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2009 Team Report: New York Giants

Quarterbacks

Starter: Eli Manning
Backup(s): David Carr, Andre Woodson, Rhett Bomar [R]

Starting QB: Although Eli Manning couldn't replicate his playoff heroics last season, Giants fans should take solace in the fact Manning had his best statistical season. Not only did the Giants win 12 regular season games, but Manning also completed 60 percent of his passes for the first time and averaged 6.8 yards per pass attempt. Manning has been an iron man, starting 16 games for four consecutive seasons. Although his 21 pass TDs was a slight drop off from prior seasons, Manning only threw 10 interceptions for an impressive +11 TD-to-INT ratio. Despite solid growth in 2008, Manning and the entire Giants offense suffered without Plaxico Burress, and he may be irreplaceable as a red zone weapon. With Burress and Amani Toomer gone, Manning must build rapport with a young and largely unproven receiving corps. Expect Manning to produce solid, but not spectacular numbers. He's a better real-life QB than fantasy passer, but isn't someone you should shy away from as your QB2.

Backup QB: A year ago the Giants had a lot of bodies competing for the backup roles, but this year things are more established. David Carr, another former first overall pick, has found a home as Eli Manning's backup. He appeared in three games last year and completed nine of twelve passes for 115 yards and two TDs. Carr always had the ability, but it wasn't clear whether the pounding he took early in his career would make him perpetually gun shy. Luckily for Carr, the Giants field one of the league's best offensive lines and, as long as he stays upright, Carr has the vision and downfield accuracy to keep the Giants afloat should Eli Manning be sidelined. The QB3 spot comes down to second-year Andre Woodson versus rookie Rhett Bomar. Both are developmental athletes with good arms.

Running Backs

Starter: Brandon Jacobs
Backup(s): Ahmad Bradshaw, Danny Ware, Andre Brown [R], Dwayne Wright
Fullback(s): Madison Hedgecock

Starting RB: What a difference a year makes. Last season, skeptics wondered whether Brandon Jacobs' physical style would keep him in the trainer's room more than he saw the field. Jacobs missed three games last year, so it remains a concern. But the truth is Giants fans and fantasy owners have to be thrilled with what they got in those other 13 games. Jacobs ran for 1,089 yards on 219 carries; averaging an impressive 5.0 yards per rush. He was an absolute beast in short yardage, scoring 15 rushing TDs. Armed with a new contract, Jacobs will be expected to do even more in 2009. With his running mate Derrick Ward now in Tampa, Jacobs will have to log more than 219 carries and must get more involved in the passing game this year; he only had six receptions a season ago. Expect Jacobs to be dominant when he's on the field, but realize that he is a higher risk of missing time than other elite runners because of his physical, attacking style.

Backup RBs: A year ago as many fantasy owners thought Ahmad Bradshaw would be Jacobs' backup. We now know that Ward was not only the RB2, but in reality was a tandem RB1. Ward's productivity will be hard, if not impossible, to replace. No one should expect Bradshaw to run for 1,000 yards or catch 41 passes, but he will get every chance to log significant work in 2009. Bradshaw has great speed and is a natural complement to Jacobs' bruising style. Assuming Bradshaw has put his off-the-field issues behind him, there is no reason he can't build off last year's 5.3 yards per rush on a heavier workload. Bradshaw hasn't been used much as a receiver, but looked good in limited opportunities last year (five catches for 42 yards and a TD). Three backs will battle for the third tailback slot. Danny Ware must contend with rookie Andre Brown and free agent Dwayne Wright. Ware has the experience, but Brown is the more compelling option. A rookie fourth round draft pick, Brown has great size (6'0, 224 pounds) and is a three-down back who fell into the second day because of two collegiate foot surgeries.

Fullback: Madison Hedgecock has cemented his role as one of the leagues' most bruising FBs, and will again be out in front for Brandon Jacobs and his backups. Hedgecock has limited offensive potential but is capable of the occasional reception in goal line situations.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith
Backups: Mario Manningham, Hakeem Nicks [R], Ramses Barden [R], Sinorice Moss, David Tyree

Starting WRs: The long-time starting tandem of Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer is no more, and it's unclear who exactly takes their place. The truth is any declaration of who starts this year is premature until we get through the majority of training camp. But for now, we're going to give the edge to Domenik Hixon and Steve Smith. Hixon was the surprise of 2008, starting seven games for the Giants after projecting as a fringe roster option at the start of the preseason. Hixon is 6'2, 192 pounds and played his college ball at Akron. In his first significant playing time, Hixon caught 43 passes for 596 yards (13.9 yards per reception) and two TDs. There's no reason Hixon shouldn't improve on those numbers with a full training camp as a first unit player. Steve Smith's role is less certain, although he has the pedigree. Coming out of USC as the team's all-time receiving leader, Smith caught 57 receptions and started four games in 2008 as a second year receiver. Smith is sure handed and makes great cuts; he's able to get separation despite the lack of a second gear.

Backup WRs: Hixon and Smith shouldn't feel too comfortable in their roles as projected starters, because GM Jerry Reese used first and third round picks in the draft on receivers. The Giants selected UNC's Hakeem Nicks in the first round, and most expect Nicks to be a long-time starter; the only question being whether he starts in 2009 or not. Nicks is an all around weapon who attacks the ball. He's not a burner, but projects as an elite possession receiver who already runs routes with NFL precision. The team will let Nicks compete for a role immediately, and it would be surprising if he wasn't starting at some point this season. Ramses Barden is more of a calculated gamble. He is a monster (6'6, 229 pounds) and physically reminiscent of Plaxico Burress, but Barden is raw and hasn't been tested against top level competition. He could push for playing time in a year or two, or just as easily never make an impact. Last year's rookie WR Mario Manningham will also be given a chance to compete, but it's difficult to handicap his chances because of the Giants aggressive pursuit of the two rookies.

Tight Ends

Starters: Kevin Boss
Backups: Travis Beckum [R], Michael Matthews, Darcy Johnson

A lot of people thought Kevin Boss would be outmatched as a full-time starter once the Giants traded Jeremy Shockey, but Boss proved the skeptics wrong. Boss isn't the smoothest route runner or the most impressive athlete, but he made plays last season. His 33 receptions for 384 yards weren't eye-popping, but his six touchdown receptions led the team. Boss should continue to provide Manning with a safety valve in the middle of the field, and he'll occasionally find a seam in the red zone for a handful of touchdowns. Rookie Travis Beckum is an interesting pick because he's too small (6'3, 239 pounds) to be an effective blocker at the NFL level, but has above average hands and could play the role of an H-back or slot receiver. Michael Matthews and Darcy Johnson provide blocking services and little else.

Place Kicker

Lawrence Tynes : During his first year with the Giants in 2007, Lawrence Tynes struggled. Despite Tom Coughlin's history with kickers, he stuck with Tynes, who went on to kick the game winner in overtime of the NFC Championship in dramatic fashion. The Giants rewarded him with a new contract after the season. Tynes then suffered a knee injury during the preseason last year, and the Giants signed John Carney. Although Tynes eventually recovered, Carney was performing so well that the coaches opted to stick with the hot leg. Tynes did eventually handle kickoffs in two games and placekicking in one of those, when the coaches felt his stronger leg would be an advantage in windy conditions. With Tynes under contract and Carney a free agent, the Giants head into 2009 with Tynes once again the starting kicker. After two decades with only one Top 10 finish in kicker scoring, the Giants vaulted to first place last year with 149 points.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Ahmad Bradshaw, Sinorice Moss, Domenik Hixon, Hakeem Nicks, Danny Ware, Brandon Jacobs, Shaun Bodiford

RB Ahmad Bradshaw handled the majority of kickoffs for most of the last two years (39 returns, 22.2 avg. in 2008). With the departure of Derrick Ward, he should see increased offensive work and possible decreased special teams work in 2009. The returner that the Giants thought might be lurking within WR Sinorice Moss still hasn't materialized (8 returns, 20.3 avg. last year); however he is still a candidate. Towards the end of the 2007 regular season, WR Domenik Hixon took over the lead kickoff returner role (8 returns, 27.6 avg., 1 TD) and continued in that capacity through their Super Bowl run. Last year he had only three returns last year, albeit with a 60.0 yard average, due to his workload on offense and punt returns. First round draft choice WR Hakeem Nicks has been practicing on kickoffs. He averaged 19.1 yards on seven returns at North Carolina last year. RB Danny Ware had 3 kickoff returns for 36 yards in college at Georgia. RB Brandon Jacobs has served as a backup in the past (3 returns, 19.3 avg. in 2006). WR Shaun Bodiford occasionally returned kickoffs (2 returns, 20.5 avg. in 2007) in Green Bay.

Punt Returners: Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham, Stoney Woodson, Sinorice Moss, Ahmad Bradshaw, Steve Smith, Aaron Ross, Shaun Bodiford

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. Last year he averaged 10.1 yards on 24 returns. The Giants have indicated they'll still consider using him on punt returns even if he is starting at wide receiver. WR Mario Manningham had only one punt return (17 yards) during his college career at Michigan, but has been practicing in that role. Seventh round draft pick CB Stoney Woodson out of South Carolina will also get a shot at the job. WR Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss have both practiced at times on punt returns for the Giants. CB Aaron Ross is fast and athletic. He averaged 11.8 yards on punt returns at Texas and scored three times. Shaun Bodiford had6 returns (4.2 avg.) in 2006 with the Packers. The Giants dropped to 27th in fantasy returns last year after having ranked 13th in 2007.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT David Diehl, LG Rich Seubert, C Shaun O'Hara, RG Chris Snee, RT Kareem McKenzie
Key Backups: T William Beatty [R], RG Kevin Boothe, T Adam Koets, T Guy Whimper

The Giants offensive line is very good. They are dominant in the rushing game, paving huge holes for the running backs to exploit and decent at pass protection. The unit has played together for a long time, the backups are decent players, and the outlook is great for the 2009 season.

Team Defense

The Giants were one of the most talented and deep defensive units in the league last season. Were it not for a fluky number of fumble recoveries and only three combined defensive and special teams touchdowns, they would have threatened to finish among the Top 5 DSTs. The offseason saw the team import even more talent. DL Chris Canty, DT Rocky Bernard and OLB Michael Boley were signed in free agency with versatile OLB/DE Clint Sintim added in the draft's second round. The Giants will also get stud pass rusher Osi Umenyiora back from injury and add talented safety Kenny Phillips to the lineup in an every-down role. Opposing offenses will have trouble holding off a defensive line that includes Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka and Clint Sintim on passing downs, and the back seven has plenty of instinctive ball hawks to create turnovers and them. The Giants deserve strong consideration as a Top 3 DST pick this season and may finish as the top overall fantasy defense in sack and turnover heavy scoring systems.

Defensive Line

Starters: LDE Justin Tuck, NT Barry Cofield, DT Fred Robbins, RDE Osi Umenyiora
Backups: DE Mathias Kiwanuka, DE/DT Chris Canty, DE Dave Tollefson, DT Jay Alford, DT Rocky Bernard

Starting DL: This defensive line is deep and versatile, making it likely that no one will earn 100% of the team's defensive snaps at any of the four positions. DC Bill Sheridan will keep things pretty much the same, with the exception of less zone blitzes, he wants to have the pass rushers rushing as much as he can. For the second straight year, Justin Tuck had double digit sacks. It has been reported Tuck suffered from bone spurs in his foot and a lingering knee injury the second half of the 2008 season. He had just a half a sack in his last five games including the playoffs. Tuck opted not to have surgery, saying all he needed was rest and other than being out of shape he would be good to go. Osi Umenyiora is back from last year's season ending knee injury and claims he's 99% healthy, allowing the final point for the mental aspect. He plans on full participation in offseason workouts. Tuck and Osi could move inside at times to get Kiwanuka on the field with them. This D-Line rotation will give offensive coordinators fits. Who ends up starting at the tackle spots is anyone guess. With the rotation the Giants will use it probably doesn't matter. Barry Cofield stacks and sheds very well, provides a strong push up the middle, can make plays outside the box, and has a good motor. Fred Robbins plays mainly on first and second downs, is quick off the ball and can shoot gaps.

Backup DL: This group is so talented that it might be considered a better starting group than many current starting units on other teams. Kiwanuka was switched back from OLB to DE last year after Umenyiora went down. Coughlin confirmed the Giants will keep him at DE, and use him as part of a three man rotation with Tuck and Umenyiora. Free agent acquisition Chris Canty (Dallas) was a surprise signing with all the depth the Giants already had. GM Jerry Reese said Canty has the skill set to play anywhere along the defensive front. A high motor player with good instincts, will see his fair share of snaps. Dave Tollefson is an undersized DE with a good motor and great effort. DT Jay Alford is active, can shoot gaps and be a disruptive force. FA Rocky Bernard (Seattle) comes with a little baggage after an incident with his ex-girlfriend last year, but he's a huge addition to a DT rotation the team felt wore down late last year. Bernard is strong against the run and needs to be accounted for in the passing game. He could push Robbins for a starting spot.

Linebackers

Starters: SLB Danny Clark, MLB Antonio Pierce, WLB Michael Boley
Backups: ILB Jonathan Goff, OLB Clint Sintim [R], LB Chase Blackburn, OLB Gerris Wilkinson, OLB Bryan Kehl, OLB Zak DeOssie

Starting LBs: MLB Antonio Pierce is a three down linebacker with the intangibles you want for the position. He plays behind what may be the best defensive line in all of football. Pierce was caught up in the Plaxico Burress fiasco, however, and the Giant brass was not pleased with his poor judgment. Both sides hope to put that episode behind them. The Giants were happy to land free agent Michael Boley (Atlanta). Boley will start on the weak side, after spending his first four years in Atlanta on the strong side. He is the best coverage LB on the roster, which will assure him a role in the nickel. With the talent up front, Boley should be free to roam and could put up some very nice numbers this year. His speed and athleticism will be a welcome addition. On June 24th the Giants announced Boley has undergone arthroscopic hip surgery to repair a torn labrum and will be out for 8-10 weeks. The NFL suspended Michael Boley for the 2009 regular-season opener due to a violation of the league's personal conduct policy. Danny Clark is in the final year of a two year contract and with the Giants drafting of Clint Sintim in the second round, this is more than likely his last as a Giant.

Backup LBs: The Giants like Goff as the heir apparent to Antonio Pierce who is in the 5th year of a six year contract. Chase Blackburn provides good depth for both the middle and outside linebacker positions. With the signing of Boley, Blackburn will have an uphill climb to start as a Giant. Wilkinson is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Giants were looking to upgrade on the strong side and Clint Sintim will do just that. He is probably a year away from starting, but should be the guy manning the "Sam" in 2010. Sintim is physical at the point and can rush the passer. Even though he lined up over the slot often at Virginia, coverage is not his strong point. Zak DeOssie is depth and also serves as the long snapper. Bryan Kehl played well in his limited opportunities last year, but is no threat to start.

Defensive Backs

Starters: LCB Aaron Ross, RCB Corey Webster, RS/SS Michael Johnson, LS/FS Kenny Phillips
Backups: CB Kevin Dockery, CB Terrell Thomas, CB R.W. McQuarters, S C.C. Brown, S Stoney Woodson [R]

Starting DBs: Aaron Ross and Corey Webster man the corners; both have good size and make one of the better young tandems in the league. Webster struggled with inconsistency, but that changed at the end of the 2007 season and he's been playing very well ever since. The former LSU receiver has great hands, can jump routes and make plays. Ross is a ballhawking corner who plays well in run support. The 2007 first rounder is living up to his draft status. Kenny Phillips didn't start until week 10 when James Butler went down. Phillips played well as in sub-packages, and the Giants knew it was only a matter of time before he earned full time duty. He has great ball skills and range, and is the most athletic safety the Giants have had in quite some time. SS Michael Johnson will be challenged by C.C. Brown. Johnson was a great 7th round find for the Giants in 2007. He is tough, instinctive, run defending safety with great size and speed.

Backup DBs: The Giants signed SS C.C. Brown (Houston) in free agency. Brown is physical and plays better closer to the line of scrimmage, serviceable, but nothing special. He spent most of last season on IR with a fractured forearm, but should compete with Johnson for the starting strong safety spot. Early indications are that rookie Stoney Woodson will play safety. The Giants are hoping they hit again on another 7th round DB with Woodson. RFA Kevin Dockery was re-signed to a one year deal. He is a tough, competitive player who plays bigger than his size. Dockery was an undrafted free agent in 2006. Terrell Thomas moved into the nickel role late last year. He's another Giant corner with good size. Thomas is instinctive, has very long arms and plays smart. The Giants selected DeAndre Wright in the 6th round, Wright has good ball skills and give up his body in run support. Will play through injuries, injured both shoulders his senior year with the right one requiring offseason surgery. The Giants have fared very well finding players in the later rounds of the draft, especially in the secondary.

Last modified: 2009-07-08 06:36:13