Profile of the 2006 New York Giants

The New York Giants stunned the NFC East with an unexpected division title last season. That didn't make the Giants' 23-0 playoff loss to the Carolina Panthers any less heartbreaking. Still, New York is excited about the 2006-07 season, as QB Eli Manning begins to shine as the franchise's newest on-field general. Here is a Profile of the 2006 New York Giants.

At Quarterback, Eli Manning must improve his completion percentage and continue to hit receivers using the entire field. His ability to see all receivers last year was impressive, though there was still many a play where Shockey or Burress was open and Eli wasn't looking their way. As good as Eli was last season, I think we'll see tremendous improvement over the course of 2006.

At Running Back, Tiki Barber had a career season, and came very close to being the league's MVP. Tiki is tough, and he is running behind a solid line. If the line stays healthy, there is no reason Tiki Barber can't be the league's leading rusher this season. Watch for Tiki Barber to continue as a playmaker in 2006.

For third and short situations, the Giants will continue to use RB Brandon Jacobs. But Coach Tom Coughlin should not completely discount the element of surprise. No, Jacobs should not be used on all downs one through four at the one yard line. Jacobs may eventually get into the endzone, but it may be without the football. Jacobs is an exciting player to watch.

Wide Receivers Plaxico Burress and Armani Toomer are vital to the Giants' offense. Burress's height adds so much to this team. Especially on third down. Look for more jump balls for Plaxico near the sidelines and in the endzone this season.

You have got to love what Tight End Jeremy Shockey does after he catches the ball. He just doesn't want to go down. Look for him to have even more receptions this season. Eli and Shock love to connect. Backup TE Visanthe Shiancoe is a great alternative when Shockey needs a breather.

The Offensive Line needs to stay healthy and not rack up penalties if the Giants are to win their division. Luke Petitgout, David Diehl, Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, and Kareem McKenzie need to continue creating holes for Tiki Barber. If so, the Giants' run offense will be unstoppable.

On Defense, Michael Strahan realizes time is running out, and he wants a championship. Thanks to teammate Osi Umenyiora, he just might get it. Osi and Strahan bring out the best in each other on the field. Newly acquired SLB Lavar Arrington will play a pivotal role on this Giants' defense. Carlos Emmons needs to get and stay healthy. MLB Antonio Pierce is a force to be reckoned with. The addition of Sam Madison should help boost last year's weak secondary. The Giants made massive upgrades on an already strong defense, and that could very well result in a championship.

On Special Teams, Punter Jeff Feagles is back. Unfortunately, so is Kicker Jay Feely. His problems last season (against the Seahawks for one) should not be quickly forgotten. The Giants have a tough schedule and they will be involved in some very close games. With the game on the line, is Feely really the guy you want to put out there?

The New York Giants have a very tough home opener against the Indianapolis Colts. The bad news is I am picking them to lose that game. I don't think it will be too difficult to recover from, however. And I think the Giants will take their next game against the Eagles in Philadelphia. Look for the G-Men to beat Seattle at Seattle and Washington at home. They will roll over Atlanta, and face Dallis in a big game at Dallas in late October. How the Giants handle themselves against division rivals will determine whether they will win the NFC East title again. I expect big things from the 2006 Giants, including a 12 - 4 record and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.