2008 New York Giants
Written July 30, 2008 by Jason Lowry
Another NFL season is fast approaching and Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 New York Giants season predictions. What a year it was for the Giants as they not only made a historic run to the playoffs and the Super Bowl, they beat what many people were calling one of the best teams ever in what was the undefeated New England Patriots. There is no taking back what they did, but many wonder if a team that struggled to win at home as much as the Giants did last season, can come back and expect to repeat as champions. The Giants finished 2nd in the NFC East to the Cowboys, and will have a lot to prove if they want to take the division in 2008. The defense did take a slight hit with the losses of linebackers Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor, along with safety Gibril Wilson. Lets take a look at what the Giants will look like on the field in 2008.
Offense:
There are some questions surrounding this side of the ball, and the biggest of them all is wide receiver Plaxico Burress who has still yet to receive the contract extension he wants. The Giants need this guy on the field, and quarterback Eli Manning is the guy that needs him the most. The Giants won the Super Bowl without Jeremy Shockey and will have to do it again as the star tight end is now a teammate of the New Orleans Saints. While it looks like a bigger deal than it might actually be, the Giants have plenty of depth at the position, and Kevin Boss should do a fine job filling in for Shockey. The running game should remain in tact with the trio of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, and Ahmad Bradshaw, who combined for over 2,000 yards last season. No questions surround the offensive line, as they get back all 5 starters, who helped the team rank 4th in the NFL in rushing, and did a great job of keeping Manning off his back.
Giants Over/Under 8.5 wins in at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
While the team seems fit to replace the retired Michael Strahan on the field, his leadership on and off the field is where this team is going to miss him most. There is no question that Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora can get the job done, but its hard to imagine them having the overall success from last season. This team just doesn’t look at good at linebacker without Mitchell and Torbor, but they will turn to Mathias Kiwanuka and Gerris Wilkerson on the outside, while Antonio Pierce must remain the leader of this group. The secondary has some questions, but should be alble to play well enough to get the job done. Corners Aaron Ross and Corey Webster will be your opening day starters, while the veteran Sammy Knight and James Butler handle the safety spots. Watch out for 1st round draft pick Kenny Phillips, who could find his way into the starting lineup by seasons end.
Giants +600 odds to win NFC Championship at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
The Giants are pretty solid at the much important special teams spots, as they bring back kicker Lawrence Tynes, even though he almost cost them the NFC Championship game, and 20 year veteran punter Jeff Feagles still has what it takes to keep his job. The return game looks like it will be in the hands of corner RW McQuarters and receiver Domenik Hixon.
Giants +1500 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 4th in the NFC East
Sorry Giants fans, but we are not sold on this team coming back and repeating their success from a year ago. Now that doesn’t mean we think this team is going to be under .500 this season, the Eagles finished 4th in this division at 8-8 last season. We see the defense falling slightly and there is going to be plenty of pressure on Manning to become an elite quarterback in the NFL, and we just don’t think he is ever going to be anything more than a solid NFL starter.
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