Offense
Eli Manning started last year strongly but faded as the season progressed. That was a disappointment but no one questions Manning, his future, or his ability to guide this offense.
There isn't much question, however, that the offense would have been anemic without Tiki Barber. His rushing and receiving paced their entire attack. Even if he begins to slow down a bit, big Brandon Jacobs lies in wait. He is a 260 pound back who could burst if given the chance. Tom Coughlin would be wise to integrate Jacobs more into the offense in order to keep Barber's mileage down.
The offensive line had been a question mark in years past, but it has been transformed into a strength. Wide receiver Plaxico Burress had a good first season in statistics, but there has been friction between himself and Manning. Although Manning has assured the media that there is no issue, there is no question that they need to be on the same page for the offense to flourish.
The Giants will also need Jeremy Shockey to be more of a terror down the middle of the field. Shockey simply disappears too often and he is far too dangerous a weapon to have that happen. While I do not expect Barber to duplicate his numbers from a year ago, the offense will be just as successful with a more experienced Manning and explosive weapons everywhere else.
Defense
LaVar Arrington seems pretty confident that he will make a huge splash as a Giant. His motivation for choosing them was the chance to play NFC East foes twice a year. He had better back up the talk, and I am not so sure he will. If he can regain his stardom there, though, he will team with Antonio Pierce to make for a formidable duo.
Ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora were the talk of the NFL. Strahan is aging but is not showing obvious signs of slowing down. Some believe that Umenyiora is merely a product of easy simple teams, but they are in error. He is explosive and a rising star. The duo should combine for 20+ sacks once again.
At tackle, William Joseph has done just enough to keep a starting spot but not nearly enough to justify his talent and a first round draft pick. Like many, he shows flashes of brillance but disappears much of the time.
In the secondary, CB Corey Webster could be terrific. He has size, strength, and speed that the new breed has. The other side sports Sam Madison, a one time shutdown corner who is fading fast. If he can put together a solid season it will help the young, aggressive safety Gibril Wilson, another rising star in the secondary.
Synopsis
If Manning were to have another season of starting strong and fading at the end it will be trouble. A deep playoff run may be expected. That scenario would hinge on Tiki Barber's health. It is imperative that he is not burnt out by playoff time. But Eli is the catalyst, he needs to stay strong the entire season.
However, I see trouble for Manning again as the season winds down and the Giants finish at 9-7, looking for a wildcard berth.
