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2008 Team Report: New York Giants

Quarterbacks

Starter: Eli Manning
Backup(s): David Carr

Starting QB: There's no better way to quiet your critics than to win the Super Bowl on a late fourth quarter drive against a heavily favored team standing at 18-0. Say what you will about Eli Manning's passing prowess, but he led the Giants to the Super Bowl last year and played well when it counted most. That performance cements his status as the team's franchise player and team leader, and should relieve the pressure that came with being the first overall pick. Here's the thing: winning Super Bowls is great for fans, but it doesn't change the fact that Manning remains an average fantasy QB. His regular season numbers were modest. He completed just 56.1 percent of his passes, threw for only 3,336 yards and averaged a paltry 6.3 yards per attempt. On a positive note, he threw 23 TD passes -- his third season with at least 23 TDs -- but also threw a league-leading 20 interceptions. In many ways, Manning is a throwback. He could be in the midst of a three-turnover game and still believe he can drive the team down for the winning score on the next possession. Don't overvalue him in fantasy circles but respect him as a football player.

Backup QB: David Carr survived a three-way camp battle to back up Eli Manning. If history is any indication, Manning's durability will mean Carr can stay comfortably nestled on the sideline where his pocket presence and slow release can't do any harm. In all seriousness, Carr got off to a rocky start in camp but finished strong, and the decision to keep him was helped by Anthony Wright's neck injury; which put him on injured reserve. The team put rookie Andre Woodson on the practice squad.

Running Backs

Starter: Brandon Jacobs
Backup(s): Reuben Droughns, Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw
Fullback(s): Madison Hedgecock

Starting RB: Brandon Jacobs enjoyed a solid, albeit not spectacular, first season as the Giants starter. He had enormous shoes to fill as Tiki Barber was one of the league's best offensive playmakers. We knew Jacobs wouldn't match Barber's productivity, but he certainly held his own when injuries didn't keep him off the field. In 11 games (nine starts), Jacobs ran for 1,009 yards (5.0 YPC) and caught 23 passes for another 174 yards. He had at least 100 yards of total offense in eight games and was consistent; he averaged better than 4 YPC in all but one contest. What surprised some is the lack of touchdowns. Jacobs only had 4 rushing TDs, which belied expectations; he had proven a capable goal-line back in his first two seasons. But the lack of TD production could be attributed to the team keeping him out of harm's way as he nursed ankle and hamstring injuries all season. Jacobs' bruising style that invites contact makes him a risky bet to play a full 16-game schedule, but when he's in the lineup, expect solid production in all facets.

Backup RBs: A season ago, most felt Reuben Droughns would be the primary backup to Jacobs while the other tailbacks on the roster would have to make their mark on special teams. So much for punditry. Injuries led to significant playing time for not only Droughns (six TDs), but for Derrick Ward (781 total yards, four TDs) and Ahmad Bradshaw (151 yards rushing in Week 17). All three return and should make the 53-man roster. At 5-foot-11, 233 pounds, Ward ran with the same authority Jacobs' possesses, but showed surprising ability as a receiver. His 26 catches in eight games projects to 52 receptions over a full 16-game schedule. Droughns, the elder statesman of the group, settled into the goal-line role last year, but he probably gives some of those touches back to a healthy Jacobs. Bradshaw, the youngest of the bunch at 22 years old, is the change-of-pace option. Expect him to provide the team with a big play here or there while spending most of his time as a kick returner.

Fullback: The uncertainty at fullback a season ago is long gone. After preseason injuries left the Giants without a true fullback on the roster, GM Jerry Reese acquired Madison Hedgecock off waivers after the first game of the 2007 regular season. Hedgecock was an immediate fit, emerging as the punishing lead blocker the Giants desperately needed. At 266 pounds, Hedgecock is a classic, in-line blocking fullback; he professes a love for contact. Thanks in no small part to Hedgecock's lead-blocking, the Giants had the fourth-best running attack in the league despite using four starting tailbacks. Expect more of the same from Hedgecock in 2008.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer
Backups: Steve Smith, Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss, Mario Manningham [R], David Tyree [PUP]

Starting WRs: Plaxico Burress' 2007 was really the tale of three seasons. In the first six games, he caught 30 receptions for 507 yards and eight TDs, which put him on pace for 1,352 yards and 21 TDs. Unfortunately, a nagging ankle injury began to wear on Burress and his production fell notably. Over the final 10 games, Burress only caught 40 passes for 518 yards and four TDs becoming a glorified decoy in many instances. Despite the injury, he did manage to catch the go-ahead fade pass in the Super Bowl cementing his once questionable status as a beloved Giant. When healthy, the 6-foot-5, 226-pound Burress is the rare combination of size and speed that opposing defensive backs dread. He's clearly Eli Manning's go-to receiver and only needs to stay healthy to remain a potent fantasy force. Meanwhile, Amani Toomer continues to defy Father Time and looks to add to his totals as the Giants all-time leading receiver. He'll be 34 years old in September but keeps himself in great shape. Toomer played all 16 games last season after missing time with a torn ACL in 2006. He has become a reliable possession receiver, and over the course of the season, you can expect 50-60 receptions -- quite a few of which will be key first downs.

Backup WRs: Looking at the regular season tallies, you would wonder if the Giants had any capable backup receivers. Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith, David Tyree and Anthony Mix combined for 36 receptions on 362 yards (10.1 yards per catch) with ZERO touchdowns. But the truth is, that doesn't tell the entire story. Smith, in particular, is much better than his eight receptions for 63 yards showed. The second-year receiver looked ready to challenge Amani Toomer for a starting spot in training camp only to suffer shoulder and hamstring issues that completely set him back. The fact remains that Smith is a smooth route-runner with great hands, and is the odds-on favorite to replace Toomer as a starter in the next year or two. Domenik Hixon, thought to be an obvious camp casualty this year, had by far the most impressive camp and has not only secured a roster spot, but may be the team's WR3 when the season gets underway. Sinorice Moss' position on the team was less than certain because not only has he struggled with injury, but he has failed to add the dynamic downfield element he was explicitly drafted to provide. That said, he made the final roster. Last but not least, rookie Mario Manningham has been added to the mix. Once considered the best WR prospect in the draft, Manningham fell due to concerns about his character and substance abuse. If Manningham can keep his head on straight, he has the physical ability to start someday.

Tight Ends

Starters: Kevin Boss
Backups: Michael Matthews, Darcy Johnson

The Giants traded Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans Saints in late July ending months of speculation. While fans are going to rejoice this move and point to the Giants Super Bowl victory that was unaided by an injured Shockey, they may regret their ebullience once the season gets under way. For all his flaws, Shockey is a four-time Pro Bowler and was a lock for 60 catches and 600 yards in his sleep. He's one of the few tight ends in the league capable of catching a pass in traffic and going the distance on a deep seam. Injuries and attitude aside, he's a willing and able blocker too. Kevin Boss now finds himself in line to start for a team with the highest of expectations. While Boss is certainly a feel-good story, let's not confuse him for anything more than an average, hard-working NFL tight end. In 13 games last year, he caught nine passes for 118 yards but would not approximate Shockey's output over a full 16-game season. It will take a concerted effort from Boss, Darcy Johnson and Michael Matthews in order for the TE position to be a real asset to the offensive attack this year. No one TE on the roster can come close to filling Shockey's considerable shoes.

Place Kicker

Lawrence Tynes, John Carney : During his first year with the Giants last year, Tynes struggled. He struggled during preseason. He struggled during the regular season, missing four field goals from short range (34WL, 34WR, 29WL, 38WL). He also missed two PATs. Despite Tom Coughlin's history with kickers, he stuck with Tynes. Despite missing two game winning field goal attempts in the fourth quarter of the NFC Championship, Tynes went on to kick the game winner in overtime in dramatic fashion. The Giants haven't scored very many kicking points recently other than one year. In 2005 they finished second in kicker scoring. That was their first and only top ten finish since the 1980's. Last year they ranked 19th with 109 points. Tynes suffered a knee injury during training camp and the Giants have signed John Carney, 44 years old, to hold the fort until Tynes is ready.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Domenik Hixon; Ahmad Bradshaw; Reuben Droughns; Derrick Ward; Sinorice Moss; Brandon Jacobs; R.W. McQuarters

Many things went wrong for WR Domenik Hixon in Denver: a broken foot, the Kevin Everett play, and general ineffectiveness. Things eventually improved when he resurfaced with the Giants last year. Towards the end of the regular season he took over the lead kickoff returner role (8 returns, 27.6 avg., 1 TD) and continued in that capacity through their Super Bowl run. The Giants have plenty of options behind Hixon. RB Ahmad Bradshaw handled kickoffs for much of last year (38 returns, 24.2 avg.). RB Reuben Droughns had experience on kickoff returns from his time with Denver and Cleveland, and also filled the role for the Giants part of last year (20 returns, 21.9 avg.). RB Derrick Ward posted very strong numbers in a backup role in 2004, and then supplanted Chad Morton for the starting role for the latter part of 2006 (23 returns, 20.3 avg.). The returner that the Giants thought might be lurking within WR Sinorice Moss never materialized (10 returns, 19.4 avg. in 2006). RB Brandon Jacobs has served as a backup in the past (3 returns, 19.3 avg. in 2006). CB R.W. McQuarters is better known as a punt returner from his Chicago years. However he demonstrated he can also return kickoffs in 2005 with Detroit (16 returns, 23.8 avg.).

Punt Returners: R.W. McQuarters; Domenik Hixon; Aaron Ross; Ahmad Bradshaw; Sinorice Moss; Steve Smith; Amani Toomer

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 in 2006. Last year he finally got his opportunity (42 returns, 7.6 avg.). He'll probably retain that role this year, although several players behind him could possibly challenge. Domenik Hixon averaged 7.7 yards on punt returns during his senior year at Akron, and scored on a punt return during his junior year. He averaged 4.6 yards on seven returns with Denver at the beginning of last year. CB Aaron Ross is fast and athletic. He averaged 11.8 yards on punt returns at Texas and scored three times. WR Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss have both practiced on punt returns for the Giants. WR Amani Toomer returned punts early in his Giants' career, but hasn't returned one since 2001. The Giants improved to 13th in fantasy returns last year after having ranked 25th in 2006.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT David Diehl, LG Rich Seubert, C Shaun O'Hara, RG Chris Snee, RT Kareem McKenzie
Key Backups: Gray Ruegamer, Adam Koets, Kevin Boothe

Commentary coming soon.

Team Defense

The defending NFL champs went from one of the most compelling defenses in the land to one rife with question marks as the season approaches. First, Michael Strahan retired and then Osi Umenyiora tored his ACL and was placed on Injured Reserve. The Giants pass-rushing cupboard isn't bare however, as Justin Tuck is capable of double digit sacks and LB/DE Mathias Kiwanuka returning from a broken leg. New York still has pass rushers, just not the depth that helped drive their improbable Super Bowl run. The back seven lost a couple of solid players in free agency. Both OLB Kawika Mitchell and FS Gibril Wilson were important to the team's success. With a healthier Antonio Pierce manning the middle, another offseason for promising CB Aaron Ross and the acquisition of talented rookie safety Kenny Phillips in the draft this year, those losses may not be so difficult to overcome. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo runs a very aggressive scheme, making the Giants a top pick in leagues with scoring systems that are heavily big-play and sack-based. The scheme, however, will also give up some big plays. If your league scoring is based on total points and yards, the Giants will have a little less value and may not be worth the high pick it will take to land them.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Justin Tuck, DE Mathias Kiwanuka, DT Fred Robbins, NT Barry Cofield
Backups: DT Jay Alford, DE Dave Tollefson, DE Renaldo Wynn, DT Rodney Leisle, DE Jerome McDougle

Starting DL: Osi Umenyiora has emerged as one of the best defensive ends in football, unfortunately he tore his ACL in a preseason game and is lost for the year. Justin Tuck, who takes over for the retired Michael Strahan, plays a lot at DE, but moves inside to DT in pass rushing situations. Despite not starting last year, Tuck finished the year with 64 tackles and 9.5 sacks. It remains to be seen how Tuck adjusts to the increase in playing time that he will get as a starter. Mathias Kiwanuka was a dominant defensive end in college, but was moved to linebacker because the Giants had proven pass rushers at the end position already. With Strahan's retirement and Osi's injury, Kiwanuka is back at defensive end. The line's gain is the linebacker corps' loss, however. Veteran Fred Robbins leads an unsung crew of defensive tackles. Robbins has an impressive 87 tackles and 10 sacks over the past two seasons. Next to him is nose tackle Barry Cofield, who is a solid run defender.

Backup DL: Veteran Renaldo Wynn was signed as a free agent prior to last season and added four sacks from the bench. Jay Alford was a 3rd round pick last year and did not play much. He should be in line for more playing time this season. Dave Tollefson is a high motor guy who gets every ounce out of his abilities. Jerome McDougle struggled with injuries as a Philadelphia Eagle but came back this year with a strong training camp. He was a victim of the numbers in Eagles camp, but gets a chance to make a thinner DE rotation in New York; after signing a 1-year deal.

Linebackers

Starters: M/WLB Antonio Pierce, SLB Danny Clark, WLB Gerris Wilkinson
Backups: MLB Chase Blackburn, OLB Zak DeOssie, LB Bryan Kehl, LB Jonathan Goff

Starting LBs: After having a career year in 2006, MLB Antonio Pierce struggled at times last year, but rebounded nicely during the Giants' late season run which culminated in a Super Bowl win. Pierce, who began his career with the Redskins, has over 100 tackles in each of his last four years and is also solid in coverage. Kiwanuka's move back to defensive end opens the door for Danny Clark to assume a starting role. Clark has played all three LB positions and that versatility is part of the reason the Giants signed him. Gerris Wilkinson, who started two games last year due to an injury to Kawika Mitchell, currently holds the WLB spot. Up to that point, Wilkinson had struggled, but he was impressive in both of his starts.

Backup LBs: Depth is an issue, particularly with Mathias Kiwanuka's move back to end. Chase Blackburn is a solid special teams player and backed up MLB Antonio Pierce last year. Zak DeOssie is the long snapper and is also in the mix at SLB. 2008 draft picks Jonathan Goff and Bryan Kehl add depth and will compete for roster spots.

Defensive Backs

Starters: SS James Butler, FS Michael Johnson, CB Corey Webster, CB Aaron Ross
Backups: CB R.W. McQuarters, CB Sam Madison, CB Kevin Dockery, S Kenny Phillips [R], S Sammy Knight, CB Terrell Thomas [R]

Starting DBs: James Butler is currently penciled in at the free safety spot, but will have a tough time holding off the challenge of Kenny Phillips, the Giant's top draft pick in the 2008 draft. Butler was inconsistent in 2007. Aaron Ross, last year's top draft pick for the Giants, will be asked to provide top-tier, lockdown coverage in his second season. As Ross goes, the secondary goes. Michael Johnson started five games as a rookie and will hold down the fort until the coaches are ready to unleash Kenny Philips. Corey Webster began last season as a starter before being replaced by Ross; he's now going to line up opposite Ross as the starter after a strong training camp.

Backup DBs: The Giants wanted to address their secondary in the draft and used their first round pick on safety Kenny Phillips. He is currently listed as a backup, but most observers expect him to step into the starting lineup. Phillips has exceptional ball skills and seems to be a prototypical free safety. Sammy Knight has lost a step and is not the best player in coverage, but he is a sure tackler and uses his experience to compensate for a loss in speed. Sam Madison returns at CB for the Giants and adds veteran savvy to the secondary. At 33 years old, Madison remains a solid cover corner. Veteran R.W. McQuarters has starting experience, but he is more suited to play in the nickel and dime packages. Rookie Terrell Thomas is being tried at CB, but also played safety in college.

Last modified: 2008-08-31 22:47:38