2011 New York Giants Predictions
The Giants have been on the decline since winning a Super Bowl in the 2007 season. They have missed the playoffs the last two years.
In order to get back to the postseason, the G-men must cut down on the turnovers. They led the NFL with 42 giveaways in 2010.
New York did win 10 games last season despite its generosity. That simple fact is reason enough to be optimistic about the team’s playoffs chances in 2011.
Offense: The Giants were one of the best offensive teams in the NFL in 2010. They ranked fifth in the league in total offense and eighth in scoring with 380.3 yards and 24.6 points per game. Much of their offensive success, however, was negated by turnovers.
Quarterback Eli Manning threw for 4,002 yards and 31 touchdowns but also had 25 interceptions. There is no excuse for him making so many poor decisions with the football. He was one of the best protected quarterbacks in the league and has the luxury of a strong running game to take some of the pressure off. He is also blessed with some talented targets.
Wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are budding stars. Nicks caught 79 passes for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns and Manningham had 60 receptions for 944 yards and nine scores.
The running back duo of Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs helped New York rank sixth in the NFL with 137.5 rushing yards per game. The duo combined for 2,058 yards and 17 scores on the ground.
The New York offensive line performed well in 2010 despite being a banged-up unit. This group only allowed 16 sacks, which was tied for the fewest amount in the league. The team is hoping to see tackle Will Beatty and guard Mitch Petrus step into bigger roles this season.
Defense: The Giants ranked seventh in the NFL in total defense last season with 310.8 yards allowed per game, but they ranked 17th in scoring defense with 21.7 points allowed per contest. This number would have been significantly lower had it not been for the team’s issues with ball security.
New York boasted a big-play defense in 2010, one that led the league with 39 takeaways and finished fifth with 46 sacks.
Ends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora were unblockable at times. They each had 11.5 sacks. 2010 first-round pick, Jason Pierre-Paul, looks to be the team’s next great pass rusher. He should get more snaps this season.
A defensive backfield that helped the Giants rank ninth in the league against the pass with 209.5 yards per game was bolstered with the additions of cornerback Prince Amukamara and safety Tyler Sash.
Prediction: 3rd Place NFC East – The Giants were swept by the Eagles and split with the Cowboys in 2010. All three of these teams should be improved, which means the NFC East should be a tight race. The defending-champion Eagles appear to be the front runners after making a big splash this offseason, which means the Cowboys and the Giants will likely be battling for second place and a Wild Card slot. NFL odds makers have listed the Giants at +300 to win the NFC East division.
Individual Team NFL Season Predictions
