2012 NFL Season Preview: New York Giants

New York Giants

Front Office:

Owner:             John Mara

GM:                 Jerry Reece

B+:       When Reece inherited this team it was poised to win the Super Bowl and they did.  Than Reece did what few are able to do.  He retooled while not compromising any season.  I find Reece to be an exceptional GM and he adheres to the time honored tradition of BPA.

Coaching:

HC:      Tom Coughlin

OC:      Kevin Gilbride

DC:      Perry Fewell

A-:       Coughlin has been a winner everywhere he goes.  Coughlin’s teams are always in discussion in preseason Super Bowl favorites.  Like most successful coaches, he employs sucessful coordinators.  Kevin Gilbride does a solid job creating an even keel approach on offense.  Fewell is an amazing DC.  I believe him to be a future HC candidate. He is known to turn up the heat and force turnovers for his opposition

QB:     B+

I was torn between giving a B or B+.  Eli Manning is a stable Quarterback but I do not feel he is elite.  Manning had a good season last year with the exception of 25 interceptions.  I do believe Manning, who is a student of the game, will not repeat this feat.  They have an okay backup in Sage Rosenfels.

RB:     B

The duo of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs is a solid one.  They both have problems will ball security though and neither is a true home run threat, however, are able to wear down offenses.  There is hope that Da’Rel Scott can be a burner from Maryland.

WR/TE A-

Hakeem Nicks is the real deal.  He is big, with huge hands, high vertical leap, and a physical disposition.  I like Mario Manningham and Steve Smith complementing Nicks.  Only fear is Steve Smith has not recovered from knee surgery.  They drafted Jerrel Jerrigan incase of this.  He reminds many of Deion Branch.  At TE they have Kevin Boss who is a solid pass catcher and an above average blocker.

OL:     C

This is a quickly aging group.  Kareem McKensie and David Diehl should be okay for one more year at tackle.  Rich Seubert and Shaun O Hara will struggle to be productive this year due to their age and injuries piling up.  Chris Snee is still a Pro Bowler.  The only young talent they have is James Brewer and Mitch Petrus who are unproven and Will Beatty who has struggled so far.

DL:     B+

At DE the Giants are set with Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck.  They also have Jason Paul Pierre and they hope to resign Matthias Kiwanuka to rotate in.  Their DT position is not as settled.  They hope to resign Barry Coefield but it might be too costly.  They are hoping to get something from the money they spent on Chris Canty who has been injured ever since he arrived.  There is some optimism in a pair of second rounders from the past two years: Linval Joseph and Marvin Austin.  They both need some refining but have size and talent to succeed.

LB:      C

Michael Boley is an athletic linebacker but has not been nearly as consistent as the Giants hoped.  Jonathon Goff is a rock at MLB and knows the game inside an out.  He lacks elite physical tools though and can be tricked by misdirection plays.  At SLB their will be a three way battle if they resign Keith Bullocks.  He will battle Clint Sintim who has disappointed so far and a personal favorite of mine Greg Jones.  I believe in the end Greg Jones’ leadership, consisntent tackling, and blitzing ability will win him the starting spot.

DB:     B+

Terrell Thomas is a big, physical CB who has improved every year.  He is teamed with Corey Webster who like Thomas has seemingly turned from potential into talent.  They have depth in the often injured Aaron Ross and the newly acquired Prince Amukamara.  At safety they have some question marks.  Will Kenny Phillips ever truly recover from his knee surgery two years ago?  Will Antrel Rolle ever put in effort vs. the run as he does vs. the pass?  These questions need to be answered this year.

Last Draft:

It was Grand Theft Auto what they received in Prince Amukamara at pick 19.  He is a leader and consistent talent who will benefit from coming to the Giants.  Pick number two was a bit risky but I think Marvin Austin will do fine for the Giants.  This is the right locker room to keep him in check.  Steals in Jerrigan and Brewer happened in the next two rounds.  The draft was won by two Big Ten defensive players though…Tyler Sash and Greg Jones will be borderline Pro Bowlers in the near future.       A-

Sleepers on Offense/Defense

I believe Mario Manningham, if Steve Smith does not recover fully, is capable of 1200 plus yards and 7-10 TD’s.  His quickness off the line complements Nicks very well.

Jason Paul Pierre had nearly 5 sacks as a rookie.  Pierre did this with sheer athleticism.  As he improves his knowledge of the game the sky is the limit.  I feel this year he goes into the 8-9 sack range and starts making quarterbacks sweat a little more.

Prediction for the year:                                  12-4

This is a team who will win their division, get a playoff bye, and go to the Conference Championship where they will duel with the Packers.  I believe this will be a great game that the Giants will win.  I fully believe this is the year the brothers fight…the winner gaining the second championship.