NFL: Can the New York Giants Continue Their Success from Last Year?

When the New York Giants reached the 2005-2006 NFL playoffs with the NFC East crown, it wasn't a surprise to hear talks of the Super Bowl from within the franchise as well as the fan base all over the 'Big Apple'. Even my brother, who can sometimes be pessimistic when it comes to the Giants, walked with a swagger. Unfortunately, the G-Men ran into a brick wall in the NFC wildcard game and were booted from the playoffs by the Carolina Panthers (the score was 23-0). The Panthers exposed the Giants defensive unit and raised concerns about depth. Quarterback Eli Manning and the offense played confused and looked like raw meat to the Panthers. So what did the Giants do in the off-season? They went and brought in some key players to fill the obvious holes on defense. The offensive unit will remain pretty much intact from last season, building more of chemistry between each other.

OFFENSE

Early in the 2005 season, Eli Manning orchestrated a 4th quarter comeback against the Denver Broncos. The so-called experts immediately started predicting a "Manning vs. Manning" Super Bowl. By the end of the season, Eli looked like a true second year quarterback and his loyal supporters quickly disappeared. Maybe, it was the pressure of trying to get his team into the playoffs, but it was very obvious that Eli Manning still has a lot to learn. Manning will be entering his third season as the Giants signal caller, but he has only played about a year and a half as the quarterback (in 2004, Manning replaced an injured Kurt Warner in midseason). Eli Manning will be fine and will continue to learn and grow as a solid NFL quarterback. He will need another solid season from the aging Tiki Barber. In 2005, Barber ran for a career record 1860 rushing yards. The clock is ticking on number twenty-one, but he is still a reliable running back.

The wide receivers for the New York Giants are solid. Amani Toomer is one of the most reliable receivers in the league and Plaxico Burress has the talent to be dominant if he will just grow up. The Giants also drafted receiver Sinorice Moss from the University of Miami in hopes that he can duplicate the success his older brother Santana Moss has had. Tight end Jeremy Shockey is a complete head case, but a damn good player. Eli definitely has some very dangerous weapons to throw the ball too, but will he have enough time? The offensive line gave up only 28 sacks last season and played a major part in Tiki Barber gaining 1860 yards. That sounds like a pretty good o-line to me.

DEFENSE

Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora may be the best defensive end tandem in the NFL. Last season, the pair combined for almost 30 sacks. With the additions of former Redskins linebacker Lavar Arrington and a healthy Antonio Pierce, Strahan and Umenyiora may find themselves with more freedom to roam the opposing team's backfield. Speaking of Lavar Arrington, he will have a huge chip on his shoulder after the ongoing saga with the Redskins last season. He is linebacker with rare talent that needs to be with a defense that uses him the right way. The Giants should use him well. The secondary instantly became a force with the signing of cornerback Sam Madison and safety Will Demps. With a solid pass rush, the secondary could be the strongest part of the defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Kicker Jay Feeley cost the Giants the regular season game against the Seahawks last year, but I still believe he is a reliable choice when the game is on the line. The Giants may put rookie Sinorice Moss back to return kickoffs and punt returns. Moss has the break away speed to be dangerous on special teams.

A QUICK LOOK AT THE 2006 SCHEDULE

The Giants open up with the Colts, Eagles, and the Seahawks. New York will have to start fast and strong if they want to still be alive in the NFC East division. Besides the tough divisional games, New York also has the Bears, Jaguars, Buccaneers, and Panthers on their schedule. There is a total of 8 playoff teams from last year that the G-Men will have to play. The Giants have a strong team but will need to play smart every week. They are in the NFL's toughest division and it is possible that a team in the NFC East can miss the playoffs with a winning record.