each other. 

If Smith can expand his game as a possession receiver, this will definitely be reflected in the playbook.  In other words, Eli won’t just be passing to Smith on third downs anymore.

Meanwhile, Smith is not the only receiver with an increased amount of responsibility.  Domenik Hixon is crucial if the Giants want to establish an effective deep threat.  However, this should not be all that Hixon can provide. 

Just like Smith, who needs to get involved in all passing situations, Domenik Hixon needs to establish himself as a receiver that catch all types of passes, not just ones that are thrown 50 yards down the field.

If the Giants choose to eliminate any plays from last season’s playbook, then how about this one: No more handing off the ball to Madison Hedgecock.  You can’t help but love the guy, one of the toughest Fullbacks in football, but the Giants need to let him stick to blocking, not carrying the football.

With exception to the game in Arizona, every time they gave him the football last season, it never seemed to work out.

Even though the Giants will try and follow the same formula for success from last season, there are certainly some lingering questions about the playbook.  As for the Wide Receivers, you can’t help but wonder how they will fit into the grand scheme of things.  Also, Eli Manning now holds more responsibility than ever before.

Strahan, Shockey, Tiki, and Plaxico have all left the swamp and there is no doubt that is Eli’s team, through good times and bad times.  If you’re a Giants fan, that’s a good thing.