2013 NFL Preview: New York Giants

Added on Aug 13, 2013 by Scott in

NFL

For a team that has won two of the last six Super Bowls, the New York Giants remain a bit of an enigma. They have missed the playoffs in three of the last four seasons and haven’t won more than 10 games since 2008. The franchise as a whole seems to have adopted the on-field persona of quarterback Eli Manning, who has spent a career vacillating between average and awesome. What’s in store for 2013? Let’s take a look.

New York Giants – Under Tom Coughlin, the Giants have thrived when the front four is one of the league’s best. After a subpar 2012, they waved goodbye to Osi Umenyiora, Chris Canty, and Rocky Bernard, and hello to Cullen Jenkins, Mike Patterson, and rookies Johnathan Hankins and Damontre Moore. In addition, both Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck are hoping to bounce back after the duo combined for only 10.5 sacks. The offense added tight end Brandon Myers and elevated David Wilson to lead back after Ahmad Bradshaw’s free agent exit.

Player in the spotlight: Prince Amukamara – The 2011 first-round pick hasn’t stayed healthy in his first two seasons. And when he has taken the field, his play has been underwhelming. The Giants secondary allowed the 28th most yards in 2012, so tightening up the back end of their defense should be a priority. Amukamara is out of excuses. If he can’t live up to his draft status and avoid the trainer’s room, he won’t be around in 2014.

Trouble spot: Wide receiver depth – After Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, there aren’t many reliable options. Second-year player Rueben Randle has potential, but he has to show it in games. Free agent Louis Murphy has scored seven touchdowns in four years. Ramses Barden and Jerrel Jernigan are just numbers on a jersey. Since Hakeem Nicks is far from a picture of health, Eli could end up with very few toys to play with.

Fearless forecast – Big Blue can never be dismissed, because when Manning gets on a roll and the defense is dominating, they are the most dangerous team in the conference. An out of division schedule that includes Denver, Chicago, Minnesota, Green Bay and Seattle will test a veteran roster. But Coughlin is at his best when no one is talking about them. Stay tuned for 10-6 and a NFC East title.