NFC East preview: New York Giants.

There are many questions surrounding the Giants coming into the season. They could very well be a playoff-caliber team, but at the same time, they could end up finishing last in the division.

How do things shape up for the G-Men going into ‘07? Will we see Tiki Barber gloating from his seat in the NBC studio if they falter, or will Eli Manning and Co. shut up their former running back?

NEW YORK GIANTS

2006 record: 8-8, finished 3rd in NFC East, lost in Wild Card round at Philly 23-20
Key Offseason Losses: RB Tiki Barber (retired), LB Jesse Armstead (retired), LB LaVar Arrington (cut), LB Carlos Emmons (cut), LB Brandon Short (free agency), K Jay Feely (free agency)
Key Offseason Additions: CB Aaron Ross (1st round draft pick), WR Steve Smith (2nd round pick), LB Kawika Mithcell (from the Chiefs), K Lawrence Tynes (from the Chiefs), RB Reuben Droughns (trade from the Browns)

Quick Take:

After all that’s happened, it’s almost a little surprising that coach Tom Coughlin is still there. But, he’s got one more year to get it done, or his chances will be up. Barber went out with a bang, and hasn’t yet learned the meaning of going quietly. While the Giants were busy going 1-3 in the preseason, the biggest story regarding the Giants was about Michael Strahan and whether or not he was going to play or not, due to contract negotiations that weren’t going his way.

The Big Question: Is this the year Eli Manning cements his place as an elite NFL QB? Keep in mind that it was several seasons before his brother Peyton started putting up the numbers that he is now. But, if Eli needs any extra motivation entering his fourth season (and third as a full-time starter), he definitely got it when Tiki dissed his leadership skills on national TV.

The addition of Smith is a nice one for the Giants, because it gives Eli a solid four-deep receiving corps. Smith was overshadowed by Dwayne Jarrett at USC, but was a catch machine for the Trojans. With Plaxico Burress, veteran Amani Toomer, second-year speedster Sinorice Moss, Smith, and Pro Bowl TE Jeremy Shockey, there aren’t any excuses for Eli to not do well. And, he’s going to get plenty of chances to throw the ball and be the focal point of the offense, now that Barber is wearing a suit instead of a helmet and pads.

OFFENSE

This is the year for Eli Manning. The offense is his now, and he’s got to back that up. But, will Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns be able to do enough to ensure that the Giants’ offense isn’t one-dimensional? Jacobs ran for 423 yards and nine touchdowns in only 99 carries last season, but what can we expect now that he’s the #1 guy? There’s definitely potential for a great running game, if Jacobs can translate his success in a limited role into consistent outputs throughout 16 games, and if Droughns can show some of his form from 2004-05, when he had back-to-back 1,200+ yard seasons with Denver and Cleveland.

DEFENSE

The offense is going to be need to be good, because there are so many question marks on defense. The Giants are breaking in a new defensive coordinator, following the firing of former coordinator Tim Lewis after the defense gave up more than 20 points in 12 of 17 games, including eight of the last nine.

The front four isn’t devoid of talent, in the least. Along with the veteran Strahan, there’s Osi Umenyora and second-year end Mathias Kiwanuka, who could become the next sack machine to line up for the Giants. And, they added former Penn St. tackle Jay Alford with their third-round pick, adding to a depth chart at tackle that already has three good tackles in veteran Fred Robbins, William Joseph (who has yet to fulfill his full potential), and Barry Cofield, who had an impressive rookie season in ‘06.

At linebacker, Antonio Pierce is the only returning full-time starter, and while he’s a darn good one (140 tackles in ‘06). But, the Giants acquired Mitchell in the offseason, who put together back-to-back 100+ tackle seasons in his last two years in K.C., so that leaves only one real hole to be filled.

The secondary is the biggest question mark. Safety Will Demps was recently placed on injured reserve, and veteran corner Sam Madison won’t be playing in the season opener. Gibril Wilson has become one of the league’s top young safeties, but who’s going to fill in for Demps? Odds are that it will be Michael Stone, a former second-round pick from Memphis who really hasn’t done all that much in his NFL career. And, at corner, who will step in while Madison is out, which could be for a few weeks? Ross might be counted on to have an impact right away. The Giants had one of the league’s worst pass defenses last season, finishing 28th in yards allowed per game, and recording only 17 interceptions (and only 32 sacks). So, some people are going to have to step it up very quickly (like third-year corner Corey Webster, another with tons of potential), otherwise the G-Men might suffer with some of the league’s premier QBs on their schedule.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The most unforgettable memory of Jay Feely in a Giants uniform is when he missed multiple game-winning opportunities in a 2005 game against the Seahawks, a contest the Giants eventually lost in OT. He’s now in Miami, and his replacement is Tynes, who made 68 of 87 field goals in three seasons with the Chiefs. He’s 48 of 52 inside 40 yards, so he can be counted on to make the ones he’s supposed to. And, at punter, the Giants return ‘Ironman’ Jeff Feagles, who’s entering his 20th NFL season.

OUTLOOK

From the looks of it, the Giants have far too much talent to not succeed. But, potential and talent must translate into results on the field in order for a team to do well. Three seasons under Coughlin have produced a 25-23 record, and in the last two seasons, the defense has been one of the worst in the league.

But, if new D-coordinator Steve Spagnuolo (formerly of the Eagles) and his blitz-happy scheme can turn things around, then the Giants have the elements to be a contender, and to save Coughlin’s job. The offense may be able to offset some of the defensive weaknesses, but in the end, the defense is going to need to step up, and step it up. But, whether or not the offense will be as potent as possible will depend on what the run game produces, and if Manning can crack 4000 yards and push for 30 touchdowns, like he has the talent and the people around him to.

If things go well, New York could have two playoff teams for the second year in a row. But, if things go sour yet again, Giants fans could be in for another long, turmoil-filled season, and another 8-8 record, and sneaking into the playoffs won’t be good enough to save Coughlin from getting the boot.