2008 NFL Preview > New York Giants Preview

2008 New York Giants Football Preview

Head Coach: Tom Coughlin

2007 Record: 10-6

Key Additions: QB David Carr, OLB Danny Clark, S Sammy Knight, WR Mario Manningham, S Kenny Phillips, CB Terrell Thom

Key Losses: OLB Kawika Mitchell, TE Jeremy Shockey, DE Michael Strahan, LB Reggie Torbor, S Gibril Wilson

The Giants pulled off the nearly unfathomable when they shocked the undefeated Patriots 17-14 in the Super Bowl. Eli Manning put together a fine postseason and the Giants will need him to continue to play at an elite level in 2008 in order to give them a chance at reaching the Super Bowl once again. Icons Michael Strahan and Jeremy Shockey have departed and many are picking the Cowboys to repeat as division champions once again, all of which should supply New York with ample motivation in its quest to be the first team to repeat since the Patriots.

2008 New York Giants Offense:

Eli Manning must cut down on turnovers significantly in 2008. While the Giants were the feel good story of this past year, Manning’s propensity for costly turnovers was a serious problem during the regular season and must be remedied in order for the Giants to stay competitive in a division that features elite pass rushing teams such as the Cowboys and the Eagles. Also, Manning while Shockey was injured during the Giants run in the playoffs last season , the major role he has played in the offense throughout his career cannot be discounted. Second year starter Kevin Boss is not nearly as able a pass catching threat in comparison. Look for more balls to go to 6 foot 6 receiver Plaxico Burress, who has become Manning’s favorite target. Steve Smith should improve in his second season as a pro, but must become more consistent and avoid so many dropped passes in order to beat out Amani Toomer for the second wide receiver position. The running game is in good hands with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and Derrick Ward. When healthy, Jacobs ran with notable power last season. The offensive line does not feature any high profile players but is one of the more underrated units in the league, especially at run blocking.

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2008 New York Giants Defense:

The loss of future hall of famer Michael Strahan cannot be overstated. The veteran defensive end recorded nine sacks last season and was a bulwark against the run. Incredibly enough, the Giants may not miss a beat, as Justin Tuck is set to replace Strahan at left end and will team with Osi Umenyiora to form one the best pairs of defensive ends in the league. Defensive tackles Barry Coefield and Fred Robbins are successful at eating up opposing blockers (as well as copious amounts of food). The linebacker corps suffered the loss of starter Kawika Mitchell and quality reserve Reggie Torbor. However, the team’s best ‘backer, Antonio Pierce will return at his spot in the middle. Cornerbacks Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are quality starters and should allow Sam Madison to transition to the nickel role full time.

2008 New York Giants Special Teams:

Dominek Hixon will handle kickoff return duties and could challenge R.W. McQuarters for the punt returning job as well. Lawrence Tynes enjoyed the best season of his career, hitting 23 out of 27 field goals. The ageless one, punter Jeff Feagles, will return for his 21 st NFL season.

2008 New York Giants Expectations:

As expected, the Giants did not emerge from their super bowl offseason unscathed. The losses of Shockey and Strahan will be undoubtedly be felt, and both the Eagles and Redskins have improved in the offseason. Strong play along the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball should have the Giants contending for a playoff spot once again this season, and perhaps allow the G-Men another opportunity to shock the world if the younger Manning can put it all together again.

2008 New York Giants Prediction: 3rd place in the NFC East

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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