New York Giants

On the otherhand, the New York Giants had plenty of adversity both on their offensive line and their defensive front. Whereas I am suggesting that this type of adversity builds depth and helped propel teams like the Redskins and others to success in seasons after undergoing significant injuries, stability is a major factor as well. The Giants decided to overhaul some of their linebacking corps on Defense, shedding Carlos Emmons, Brandon Short, and Lavar Arrington among other key players who saw 1st team action. They added Kansas City Linebacker Kawika Mitchell to compensate but are planning a major project in coaching up Mathias Kiwanuka as the strongside Linebacker--the Sam. If Michael Strahan does indeed return, they developed enough depth in dealing with the loss of both Umenyiora and Strahan at various points in last year's season, to be a well seasoned defensive line. This should help cover for any growing pains going on behind the line with the linebacking corps gaining experience in the Giants scheme. The defense should get better as the season progresses and should be tough for offenses to crack.
The Offense should also eventually benefit from the development of depth after surviving injuries to 1st teamers last year. Rich Seubert, Grey Ruegamer, and Bob Whitfield all saw significant action and started some games last season. Whitfield is now gone but so is Luke Pettigout. Pettigout will not be as easily replaced so the Giants will undergo some changes on their offensive line, but they will have the benefit of starting training camp with the new lineup which may move Dave Diehl to tackle allowing for Rich Seubert to replace Diehl at left guard. Shaun O'Hara, Chris Snee, and Kareem McKenzie all return on the right side giving this line the potential to be a good one along with some seasoned depth. All in all--by the end of the season, the Giants may wreak more havoc in the NFC East--an already a tough division--than most pundits have prognosticated.