By Ben Kelly - InReeseWeTrust.com 1/27/11
For the third consecutive season, the New York Giants failed to live up to the expectations and burdens of the 2007 Championship season. Though finishing with a usually playoff bound 10-6 record, the Giants never put their foot down with a statement win to quiet doubters and intimidate opponents. Instead, the season was defined by statement losses. The Giants lost back-to-back games three times during the season. In week 15, the Giants led Philadelphia 31-10 with eight minutes to play and inexplicably allowed four touchdowns to lose the game. One week later the Packers blew out the Giants 45-17 in Green Bay. Beforehand, the winner of the Green Bay game would have all but clinched a wild card spot and essentially eliminate the loser, and the Giants got creamed. All the momentum made in Perry Fewell’s first season unraveled in the defense giving up 66 points in a 68 minute period. The unit finished seventh in yardage allowed and eighteenth in points allowed.
While they didn’t make the playoffs, the Giants did win ten games, and there is a lot to like about the current roster. Eli Manning threw for 31 touchdowns, but it will be key to the team’s success for his turnover rates to lower- he threw 25 interceptions and fumbled seven times. The offense exploded thanks to the breakout of wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, who accounted for 1996 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns combined. Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs combined for 2058 yards on the ground behind a rotational offensive line. The Giants’ defensive line impressed, including rookie Jason Pierre-Paul emerging as a solid pass rusher, and Osi Umenyiora returning to form with 11.5 sacks, which equaled Justin Tuck’s total. Jerry Reese has already identified the linebacker corps and secondary as areas that will be targeted in the offseason.
List of unrestricted free agents:
DJ Ware, Running back
Keith Bulluck, Linebacker
Deon Grant, Safety
Jim Sorgi, Quarterback
Derek Hagan, Wide receiver
Domenik Hixon, Wide receiver
Chase Blackburn, Line backer
Bear Pascoe, Tight end
Courtney Brown, Corner back
Jamon Meredith, Offensive line
Michael Clayton, Wide receiver
List of restricted free agents:
Ahmad Bradshaw, Running back
Barry Cofield, Defensive tackle
Mathias Kiwanuka, Defensive end
Steve Smith, Wide receiver
Kevin Boss, Tight end
Kevin Boothe, Guard
Dave Tollefson, Defensive end
Michael Johnson, Safety
Will Blackmon, Cornerback
Gerris Wilkinson, Linebacker
Free Agency Wish List
1. Ahmad Bradshaw- Bradshaw was the focal point of this season’s offense in his first year as a starter, and I can’t see the Giants letting him walk after grooming him from the 7th round of the 2007 Draft. Stays
2. Kevin Boss- While Boss may wish for more attention in the passing game, he must be praised for his run blocking. The running game suffered when Boss was hurt late in the season. Stays
3. Barry Cofield- Cofield is the best defensive tackle on the roster, and didn’t receive much of a push from 2nd round rookie Linval Joseph. The four-year veteran will be looking for payday, but will the Giants be the ones to hand it to him given all the money spent on defensive line? Stays
4. Steve Smith- Smith is a must-sign as one of Eli Manning’s favorite targets, and will come cheaper due to his knee injury. Stays
5. Deon Grant- Grant would be welcomed back for his veteran presence, but safety is a crowded position with Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips also returning. Grant will want more playing time and wants to start next season. Walks
6. Chase Blackburn- Blackburn is the special teams captain, and his leadership is valued. Though he likely won’t contend for a starting linebacker spot, he should be brought back. Stays
NFL Free Agents- Players who will be in a Giants uniform next season
1. Chad Greenway, Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings- Greenway is a tackling machine- he recorded 144 this season- and is a fit in the 4-3 scheme. Greenway is the best linebacker available in the 2011 offseason, draft and free agency included.
2. Logan Mankins, Guard, New England Patriots- Mankins is a Pro Bowler who will test the market after refusing a long-term offer from New England.
3. Plaxico Burress, Wide receiver- Giants management and the fans want Plax back. Get it done!
First Round Draft Prospects
1. Mark Ingram, Running back, Alabama- Ingram becomes an option only if Bradshaw is signed by another team. The Heisman Trophy winner would slide right into a powerful rotation with Brandon Jacobs if that were the case.
2. Akeem Ayers, Linebacker, UCLA- The Giants have drafted linebackers in the middle rounds of the past few draft (Gerris Wilkinson, Clint Sintim, Brian Kehl) that either have not developed or were poor fits for the 4-3 scheme. The 6’4” 250 pounds Ayers played outside linebacker in the 4-3 at UCLA. Another linebacker option is Von Miller out of Texas A&M.
3. Tyron Smith, Offensive tackle, Southern Cal- The talented junior could be part of the rebuilding of the offensive line and would give the Giants a second young tackle alongside Will Beatty to develop. Other offensive line options include Gabe Carimi of Wisconsin and Anthony Castonzo of Boston College.
