NFL Team By Team Judnalysis Part V

Long time reader and friend of the blog, Drillo, has graciously provided us his preview of the New York Football Giants.

2007 New York Giants Season Preview

At first glance, the 2007 Giants look to be put together almost as badly as Judz’ 2007 Fantasy Team.

On OFFENSE, it’s time for Eli to shine. Will he? In the preseason so far, he’s shown solid playmaking skill combined with moments of incompetence. Kind of like Aaron Brooks. But unlike Aaron, Manning does have the talent to put it all together. And maybe for the WHOLE season this time around. But New York is running out of patience. The calls for offensive lineman turned QB Jared Lorenzen will continue if Eli doesn’t produce. Obviously, the running game will hurt without Tiki Barber. Is Brandon Jacobs ready to carry the load? He does have the ability to pound the football and tire out defenses. Steady doses of Jacobs could help take the pressure off of Eli.

The Giant DEFENSE looks weaker than Brownie on a treadmill. A respectable unit a year ago, this group will struggle to stop the run without Michael Strahan. Teams will run away from Osi Umenyiora, the most talented player on the line. The linebacking corps, lead by Antonio Pierce, will be forced to play the run more often than not, opening up the opposition’s short and deep passing game to a mediocre secondary, made weaker by preseason injuries to Will Demps and Sam Madison (threatening their availability for the early part of the season). Even if this defense overachieves, the Giant offense will be forced to put up points for the team to have a successful season.

This team will go as far as Eli Manning can take it. He’s the guy. There are no other stars on the team (sorry, Plaxico doesn’t rise to star standing in my book). While the optimist will see him putting it all together and leading the Giants offense to a great season, it seems more likely given past experience that Eli will struggle with taking the lead role at this stage in his career. He may have some great moments, but this campaign could crash faster and harder than the Boy Wonder’s Houston mayoral run.

Predicted Finish: 3rd Place, NFC East