by Billy Rich
2013 New York Giants
2012 Record: 9-7 (2nd in NFC East)
Head Coach: Tom Coughlin (10th season)
The New York Giants finished the 2012 season with a record of 9-7 and did not make the playoffs, a far cry from a similar 9-7 record they put up in 2011, but as a Wild Card team, peaked at the right time and went on to win the Super Bowl. Head coach Tom Coughlin has a career .527 winning percentage with the Giants and two Super Bowl victories along the way. Entering his 10th season, Coughlin’s no-nonsense coaching style on a team with a long no-nonsense history has gone a long way. This year should see the Giants improve their record, if not for any other reason than that the NFC East is not very competitive.
The offense will once again be led by QB Eli Manning. Clearly among the leading quarter backs in the league, Manning, entering his 10th season, should continue to be solid at the helm. He’ll need to improve his 26 TD to 15 INT ratio from the 2012 season, as well as pick up his passing yards per game. Last year saw the first decline in four seasons for total yards per game for Manning, and it will be difficult to improve that stat with an offensive line that has been all over the place throughout the preseason and is still struggling to find itself. David Diehl has been replaced by first-round draft pick Justin Pugh, and Kevin Boothe has shifted over to center replacing an injured David Baas. If the offensive line can find a way to provide more significant pass protection this season, it will improve Manning’s chances and opportunities. However, look for the O-line to suffer growing pains early in the season.
Second-year running back David Wilson will get more significant playing time and expect fullback Henry Hynoski (3rd year) to improve his blocking as the preseason has shown. Tight end Bear Pascoe will have a chance to return to his “natural” position as the offensive line retools, but, if necessary, can be called on to stay in and block, as a tight end should be able to do.
On defense, coordinator Perry Fewell will have a tough job improving 2012′s 31st-ranked defense. (Really? The Giants with the 31st-ranked NFL defense?) There are a lot of questions to be answered and a slew of possibilities. The Giants brought a huge class of linebackers to camp this year and are still trying to find the right mix. It appears Keith Rivers on the strong side, Dan Connor in the middle, and Spencer Paysinger on the weak side, will be the starters, but getting back to 2011 form will be tough. Fewell has played with a three-safety defensive back field but it will be very difficult to pull it off this season. Starting safety Antrel Rolle may be the only regular player ready to go in that set up. Stevie Brown is out for the season with a torn ACL (week three preseason) and 2nd year player Will Hill was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. (Why do these guys to that?) That being said, the Giants have a lot of needs in this area, and will turn to Ryan Mundy and Tyler Sash to join Rolle as starters until Hill’s return.
Another area that must improve on D is the front line. Last year, the line saw a decline in almost every statistic, which is obvious, because going 9-7 and winning the Super Bowl two years prior clearly points to a strong defense. For the Giants to be successful on defense, the pass rush must improve. Fifteen fewer sacks from the Super Bowl year did not cut it. Look for more blitzing from the defensive line to help take pressure off the linebackers and defensive backs as they work on finding cohesive play.
Biggest upside for the Giants in 2013: This is tough. The Giants need a lot of areas of improvement this season. Eli Manning is an experienced veteran and should continue to be productive. David Wilson will get more playing time so the running game will improve.
Bill’s Biggest questions for the Giants in 2013: The questions are many for the Giants. While the defense is loaded with talent, will it play together and settle in? It could be a rough start. As with all teams, the Giants need to stay healthy. Will recent Injuries stymie the symmetry they are trying to build on both sides of the ball? Injuries will add even greater challenges for Coughlin and the coaching staff.
Bill’s Final Giants Thoughts and Predictions:
Bill’s 2013 Giants Prediction 10-6, (2nd in NFC East). The Giants will improve on 2012 and gain a Wild Card playoff berth. The Giants may come out slow to start, but should pick up the pace midway through the season; they will be a solid football team.
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Edited by: Todd LaPlante