New York Giants
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Author: SHAQ for The Football ERA
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The New York Giants were one of the most perplexing teams in 2009. They fired out of the gates and went 5-0, and then, subsequently, lost the next 4 games unable to put it together going down the stretch. On paper they were one of the best defenses in the league--especially up front. Offensively, the Giants were supposed to dominate on the ground with their in-tact offensive line and running game. However, they let their guard down after taking control of the NFC East early, and no such results were seen on either side of the ball as they couldn't sustain any consistency and faded throughout the rest of the season.
They look nearly as solid on paper going into the 2010 season but without nearly the same confidence from the fans and media as to what they will see on the field. Since they hoisted the trophy three Super Bowls ago by defeating the then-perfect New England Patriots with their pass rush in a dramatic underdog performance, the Giants have focused and put emphasis on building a dominant and deep defensive line. Even the coaches couldn't figure out how the lines vanished last season--but, this didn't deter their continued fortification of their lines via the draft this offseason--particularly up front on defense.
Still, they have lost big Fred Robbins at DT who has helped anchored the middle for years and will certainly be missed--now a St Louis Ram via free agency. Everytime either he or Barry Cofield--the other DT in the middle---were either nicked up or missing in the lineup, linebacker Antonio Pierce was answering questions to the media about what was wrong with the defense. Pierce is also gone--retired, but the Giants recently signed LB Keith Bulluck from the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, veteran D-lineman Rocky Bernard (formerly of Seattle) and Chris Canty will pick up where Fred Robbins left off provided they can stay healthy and on the field. Jay Alford --who once sacked Tom Brady on the Pat's final drive in the Superbowl--is now an Oakland Raider.
The offensive line also comes back pretty much in-tact and has the opportunity to return the running game back to form if they can get fortunate with the injury bug which has been a storyline so far in training camp. This team has the potential to surprise and even win the division if they can fulfill their potential on paper with their performance on the field. One thing for sure -- they are certainly flying under the radar in most pre-season reviews and will turn some heads as an underdog if Tom Coughlin can get them back to the form we saw a couple of years ago when they stole the Lombardi Trophy from Tom Brady and the Patriots' grasp in 2008.
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