2008 New York Giants Season Preview
Even without Strahan and Umenyiora, Big Blue has a shot to repeat
Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 10:45 AMIt seems like it was only yesterday that the New York Giants and New England Patriots were preparing for what would eventually go down as one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time. But alas, the 2008 NFL regular season is upon us.
Any and all previous accomplishments and glory now mean absolutely nothing. And when the New York Giants and Washington Redskins take the field tonight in East Rutherford, NJ, all slates will have been wiped clean.
As it was early in 2007, Big Blue's 2008 theme will be "Us Against the World." But will that motto carry them to the promised land once again? Or will New York suffer a post-Lombardi Trophy letdown?
Projected Record: 11-5
Projected NFC East Division Standings:
1 — New York Giants (11-5) (4-2)
2 — Dallas Cowboys (11-5) (4-2)
3 — Philadelphia Eagles (9-7) (3-3)
4 — Washington Redskins (7-9) (1-5)
Offensive MVP: Plaxico Burress — WR
Looking at the 2008 New York Giants, it's easy to overlook Plaxico Burress. He's become ‘ole reliable and Pro Bowl-like numbers are expected from him. But just imagine the sort of impact he would have made for New York last year if he had not been injured. His ankle, along with several other nagging injuries, really put adamper on his production — even though he gained 1,025 yards and hauled in 12 TDs, which is especially impressive under the circumstances.
Projected Stats — 1,311 yards and 15 TDs
Defensive MVP: Justin Tuck — DE
People can talk all day long about the losses of Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, but the bottom line is that Justin Tuck is just as valuable as each of them. In fact, Strahan recently stated that Tuck is more talented and athletic than he is. And if taking his word for it isn't enough, then just keep your eyes glued to the former Fighting Irish defensive end. Not only will Tuck win the Giants defensive MVP, there is a very good chance that he'll become a household name as he continues to appear amongst the NFL's elite defensive lineman.
Projected Stats —77 tackles, 15.5 sacks and four forced fumbles
Breakout Player: Mathias Kiwanuka — DE
Once again, all the attention is focused on the losses of Strahan and Umenyiora. And while it's been easy to forget about Mathias Kiwanuka, who had been stationed at linebacker, people need to remember he was originally drafted in the first round with every intentionof using him as defensive end. He may not be as talented as Tuck, but he's more than capable of holding his own out there.
Projected Stats —49 tackles, 10.5 sacks and three passes defended
Top Rookie: Kenny Phillips — S
New York Giants' fans had a mixed reaction when the team selected the safety out of Miami in April, but any questions about his ability were put to bed by a strong offseason showing, which included animpressive performance in Week One of the preseason. Kenny Phillips is often compared to the late Sean Taylor and there is now little doubt that he'll quickly live up to those expectations.
Projected Stats — 67 tackles, 14 passes defended and five interceptions
Three Bold Predictions:
1 — Eli Manning is going to the Pro Bowl.
2 — Brandon Jacobs doesn't miss a single game.
3 — In limited action as the number four/five wide receiver, Sinorice Moss actually gives the Giants some production.
Closing:
This preview may seem bold, but the Giants are a better team than they were last year — even without Strahan and Umenyiora. Sure, their depth at defensive end may have thinned out, but they've become deeper elsewhere. Their linebackers are going to be more solid than people realize, and their young secondary will continue to grow and develop into a strong point.
But can the Giants repeat?
That remains to be seen, but I certainly wouldn't put it past them.
MORE:
