New York Giants 2008 Season Preview

New York Giants Preview: Overview

In 2007 the New York Giants pulled off one of the most surprising heists in recent NFL history when they lifted the Vince Lombardi Trophy right out of the hands of the heavily favored, undefeated New England Patriots. The surprising win kept the New England Patriots from becoming the first undefeated team in the NFL since the 1972 Miami Dolphins. Perhaps even more spectacular is the way that the New York Giants won the game; on a broken play Eli Manning threw an impressive 32-yard pass to David Tyree while under tremendous pressure. The completion gave the New York Giants another chance at the end zone. Four plays after one of the most spectacular plays in Super Bowl history, Plaxico Burress scored the go-ahead touchdown for the New York Giants.

New York Giants Preview: Offseason

The biggest news this offseason was the retirement of Michael Strahan, the New York Giants all-time sack leader. After 15 years with the New York Giants, Michael Strahan decided he had done all he could and chose to go out on top after winning his first Super Bowl ring. More than just the cornerstone of the fierce front seven, Michael Strahan was an invaluable leader in the locker room and on the sideline. The departure of Michael Strahan left the New York Giants organization to answer a crucial question: who would replace the defensive sparkplug? The Giants signed DE Renaldo Wynn in an attempt to plug the hole. Renaldo Wynn has struggled with injuries in his career and will probably make only minimal contributions.

New York Giants Preview: Offense

After a strong showing at the end of last season, Ahmad Bradshaw has proven that he is a solid backup to Brandon Jacobs at running back. The expansion of the running game is not a bad idea, especially if QB Eli Manning can’t hold on to the ball. Eli Manning turned the ball over 27 times in 2007. Eli Manning’s turnover troubles are no fault of the New York Giants offensive line. Though the group has no big names, they are a tough group of guys who produce results when working together. The New York Giants offensive line does well protecting Eli Manning in the pocket but the group is exceptional when blocking for the run. Despite a lack of depth, the offensive line created enough room for the running backs to average nearly five yards per carry.

With Jeremy Shockey still recovering from an injury, Kevin Boss has stepped in to practice in his place. When Jeremy Shockey was lost to injury last season, Kevin Boss stepped in and averaged just over 13 yards per catch. Though he is unlikely to take over the starting spot, Kevin Boss is a great backup tight end. With a receiving corps anchored by Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, expect no drop in the quality of the New York Giants offensively.

New York Giants Preview: Defense

The loss of Michael Strahan to retirement does not change the New York Giants defense as much as it may seem. The front seven of the New York Giants remains one of the most intimidating in the league. With the size, speed and strength of Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck alongside a healthy Mathias Kiwanuka the New York Giants defense can easily amass over 50 sacks again in 2008. The New York Giants lost Gibril Wilson but acquired Sammy Knight and Kenny Phillips. The New York Giants were not adept at forcing turnovers, however, and the addition of S Sammy Knight is not likely to help much in that area though he is good for a couple interceptions.

New York Giants: Special Teams

CB R.W. McQuarters serves double duty as the New York Giants’ punt returner. R.W. McQuarters is capable of big yardage but has not had many long runs in the past few seasons. WR Domenik Hixon has proven to be a solid kick returner, capable of breaking long runs. In 2007 Domenik Hixon returned his first kickoff for a touchdown. Kicker Lawrence Tynes was instrumental in the New York Giants playoff run. It was Lawrence Tynes that hit a 47-yard field goal in overtime in the NFC Championship game at the Green Bay Packers that propelled the New York Giants to Super Bowl XLII which they won.

New York Giants Preview: Outlook

The New York Giants are returning in 2008 eager to prove that their title run in 2007 was not just a fluke. With the loss of the heart of their defense, the New York Giants will have to prove it to themselves also. Michael Strahan was more than just the numbers he put in the box score. It was the heart and passion of Michael Strahan that drove the New York Giants pass rushers to play at the level of champions. The response of the team to the loss of their leaders will determine how far they go. Fans at Giants Stadium know that anything is possible with these New York Giants.