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2007 Team Report: New York Giants
Quarterbacks
Starter: Eli ManningBackup(s): Jared Lorenzen, Anthony Wright Starting QB: To say this is a pivotal year for Eli Manning would be an understatement. The Giants were considered Super Bowl contenders by many last season, only to barely squeak into the playoffs, losing their first round matchup against division foe Philadelphia. Manning has played well at times, but his inconsistency has become a source of frustration for Giants fans; justifiably so. The good news is Manning improved his completion percentage from 52.8% to 57.7% and he threw 24 TD passes for the second consecutive season. The bad news is he threw 18 interceptions, averaged only 6.2 yards per attempt and threw for less than 200 yards in nine of 16 games. With uncertainty around the offensive line, and a coaching staff on the hot seat, Manning needs to raise his game to an elite level. He has the physical tools and the pedigree, but does he have the intellect and the mettle? Backup QB: Jared Lorenzen is bigger than some offensive linemen, but he has gotten the majority of snaps with the 2nd team during the preseason. The coaches appear to like Lorenzen's upside over the known commodity of Anthony Wright. Wright, this year's new addition, was thought to be the favorite for QB2 honors, but he's seen limited action in preseason games. The 6'1", 211-pound veteran started his career in Dallas but is best known for his stint as a part-time starter in Baltimore. Wright is a 55% career passer, and has thrown 20 TDs to 25 interceptions over his 8 years in the league.
Running Backs
Starter: Brandon JacobsBackup(s): Reuben Droughns, Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw [R]
Fullback(s): Robert Douglas Starting RB: How does a team replace Tiki Barber? The simple answer is, they don't. To say Barber was the Giants' most important offensive weapon would be the understatement of the century. Last year, Barber accounted for more than 2,000 yards of offense for the third consecutive season. He was 4th in the league in rushing, and his 58 receptions were within spitting distance of team leader Jeremy Shockey (68 catches). With Barber gone, Brandon Jacobs assumes the starting mantle. Jacobs was drafted two years ago to serve as the Giants short-yardage back, and he excelled in the role (14 goal-line TDs in 30 attempts). Now, he must prove that he can break off big chunks of yardage (Tiki Barber led the league in runs of 10+ yards) and hold up to a full workload. Jacobs has never been a workhorse or full-time runner, even at the college level. At 6'4", 260 pounds, Jacobs could be an imposing force at the point of attack. He's a big guy trying to fill even bigger shoes. Backup RBs: The Giants are hedging their bets and have acquired the services of veteran Reuben Droughns. Droughns, a 1,200-yard rusher in both Denver and Cleveland, doesn't have eye-popping career numbers but is durable and has produced behind substandard offensive lines. Ideally, he will spell Jacobs for an occasional series and will serve as a receiving option on 3rd downs. But just in case Jacobs isn't up to the task, Droughns is a proven backup who could step in and give the Giants a 1,000-yard rushing season. A pair of 7th rounders fill out the depth chart, with 3rd year Derrick Ward (233 pounds) providing the "thunder" and rookie Ahmad Bradshaw (192 pounds) providing the "lightning." Fullback: Jim Finn suffered a season-ending injury leaving only Robert Douglas on the active roster. Then, in late August, Douglas was himself injured which forced the team to work Reuben Droughs at fullback as well as consider alternatives from the waiver wire.
Wide Receivers
Starters: Plaxico Burress, Amani ToomerBackups: Steve Smith [R], Sinorice Moss, Anthony Mix, David Tyree Starting WRs: Plaxico Burress is a physically dominating (6'5", 231 pounds) veteran receiver who has above average speed to boot. That rare combination has been enough to offset an inconsistent focus and questionable attitude. At first glance, Burress' numbers as a Giant are impressive. He's averaged 70 receptions, 1100 yards and 8.5 TD receptions in his two seasons wearing Giant Blue. Yet, upon closer inspection there is plenty of room for improvement. Last year, even though he set a career mark for touchdowns (10), his other numbers dropped across the board. He only logged two 100-yard games and would fade out of games if he wasn't targeted early. Amani Toomer is the elder statesmen of the Giants offense. Entering his 12th season, Toomer may no longer be in his prime, but his role within the offense shouldn't be diminished. Last season, before tearing up his knee, Toomer was Eli Manning's safety valve. Toomer returned to practice in early August and will be ready for Week One as his rehab has gone according to plan, but the Giants have added an insurance policy in rookie Steve Smith just in case. Backup WRs: Sinorice Moss was supposed to immediately contribute as a 3rd receiver and deep option, with an eye toward eventually replacing Amani Toomer. Yet, just a season into his career and it appears the Giants lack confidence in the diminutive speedster. It's hard to fault Giants management considering Moss missed more than half the season with injury and logged just five receptions for 25 yards in six games. Moss' game is all about speed; and a lack of conditioning due to a hold out put him behind the 8-ball as a rookie. Perhaps this season will tell a different tale, but the Giants may have a better alternative in rookie Steve Smith. Smith, a former sprinter, was part of the dominant USC Trojans football program and is a more accomplished, well rounded receiver than Moss. He projects as a full-time starter; perhaps as soon as this season if Amani Toomer or Burress struggle with injuries. Smith (6'1", 197 pounds) is a smooth route runner with deceptive speed. He needs to improve his technique coming off the line, particularly against NFL press coverage, but has a high ceiling and a quick learner. Anthony Mix, a converted college QB, may have been better than Smith or Moss by the time the preseason wrapped up.
Tight Ends
Starters: Jeremy ShockeyBackups: Kevin Boss [R], Michael Matthews Jeremy Shockey made his 4th Pro Bowl in 5 seasons while leading the Giants in receptions (66). His 7 touchdowns tied his single-season best and, as importantly, he managed to play in all but one regular season game. Shockey's prowess as a receiver doesn't come at the expense of his blocking unlike many of his league counterparts. In fact, he probably would be more productive offensively if the Giants didn't insist on keeping him in on blocking schemes so often. With changes on the offensive line and the departure of blocker Visanthe Shiancoe, Shockey may be called upon to block even more in 2007. That is, unless backups Michael Matthews or Kevin Boss win over the confidence of the offensive coaches.
Place Kicker
Lawrence Tynes : The Giants willingly let Jay Feely head off into free agency, and initially looked for a replacement in two young kickers with no NFL experience. Josh Huston came out of Ohio State last year after a very successful senior year, and signed with the Bears shortly after the draft. He performed poorly, while incumbent Robbie Gould was vastly improved, and the competition was over quickly. The other was Marc Hickok, who was subsequently released after the Giants traded for Tynes in May. The Chiefs had given up on Tynes after three years of inconsistency. He was 24 of 31 (77.4%) on field goals last year. He did show the range to make longer field goals during his years in Kansas City. CAMP UPDATE: Josh Huston was released in the final round of roster cuts.Kick and Punt Returners
Kick Returners: Derrick Ward; Ahmad Bradshaw RB Derrick Ward posted very strong numbers in a backup role in 2004 (16 returns, 27.3 avg., 1 TD), and then supplanted Chad Morton for the starting role part way through last year (23 returns, 20.3 avg.). The dark horse candidate is seventh round draft pick RB Ahmad Bradshaw that looked impressive this preseason, leading the team in return yardage. Punt Returners: R.W. McQuarters; Aaron Ross R.W. McQuarters probably would have been a starting punt returner on most teams; however he was stuck behind Eddie Drummond in 2005 and behind Chad Morton last year. This year he'll face competition for a starting role. The favorite would be first round draft pick CB Aaron Ross. He' s fast and athletic. He averaged 11.8 yards on punt returns at Texas and scored three times. CB Aaron Ross will also be involved in punt returns this season.Offensive Line
Projected Starters: LT David Diehl, LG Rich Seubert, C Shaun O'Hara, RG Chris Snee, RT Kareem McKenzieKey Backups: Guy Whimper, Gray Ruegamer, Adam Koets [R], Kevin Boothe The Giants lost long-time starter at left tackle Luke Petitgout to the Buccaneers. The Giants have slotted David Diehl (formerly a starting guard) at left tackle in his stead, but both he and Guy Whimper have struggled to protect the quarterback this preseason. The team did draft Adam Koets, a tackle from Oregon State, and his upside is considerable. Rich Seubert has shaken off his perennial injury bug to reclaim the left guard spot, where he'll sandwich Diehl and reliable-if-pedestrian center Shaun O'Hara. Kareem McKenzie is a fixture at right tackle. Chris Snee is an underrated guard who is one of the best run blockers in football. This offensive line is going to struggle unless the team gets better play at left tackle.
Team Defense
The Giants team defense struggled through multiple injuries to the front seven personnel (Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Antonio Pierce, Carlos Emmons and Brandon Short) in 2006 and didn't have the depth to recover. They finished in the bottom third of the league in both yards and points allowed and were in the middle of the pack in both big play categories (sacks and takeaways). The Giants hope the defensive production improves under new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who brings a more aggressive version of the 4-3 he learned as a member of Jim Johnson's defensive staff in Philadelphia. The Giants continue to wait on DE Michael Strahan, who has avoided camp and openly contemplated retirement. If he returns, the defensive end tandem of Strahan and Osi Umenyiora would be daunting for opposing offenses. The Giants have tried to improve the OLB play by moving Mathias Kiwanuka to SLB and adding former Chief Kawika Mitchell at WLB. If the Giant defensive studs can return to full health in the more aggressive scheme, the Giants could drastically improve their big play numbers. It may be too optimistic to expect the total yardage and points allowed numbers to improve yet, though, which likely leaves the Giants as a matchup based fantasy team defense option in 2007.Defensive Line
Starters: DE Michael Strahan, DT Barry Cofield, DT Fred Robbins, DE Osi UmenyioraBackups: DE/DT Justin Tuck, DT William Joseph, DE Adrian Awasom, DT Jay Alford Starting DL: Michael Strahan sat out the entire preseason but has rejoined the team just in time for Week One. When healthy, Strahan remains one of the league's best two-way defensive ends even if he may not be playing at the peak Hall-of-Fame caliber levels any longer. Osi Umenyiora, like Strahan, struggled through an injury-riddled 2006. Limited by a severely strained hip flexor, Umenyiora managed only 27 solo tackles and seven sacks after a breakout 2005 statline of 48 tackles and 12.5 sacks. Unlike Strahan, Umenyiora has a much higher likelihood of returning to his prior level of play. Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins played major roles in the New York rotation at DT last year. Robbins was particularly impressive with 4.5 sacks. They should continue to provide solid run support up front with good pass rush potential from inside. Backup DL: The Giants are much thinner at DE than in recent seasons. Mathias Kiwanuka has been moved to SLB. Left as the primary depth is Justin Tuck, who has seen more snaps at DT over the past two seasons than at end. He should see significant snaps in rotation this year. Tuck should prove to be a solid run defender but won't be the pass rush threat Strahan was. Adrian Awasom played well when needed in relief of the injured starters in 2006 but is a rotational player only. William Joseph also saw time at end last year but should see most of his snaps at tackle in 2007. Joseph has never lived up to his first round potential and will spell Barry Cofield and Fred Robbins. Jay Alford was added in the fifth round to add depth and push Joseph.
Linebackers
Starters: WLB Kawika Mitchell, MLB Antonio Pierce, SLB Mathias KiwanukaBackups: LB Gerris Wilkinson, LB Reggie Torbor, LB Chase Blackburn, LB Zak DeOssie Starting LBs: Antonio Pierce is the anchor of this unit. One of the most underrated all-around linebackers in the NFL, Pierce made a career high 109 solo tackles in 2006 and added a number of coverage stats as well. His OLB linemates will be new this year. WLB Kawika Mitchell was signed in free agency. Never a stud in Kansas City as a run stuffing MLB, Mitchell struggled significantly in every defensive phase in 2006 and the Chiefs made no effort to re-sign him. Mitchell may perform better if allowed to play in space as the WLB, but will have to beat out second year man Gerris Wilkinson for the job. Former DE Mathias Kiwanuka is transitioning to SLB. Kiwanuka showed some prowess in run support at end last year, although it was mostly in pursuit. He'll have to learn how to play the run and how to drop in coverage to develop into an every down player. Backup LBs: Gerris Wilkinson couldn't crack the starting lineup in 2006 despite multiple injuries among the Giant OLB group. It certainly isn't a vote of confidence in Wilkinson that the Giants have shuffled both OLB spots but haven't made him a priority in the starting lineup. He'll compete with Kawika Mitchell for playing time at WLB but his best chance to play may be if Mathias Kiwanuka can't make the transition to LB or is needed again as a lineman and Mitchell moves over to the strong side. Reggie Torbor saw time at SLB last year as an injury replacement but will struggle to make the team if Kiwanuka and rookie Zak DeOssie prove themselves NFL ready LBs. DeOssie has good size and the scouting report of a solid NFL backup. With some seasoning he could be a solid long-term option on the strong side. Chase Blackburn will provide depth at MLB and solid special teams play.
Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Sam Madison, SS James Butler, FS Gibril Wilson, CB Aaron RossBackups: CB Corey Webster, CB RW McQuarters, CB Kevin Dockery, S Will Demps [IR], S Michael Johnson Starting DBs: Sam Madison remains the Giants #1 cornerback. After taking some time to get used to his new teammates, Madison looked to have hit his stride by mid-season, only to struggle with a nagging hamstring injury during the second half of the year. Madison won't provide much big play potential, but likely still has a solid season left in him at age 33. Rookie first round pick Aaron Ross will likely assume the starting role at the other corner spot, bumping disappointing Corey Webster to the nickel role. Ross is a big, physical corner who should do well in the aggressive man coverage schemes new DC Steve Spagnuolo will install this season. The Giants opened camp with James Butler at SS and Gibril Wilson at FS. The team apparently liked what it saw from Butler in OTAs, when all three safeties were rotating in with the first team. Wilson could see a number of big play opportunities, as Spagnuolo will be using the same scheme that highlighted Brian Dawkins in Philadelphia. Butler is a big in-the-box type strong safety who could provide a boost in run support. Backup DBs: Corey Webster struggled through a very disappointing 2006 after a promising rookie season. He lost snaps to RW McQuarters by year's end, who wasn't anything special himself. Both were caught out of position in man coverage frequently and put added pressure on the safeties to cover for their missteps. Webster recently announced that he played with a hip injury more serious than he admitted to during the 2006 season and underwent surgery early in the off-season. If his confidence returns with his health, he could be one of the better nickel corners in the league. Michael Johnson, the team's seventh round draft choice, has some long-term potential as an in-the-box strong safety and could be a hedge against Gibril Wilson leaving after the 2007 season. He may not be ready to contribute much in 2007. Last modified: 2007-09-03 08:29:18
