NEW YORK GIANTS
2009 RECORD: 8-8-0
(3rd in NFC East)
HEAD COACH: Tom Coughlin
Key Additions: S Antrel Rolle (FA/Arizona), QB Jim Sorgi (FA/Indianapolis), S Deon Grant (FA/Seattle)
Key Losses: S Aaron Rouse (FA), CB Kevin Dockery (FA), QB David Carr (FA/San Francisco)
Offense: Quarterback Eli Manning is the key for the Giants in 2010 as the running game needs to bounce back after a lack luster season a year ago.
Manning threw for 4,021 yards and 27 touchdowns along with 14 interceptions in '09. Jim Sorgi is the back up quarterback.
The running tandem of Brandon Jacobs (835 yards, five TD) and Ahmad Bradshaw (778 yards, 4.8 ypc average, seven TD) was adequate but the Giants thrive on running the football effectively. Madison Hedgecock is the fullback.
The offensive line includes Shaun O' Hara at center. The guards are Rich Seubert and Chris Snee and the tackles are Kareem McKenzie and Dave Diehl.
The wide receivers are Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham. Kevin Boss is the tight end.
Smith led the Giants in receiving in '09 with 107 catches for 1,220 yards and seven touchdowns. Manningham made 57 catches for 822 yards and five scores while Nicks added 47 catches for 790 yards and six touchdowns. Boss made 42 catches for 567 yards and five touchdowns.
Defense: The Giants drafted two defensive linemen with their first two draft picks as age and injuries seemed to creep up on them a year ago.
Defensive ends Justin Tuck (six QB sacks) and Osi Umeniyora (seven sacks) team with tackles Barry Cofield and Chris Canty up front while Jonathan Goff is the middle linebacker. The outside linebackers are Michael Boley and Clint Sintim.
The Giants allowed 111 yards rushing per game, a far cry from the stingy run defense they displayed in recent seasons.
Opponents threw for 214 yards per game against New York in '09.
The secondary includes safeties Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle, who comes over from Arizona. The cornerbacks are Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas, who led the Giants with five interceptions. Aaron Ross provides depth at the corner spot.
OUTLOOK: After finishing 17th overall in the NFL in rushing, Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin would like to see his team get back to running the football more effectively as that was their bread-and-butter during their Super Bowl season in 2007.
The line must protect Manning more as well. The Giants allowed 32 sacks a year ago and Manning has already been getting banged up in the 2010 pre-season.
Defensively, New York thrives on shutting down the run and bringing pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
That really was not the case a year ago as the team faded down the stretch, losing the final two games to finish 8-8. They were outscored by a combined 85-16 in those losses.
If the Giants are to contend with Dallas for the NFC East division title in 2010, they must improve on running the football and stopping the run on defense. Cutting down opponents' scoring is also a must as the Giants allowed 427 points last season, which ranked 30th in the league.
A 9-7 finish appears likely for the Giants this season and possibly a wild card berth in the playoffs if they can do better than that.
TEAM SCHEDULE:
Week 1- vs. Carolina
Week 2- at Indianapolis
Week 3- vs. Tennessee
Week 4- vs. Chicago
Week 5- at Houston
Week 6- vs. Detroit
Week 7- at Dallas
Week 8- Bye Week
Week 9- at Seattle
Week 10- vs. Dallas
Week 11- at Philadelphia
Week 12- vs. Jacksonville
Week 13- vs. Washington
Week 14- at Minnesota
Week 15- vs. Philadelphia
Week 16- at Green Bay
Week 17- at Washington
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