2012 New York Giants Preview

2012 New York Giants

Behold! Your 2011 NFL SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS!!!!!!!!!! Eli Manning proved to the world that he is, in fact, elite, by winning his second Super Bowl championship over the greatest winner in this decade, Tom Brady. The G-men won their second title in the Manning-Coughlin era and therefore cemented themselves as one of the best quarterback-coach tandems of all-time. Now, of course, is the dawn of a new season, and with that comes the daunting expectations of having to defend their title. Everyone in the league will be gunning to take down the champions, and they will have to put up with everyone’s best shot. The only thing harder than winning a Super Bowl is repeating that feat, but the Giants will set out to do just that. They lost some key pieces, but this team is close-knit and well-coached, so going back-to-back is not out of the question.

Offense

This unit begins and ends with Eli Manning. Literally. Because their running game sucks. They were worst in the league last year, meaning that the Giants relied heavily on the shoulder of Eli Manning. Luckily, the “other Manning” played huge when it mattered most, with a record 15 touchdown passes in the fourth quarter of the regular season. He continued his late-game dominance right into the postseason, with huge games against the Falcons, Packers, 49ers, and finally, the Patriots. He is going to have to be truly elite again if he wants to lead his team to the promised land for the second straight year, especially with the departures of Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham. The running game also has to not be atrocious. Last in the league isn’t very good, but there’s nowhere to go but up! Ahmad Bradshaw is going to have to be more productive, and hopefully first round pick David Wilson will grow quickly and be an effective backup running back. In terms of wide outs, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are one of the best pair of receivers on one team in the league. With their help, Eli Manning can possibly throw for nearly 5,000 yards again. However, Nicks is an injury risk and Big Blue has to hope that Victor Cruz isn’t just a one year wonder. People are going to need to step up in the offense, but this group should certainly be potent.

Defense

This defense was one of many that got exposed through the air last season, but this unit has one thing that others cannot say: a terrifying defensive line. The combination of Justin Tuck, Osi Umemyiora, and the newest animal, Jason Pierre-Paul struck fear into quarterbacks all of last season, and this year should bring more of the same. You might be able to block one of them at a time, but no one can contain all of these beasts, and its one of the reasons why the Giants can get away with having a less-than-stellar pass defense. The secondary played well at some points last season also; remember, they were without their best cornerback all season long, and Prince Amukamara was an injured rookie without an offseason to learn. Put them with Corey Webster, and this coverage crew should be better. Big Blue’s defense might have ranked low last year, but that isn’t a true indicator of their talent level. I expect more out of them this year.

Schedule

The New York Giants were very inconsistent last season, and were quite honestly lucky to make it into the playoffs in the first place. After Week 14, New York was 7-7 coming off their second loss of the season to the Washington Redskins. However, in their last two games, the Giants defeated their crosstown rival Jets, and their longtime division rival Dallas Cowboys to finish 9-7 and atop the NFC East. This year, with every other team in the division seemingly reloaded, New York will probably have to finish better than 9-7 to make the playoffs even as a wild card team. Can they keep the success going this year?

Week 1: W vs DAL (welcome back, football!)

Week 2: W vs TB

Week 3: L at CAR (short week, no answer for Cam)

Week 4: L at PHI

Week 5: W vs CLE (feels like a trap game)

Week 6: L at 49ers (their revenge will prevail at home)

Week 7: W vs WAS

Week 8: W at DAL

Week 9: W vs PIT

Week 10: W at CIN

Week 11: Bye

Week 12: W vs GB

Week 13: L at WAS

Week 14: W vs NO

Week 15: L at ATL

Week 16: L at BAL

Week 17: W vs PHI (division-winning game?)

Yes, they can be better than 9-7. I have the 2012 New York Giants ending the regular season with a 10-6 record, which has a chance to win them the division, but should definitely get them a playoff spot either way. That last game against the Eagles at home is one that I think will decide the winner of the NFC East, just like the Giants had last year in beating the Cowboys in Week 17. I think that the Giants will win this division, and get to the playoffs, where they will try and repeat as Super Bowl Champions. My next preview will be on the dynamic Philadelphia Eagles. New York represent! Big Blue nation.

Bold Prediction: Jason Pierre-Paul will have 20 sacks this season, and win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.