The second half of the 2006 season was a monumental disappointment for the New York Giants as they stumbled to just two wins in their last eight regular-season games, which they followed up with a quick exit from the playoffs. Injuries helped fuel their decline, but there's no question there are some holes that needed addressing, especially on the defense.
What's New?
The most noticeable change you'll see on the field this year for the Giants is Big Brandon Jacobs starting at running back. Jacobs, who played the role of short-yardage/goal-line back, will be asked to carry the lion's share of the load this year on offense. He's a bruising, talented runner with the potential to be a star, but he has some pretty big shoes to fill, and the pressure of the New York City spotlight will be focused on him this season.
Kevin Gilbride, who was promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator, would like to employ more of a power-running attack, which suits Jacobs' style and could help to open things up on the outside for quarterback Eli Manning to make some plays downfield.
The Giants also have a new coordinator on the defensive side of the ball. Swiped from the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, Steve Spagnuolo brings with him an attacking 4-3 defense that should help jump start an inconsistent pass rush.
One major project to keep an eye on, though, is the transformation of Mathias Kiwanuka from defensive end to linebacker. The linebacking corps as a group was disappointing last season, and the team hopes the Kiwanuka experiment, along with the acquisition of Kawika Mitchell from Kansas City will solidify the unit. Mitchell is a solid run defender and a decent player, but doesn't make a lot of big plays. With two new starters on the outside -- one having no linebacker experience at the NFL level -- it may take a while for the group to learn to play together.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Aaron Ross, CB Texas
2nd Round - Steve Smith, WR USC
3rd Round - Jay Alford, DT Penn State
4th Round - Zak DeOssie, ILB Brown
5th Round - Kevin Boss, TE Western Oregon
6th Round - Adam Koets, T Oregon St.
7th Round - Michael Johnson S Arizona
7th Round - Ahmad Bradshaw, RB Marshall
Who's Gone?
Lost is the team's most dynamic offensive performer in Tiki Barber, who retired following the 2006 season. Barber often seemed at odds with head coach Tom Coughlin and openly questioned Coughlin's coaching ability, but his retirement came as a huge surprise nonetheless. Fortunately the team has a guy in place in Jacobs who can potentially pick up the slack.
Former starting left tackle Luke Petitgout is in Tampa Bay now, and will be replaced by converted guard David Diehl. The book on Diehl is that he struggles with edge rushers, so this is an area of concern heading into the season. The backup plan should Diehl struggle is for second-year tackle Guy Whimper to take a shot.
The team has also replaced Jay Feeley with former Chiefs kicker Lawrence Tynes.
What Needs to Change?
The Giants were horrible against the pass in 2006, and some of the blame can be attributed to the lack of a pass rush. But the reality is, Sam Madison and Corey Webster simply must play better this year. The new attacking style being installed on defense should help tremendously, but I have my doubts these guys will hold up against the league's top receivers.
Speaking of the pass rush, the defense really struggled to get pressure on opposing QBs despite having two of the better defensive ends in the league. Hopefully a blitz-happy scheme will not only bring pressure from the linebacker, safety, and corner positions, but will free up ends Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to make more of an impact.
Under Pressure to Perform
Tom Coughlin - The crusty head coach probably saved his job last year by making the playoffs, and this year he most likely will have to do it again. And simply getting in may not be enough this time around... especially with former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher rumored to be eyeing a return to coaching in 2008.
Eli Manning - The Giants gave up a ton to get this guy from the Chargers in the 2004 NFL Draft. In fact, at this point of his career it appears they gave up far too much. If Manning hopes to silence the critics, he needs to step up his game and step a little out of the shadow of big brother Peyton. Help may be on the way, however, as new quarterbacks coach Chris Palmer has tweaked a few of Manning's mechanics in the hopes of developing him into an elite NFL quarterback.
Brandon Jacobs - In the absence of Barber, who'll be in the broadcast booth this season, Jacobs will be thrust into the unfamiliar role of workhorse. At 260 pounds, he's certainly built for the job, and I see no reason he won't be successful. The guy runs angry, and he should wear down a lot of defenses this year. The key will be his ability to pick up the blitz and work himself into the passing attack.
Mathias Kiwanuka - Under pressure to make the switch from defensive end to linebacker, Kiwanuka should add a new pass-rushing dimension to the position, but his ability to cover tight ends will be tested early.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 14th (325.9)
Rushing Offense - 7th (134.8)
Passing Offense - 19th (191.1)
Overall Defense - 25th (342.4)
Rushing Defense - 14th (114.4)
Passing Defense - 28th (228.1)
Prediction: I believe the Giants defense is going to have its struggles again this year, and Eli, once again, will remind no one of older brother Peyton, especially in the leadership department. Look for last year's late-season struggles to continue into this season and for the Giants to slip even further in the standings.
Record 5-11 and Fourth in the NFC East
