State of the Union: New York Giants

Go get 'em Tom.

How did the Giants go from such a dominant run offense in 2008 to a questionable group that puts too much pressure on Eli Manning? I think the biggest difference is that Brandon Jacobs now officially sucks. Ahmad Bradshaw looked great but the Giants won their Super Bowl because they stuck with the run, played tough defense, controlled the clock, and occasionally chucked it up to guys who could even catch a bullet. These aren't the same Giants from two years ago, but there are a couple of similarities that give Giants fans reason for hope.

Once again, the Giants seem to have an over abundance of defensive ends. This conveniently sorted itself out a few years ago when Osi Umenyiora was hurt, but this season he's fighting for a starting job with Mathias Kiwanuka. Those two along with Justin Tuck and rookie Jason Pierre-Paul should be special, especially when they break out their NASCAR package (4 defensive ends on the line. I don't think it'll really work but I like things that have to do with NASCAR.). The competition should improve their pass rush which should translate to better play in their linebackers and secondary. They brought in linebacker Keith Bulluck to give a veteran presence, and Antrel Rolle is an incredible improvement at safety. With Aaron Ross and the corners looking good again, this defense won't be too shabby in 2010.

Victor Cruz! Sure he's near the bottom of the depth chart but it was fun to watch him flourish in the preseason. Unfortunately for the UMass product, he'll have to sit behind everybody except Duke Calhoun. The good news for the Giants however, is that those receivers above him are looking solid. Hakeem Nicks is starting to look like a legitimate number one wide receiver to finally take over the spot formerly occupied by a sweat pant wearing, pistol toting, physical freak of a wideout. Steve Smith had a breakout year, and I'm really pulling for Mario Manningham to get himself together because thus far he's only been great at making Ann Arbor look bad. With the number of wide receivers around him that Eli Manning has, expect him to have another 4,000 yard season even though it may not be the best thing for the team. He's an elite quarterback whether he looks like a clueless little kid out there or not (maybe that head scar helped.). The best thing for the team would be Brandon Jacobs remembering that he needs to run straight on short yardage situations, take a pounding, and deal with his broken down body later in life.

Hardly removed from a Super Bowl, apparently there are already rumors that another .500 season would cost Tom Coughlin his job. Seeing as how he won the Super Bowl in a season that most fans wanted him unemployed, maybe this could be a good thing. The Giants played best when nobody expected them to, and maybe with the heavily favored Cowboys and the revamped Eagles and Redskins getting all of the attention in the NFC East, this will be another year for them to shine.