2008 New York Giants NFL Predictions

Tom Coughlin and Eli Manning were both on the hot seat heading into the 2007 season, but now they can both rest a little bit easier after winning the Super Bowl over the dominant New England Patriots. The big question now is if the Giants have it in them to get back to the big one. Get Jimmy Boyd's take in his 2008 New York Giants predictions and season preview.
 

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Offense

Eli Manning was not exactly having a Pro Bowl-caliber season, but his confidence grew after throwing for four touchdowns in NY's regular season finale loss to the Patriots. He went through the postseason with just one interception in 119 passes and outshined Brett Fave in the NFC Championship Game and Tom Brady in the Super Bowl.

Many though the Giants' running game would suffer after the retirement of Tiki Barber, but no such thing happened. The Giants rushed for 2,148 yards and the big bruiser Brandon Jacobs led the way with 1,009 yards.

The Giants's receiving corps was phenomenal last season, especially Plaxico Burress. Burress starred despite dealing with an ankle injury throughout the season and caught the game-winner in the Super Bowl. Veteran Amani Toomer returns along with Sinorice Moss, Steve Smith, and David Tyree. Third-round draft pick Mario Manningham figures to see some action also. If Jeremy Shockey remains a pain in the butt, Kevin Boss showed that he can step in and produce in the tight end spot.

The Giants' offensive line was a big part of their success last season New York ranked fourth in the league in rushing and the unit only allowed 28 sacks.

Defense

The defensive front line should have received MVP honors in last season's Super Bowl because they made it impossible for Tom Brady to pick them apart with all the pressure they applied. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora came up big all season long. Justin Tuck can play end or tackle and he starred in the Super Bowl. He started just two regular season games but ended up with two sacks and added two more in the playoffs. I think he will be able to make up for the loss of Michael Strahan to retirement.

Antonio Pierce is the leader of the defense in the middle linebacker slot, Danny Clark will look to take over on the weak side, and Mathias Kiwanuka will start at strong side. The Giants don't have the star power here that they have up front, but they have a lot of depth to make a solid all-around unit.

Corners Aaron Ross and Corey Webster played defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's press coverage wonderfully last season. Veterans Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters as well as second round draft pick Terrell Thomas makes this a deep group as well. The Giants addressed replacing free safety Gibril Wilson by signing Sammy Knight and drafting Kenny Phillips in the first round.

Special Teams

Lawrence Tynes got off to a shaky start as place kicker and was nearly the goat of the NFC Title game by missing two critical field goals before making a 47-yarder in OT to send the G-men to the Super Bowl. I expect him to kick with confidence and to be a major asset this season. Jeff Feagles has been around since the Nixon Administration but he is still getting the job done with his directional punting.

Prediction – 1st NFC East

The Cowboys may have a few more offensive weapons, but New York will win the East because of its superior defense. Other NFC East division teams, the Eagles and the Redskins, clearly have a little ways to go to get to the level of the G-men.

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Check out the official site of the New York Giants and for more information.

June 25th, 2008