New York Giants 2009 Season Preview: Trying to Finish the Right Way

Training camps have wrapped up, the NFL season is right around the corner, and it's still hot as sin outside. But instead of cooling you off with a warm island song, FanHouse break out ye old heat check for our 2009 NFL Season Previews. " We'll rate each club in 5 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

In 2007, the New York Giants found a way to peak at the right time. After barely making the playoffs, Eli Manning led his charges on an amazing ride, one that included three straight road wins and an upset of the previously unbeaten Patriots in the Super Bowl. 2008 wasn't so great for the Giants. A nightclub shooting took out their best receiver, crippled the passing game, and left the team vulnerable for the Philadelphia Eagles, who ended their season in the NFC Divisional Playoff.

Offense -- It's not just about Eli Manning. Even though he just cashed in on a huge contract extension, Manning is not (and can't) be expected to do it all himself. He has horses in the backfield in Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. The Giants' line is amazing, led by center Shaun O'Hara and guard Chris Snee. They will blast open huge holes for the backs, while also keeping Manning relatively clean. That's a good thing, because the receiver position is still in serious flux. The team hopes someone among a rather anonymous group that includes Domenik Hixon, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and first-round pick Hakeem Nicks will have a big season. They also need a bit more out of tight end Kevin Boss, even though he did lead the team in touchdowns last year. Unless someone can become a true No. 1 receiver, Manning may struggle, especially against elite defensive fronts that simply won't allow a one-dimensional offense to walk all over them. Heat Index: 7

Defense -- There were no major losses here in the offseason, outside of the coordinator. Steve Spagnuolo moved on to become head coach of the Rams, and former linebackers coach Bill Sheridan is now calling the shots. Don't expect much to change, though, because the Giants still want to bring the heat, and they still have the personnel to do that. Defensive end Osi Umenyiora is back after losing last season to a knee injury. Mathias Kiwanuka, free-agent acquisition Chris Canty, and inside-outside force Justin Tuck can all rush the passer. It opens up a lot of options for Sheridan in how he wants to design his defense. His linebackers -- led by Antonio Pierce -- can be used in blitz packages, but don't have to hover around the line of scrimmage at all times. They can be used in coverage to help out what will be a young and talented secondary. Heat Index: 9

Special Teams -- Given how deep the Giants are with solid athletes on defense, it's not shocking that they would have top-notch coverage units. 43-year-old Jeff Feagles is still the punter, and if you're concerned about diminishing skills, don't be. Feagles made the Pro Bowl last year. Lawrence Tynes is back at kicker after a preseason injury knocked him out last year. Look for the Giants to at least experiment with Sinorice Moss in the return game. If nothing else, it would allow Bradshaw to be fresher for offensive duties. Heat Index: 8

Coaching -- Tom Coughlin still has the old-school values, but he's been able to adapt and be more player-friendly in recent years. The results have been obvious, with a Super Bowl win and a 12-4 season. After last season's 1-4 finish (counting the playoff loss), Coughlin shouldn't have to say much to get his team ready for battle. The transition from Spagnuolo to Sheridan on defense has been smooth, and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has had all summer to prepare his team for life without Plaxico Burress. Heat Index: 8


Intangibles -- As mentioned, the 1-4 finish should serve as serious motivation for this football team. They may need it, because the schedule-maker didn't give the Giants any breaks. After an opener at home against Washington, New York is on the road for three straight games and four out of five. Included in that are trips to Dallas and New Orleans, teams that will test the defense vertically. It's part of a really tough schedule that includes dates with Dallas, Philadelphia, Carolina, and Minnesota over the last five weeks. Heat Index: 7

Total Heat Index: 39/50 -- If Manning can develop some threats at wide receiver, the Giants should have little trouble moving the ball consistently. If he struggles to do this, and is indecisive with the football as a result, the season could quickly be crippled. The schedule is too difficult for the Giants to attack everyone with Jacobs and Bradshaw and still score points. A division repeat is in the cards, but don't sleep on Dallas or Philadelphia.