My Season Preview
(right around the corner) What the Giants do best: Go deep on the defensive line. The
Giants believe very strongly that the most important position group on a team, outside of the quarterback, is the defensive
line. As usual, they have continued to fortify the ranks in this regard. They added first-round
pick Jason Pierre-Paul and second-rounder Linval Joseph to a rotation that was already
considered among the deepest in the NFL. The idea is to keep those linemen fresh throughout the game and healthy over the
season so they can return New York to its 2007 dominance down the stretch and in the postseason. With questions marks behind
it, this unit needs to be as good as advertised if the G-Men hope to make it back to the postseason
after a one-year hiatus. What the Giants need to improve:
Running the football. Once thought to be the strength of the team, the running game
was not nearly as effective in 2009 as in the previous two seasons. Whether it was the running style of Brandon Jacobs
or the signs of age showing on the offensive line, the bottom line was that the unit underperformed. It won't be easy to
get off on the right foot this season as starting linemen Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie and
Rich Seubert have all missed time this preseason. This unit needs to get healthy in a hurry and offensive
coordinator Kevin Gilbride needs to find a way to get the ball in the hands of running back
Bradshaw as much as possible because of his speed and elusiveness. Andre Brown will be a big plus
this season. Which Giant needs to step up: Linebacker
Michael Boley. With serious question marks at the other two linebacker positions next to
him, Boley needs to become the elite playmaker he can be. He possesses truly unique speed and athleticism
for the position and could become one of the best outside linebackers in the NFL if he can stay healthy and focused. As
the only known commodity at the second level of the defense for Big Blue, he'll need to do exactly
that. The G-Men have too much talent and prideful personalities in their
locker room not to bounce back from last season's disastrous finish(even with Eli having a good year) and have a winning
season!
Just My View Rick from Pitt rickryan@hotmail.com
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