Keys For Another Super Bowl Run

mlav70 — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:19:43 +0000

Aug 2, 2010; Albany, NY, USA; New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell holds up a play card for his players during training camp in Albany. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray/THE STAR-LEDGER via US PRESSWIRE

As OTA’s get started and training camp right around the corner, what are the keys to watch for this season? For the Giants to get a playoff birth and make another run at the title they will need to fill the holes of outgoing players and upgrade at a few other areas.

1. Who will be the Victor Cruz of 2012? When Steve Smith departing last offseason there was a huge question mark at the WR position. Thankfully out of virtually no where Cruz emerged and had a monster season finishing behind only Calvin Johnson in recieving yards in the NFC. With Mario Manningham gone to the left coast and now a question mark on Hakeem Nicks season the WR position has yet again become a problem area. So, who will step up? As of now we have Cruz, Domenik Hixon coming off injury, and rookie Rueban Randle as the likely top 3. After that it’s Ramses Bardan and Jerrel Jernigan both of which have yet to show any promise. Hopefully Nicks can return to form by week 4 or 5.

2. The linebacker position seems to be the opposite of last year at this time. With Chase Blackburn being re-signed and emerging as a force in the middle and the signing of Keith Rivers from Cincinnati really will solidify the LB corp with Boley and Kiwi flipping between LB and End. And the experience that Williams, Jones and Herzlich gained last year filling in now makes this a strength and no longer the weak link of the defense.

3. The running game had an extremely lack luster year in 2011. Being non existent for most of the year only emerging in the latter part of the regular season and the playoffs, mainly due to the respect for Eli and fear of the big play, needs to be better. With Jacobs joining Manningham in SF and DJ Ware and Da’rel Scott showing very little last season it was clear that Bradshaw would need help. The Giants turned to the Draft and picked David Wilson. With Bradshaw always fighting injuries from his running style and Wilson being a rookie it would appear the G-Men will probably go to a 3 headed running attack with Bradshaw, Ware and Wilson. But this area will be a question with only 1 back That is battle tested.

4. The Offensive Line had an up and down year in 2011, giving good protection in the passing game and poor run blocking. The one constant on the line has been and will be Chris Snee at right guard. With Kareem McKenzie not being re-signed mean that Will Beatty and James Brewer fighting for right tackle, off season signing Sean Locklear with provide depth. The left side appears it will be David Diehl at LT and Kevin Boothe and Mitch Petreus battling for RG. Petreus would add needed toughness and help for the running game. David Baas had a rough start, but seemed to settle in at the center position nicely.

These questions should be answered by the end of training camp and will be key areas that will need to be solid for the Giants to make another run to the playoffs and possible championship.

Enemy Territory: 5 Questions from a Cowboys Blogger

Joe Tufaro — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 11:50:31 +0000

We had the chance to answer Steven from TheLandryHat.com’s questions about the New York Giants…

What is the biggest reason for the Giants recent four-game losing streak other than the caliber of the teams they’ve faced?

The lack of a running game due to the injury to Ahmad Bradshaw has coincided with the Giants recent slide against an admittedly tough schedule. Leaving the ball in Eli’s hands with a chance to win is a great recipe for success, but not every week.

How is Eli Manning better this season as opposed to last year?

Eli has always been a clutch QB and has raised the level of the talent around him. Last year however, he forced too many throws trying to make plays. Now, his interception numbers were inflated by more tipped balls and than I have ever seen, but his decision making was poor. He was instructed this year that taking a sack, or throwing the ball away, is not the worst thing that can happen…making a high throw that gets picked off IS the worst thing. Our sack totals are up, his interceptions are down.

Will the recent changes to the Giant’s offensive line hurt or help them against the Cowboys on Sunday?

The Giants have many veteran payers along their offensive line that can play multiple positions. They also have some young eager talent behind them. Mitch Petrus is a high energy, intelligent lineman. Kevin Boothe can play center, guard, tackle. With the leadership of Diehl, Snee, and McKenzie the communication stays consistent even when the players change. I think it makes them all better in the long run, ups the concentration on a per play basis, and gets some young hungry guys into the lineup.

Why do you think New York plays so well in Cowboy’s Stadium?

The Giants have been a successful road team under Tom Coughlin, as proven by their Super Bowl run in 2007. He also loves to play in division games, and he is a great historian of the game. For all the years the Giants have been coming to Dallas, it gives the organization great joy when they can come away with a W.

Your prediction for the game?

If the Giants are healthy at running back, that allows Eli to use play action and exploit weaknesses in your secondary. I know Rob Ryan will blitz relentlessly, but that allows for Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, and Mario Manningham, to play one-on one all day. I think the Giants offense proves to be too much, and if the Cowboys get behind, I would look for Mr. Romo to throw a few our way.

GMEN HQ » Mitch Petrus

Keys For Another Super Bowl Run

Enemy Territory: 5 Questions from a Cowboys Blogger