NFL 2010 Preview: New York Giants

The Giants enter 2010 looking to rebound from a disappointing finish to the 2009 season.

Off-season changes
The Giants opted not to panic after last year’s meltdown in the final 11 games of the season. New York recognized that many of its issues could be fixed without significant roster changes. The biggest problems were on defense and Perry Fewell has joined the coaching staff in an effort to address these issues. The new Giants defensive coordinator has installed a system similarly to the one used by Steve Spagnuolo during the Giants impressive 2007 and 2008 campaigns.

The biggest personnel change was the signing of Antrel Rolle. New York had a gaping hole in its secondary that no amount of tactics would close without an upgrade in talent. Rolle looks to be the right fit for Fewell’s game plan and should get the job done for the Giants. The Giants’ most notable acquisition through the draft was Jason Pierre-Paul, adding more depth to New York’s already loaded defensive line. Seventh round selection Matt Dodge is likely to start as punter in 2010.

Mark your calendar
Eli Manning will face off against his brother Peyton when the Giants take on the Colts in week 2. The Giants also face tough road assignments at Houston, Minnesota, and Green Bay in 2010. The only notable home challenge from New York’s crossover games with the AFC South and NFC North comes in the form of the Titans, who visit in week 3.

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The Giants don’t play a game in the NFC East until week 7, when they travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys. If nothing else, we’ll learn just how much of a beating the Cowboys’ much maligned offensive line can take in this game and the re-match in week 10.

The verdict
The 2010 edition of the Giants should be a lot better than the team which was beset with injuries last season. The offensive line remains solid, Eli Manning is still improving at 29, and the running back tandem of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw is back and healthy for 2010. Defensively the Giants look amazing up front and the secondary’s problems have been fixed. The linebacker corps however is a huge issue for New York, one that NFL betting fans should keep an eye on.

The Giants should be able to win most games on talent alone but the problems with linbackers will hurt them plenty in 2010. New York opted against spending a high draft pick here when doing so looked like a necessity. For that reason I can’t anoint the Giants as outright favorites to win the NFC East this year. In a tight division New York might be the best but it will go down to the wire. I expect a 9-7 or 10-6 year from the Giants.