John Clayton on the New York Giants

A few items in the most recent John Clayton mailbag on espn.com caught my eye.

In an answer to a question by Michael in Smithtown about the Giants getting no respect this offseason, Clayton says that the Giants and Eagles are going have to fend off the Redskins for second place in the NFC East.  Yes, the Cowboys do look formidable. And there is no arguing that last year could have ended much better than the complete disaster it turned out to be. But this team is one year removed from a 12-4 season, and two years removed from a 10-6 one as well.  If they fix their defense, undoubtedly a large task, this team doesn’t have a chance to compete for first?

John does show some love for individuals on the Giants though, as he says Eli Manning has not reached his ceiling yet and not only will be a consistent 4,000 yard passer but has the possibility to be a 4,500 yard one. Getting some lukewarm love is Brandon Jacobs, who Clayton believes will be better this year. Let’s hope he’s right.