2009-2010 NY Giants Prediction and Preview

Last Season -

The New York Giants entered last season after one of the most upsetting Super Bowl Victories of all time when they took down the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. The Giants continued their dominance at the start of the 2008 season getting off to a tremendous 11-1 start. The Giants were again giving assumptions they may be able to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. However, star wide receiver Plaxico Burress was caught up in some off the field issues and the offense could not stay as effective. After the incident, New York closed out the season losing 3 of their last 4 games. The Giants down the field threat was gone and the numbers failed to produce in result. The Giants troubles continued when they were knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by Philadelphia 23-11. If the off the field issues had not played a factor, then Giants fans can only wonder what might have been. The Giants defense remained stellar throughout the year ranking in the top 5 in total defense holding teams to 292 yards on the year. The rushing game was elite throughout the season as well behind the legs of the best running back duo in the NFL. Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward both eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark leading the Giants to the #1 ranked rushing offense averaging nearly 160 yards per game. However, with all their success the sudden downfall towards the end of the year left Giants with many questions heading into 2009.

Off Season -

The Giants entered the off season with the main focus targeting the offensive side of the ball. New York just lost some of their explosiveness during the late part of the season and needed some help at the wide receiver position. New York likely got the selection they needed when they drafted Hakeem Nicks late in the first round. Nicks is a former North Carolina standout who can make all the catches anytime the ball is thrown his way. Nicks stepped up when fellow teammate Brandon Tate went down to injury and also led the ACC in receiving racking up 1,222 yards along with 12 touchdowns. Nicks is a perfect pick in New York where there are in desperate need of a wide out who can make plays. The Giants also selected another wide out in the 4th round drafting Ramses Barden out of Cal Poly. Barden is listed on many boards as a potential sleeper who has great size, but his potential is a bit unknown. The Giants also filled a big void in the heart of the defense by selecting Clint Sintim. Sintim is very talented in run defense and will probably line up as an inside linebacker. New York drafted William Beatty in the 3rd round out of Connecticut. In a regular draft that did not feature so many top offensive linemen, Beatty would have been a lock in the first round. Somehow, the Giants were able to snatch him in the 3rd round making all their first 3 selections excellent choices. The Giants may have come out better than anyone in this year’s draft considering their late round selections. However, the Giants did suffer a fairly big loss losing Derrick Ward to the Tampa Buccaneers. New York was able to keep premier back Brandon Jacobs in town signing a 4 year deal so they will have at least one of their big rushers back in 2009.

2009 Preview -

The Giants have a solid team to look forward to heading into 2009. The defense should be very strong as they have been over the past few seasons. However, there still are some legitimate worries on offense. Derrick Ward will not support Brandon Jacobs in the back field and that could make their rushing attack a bit weaker. While Hakeem Nicks was selected to be a playmaker, it is unlikely that he will break out in his freshman campaign. The Giants will likely still be without Plaxico Burress and their offensive struggles may continue as well. The Giants will battle with some very powerful offensive teams this season and they must find a way to put points on the board. The stout defensive should give them the opportunity to win any game, but the offense may hold them back in the long run.

2009 Prediction -

It is absolutely imperative that the Giants get off to a great start this season. New York will start off the season against Washington and Dallas in tough division clashes. The Giants can not afford to get off on the wrong foot while there are so many questions surrounding the offense. The schedule gets worse throughout the season. We may be in for another similar pattern. The Giants get off to a solid start before losing their way about midway through the season.

Pick - 3rd NFC East (9-7 overall)