GIANTS 101

After a long discussion with the Giants 101 chieftain, and some long reflecting on his most recent piece, I simply could not overlook the accuracy of his view on the 2010 season.

Rather than feel like I had allowed the dreary reality of another 8-8 season to set in before opening weekend even occurred, I began to think of ways (or rather players) who could help make this prediction flat out wrong.

1. Osi Umenyiora

Thats right folks. The whining, pouting, heartless, second string defensive end.

After being raked over the coals by the media and fans alike, Osi Umenyiora has a chance to earn his starting job back and become the All- Pro we know he is. Osi Umenyiora is the type of player that can cause opposing offensive coordinators to stay up at night devising ways to keep him blocked up (that is, of course, when Osi is on his game).

I expect Osi to be on his game. He is a very prideful man who has a load of talent and ability. If he is indeed fully healthy and motivated, he and Justin Tuck will be a force this coming season.

I know it breaks the heart of all those Mathias Kiwanuka fans out there to read this (and I am a Kiwi fan myself don’t get me wrong), but he will never be the type of pass rusher Osi is. He will never record the type of numbers and wreak the type of havoc that Osi can (and has). I’ll admit, in 2009, Kiwanuka defended the run better than Osi Umenyiora did, but that does not make him a better player.

I hope this bout it judged fairly and that Osi emerges victorious in camp this summer.

2. William Beatty

I almost had to include Beatty on this list. If he plays well, that changes a lot of things scheme wise which will help the Giants thrive both in their run game and in their passing game.

If Beatty plays, and does not play well, that will have a very negative effect on everything.

None the less, he can certainly offer better blindside protection and conversely some better guard play id David Deihl can effectively slide over.

3. Kenny Phillips and Antrel Rolle

Yes, I grouped these two together. They both represent a massive upgrade over anything The Giants have had at safety in recent years, and both provide range, leadership, intensity, and play- making ability to the back seven.

If Phillips is healthy, I have little doubt that the pass defense wizard Perry Fewell can work wonders with them.

Each team Fewell has been associated with has had a top 5 pass defense with significantly less talent than The Giants currently sport.

4. Hakeem Nicks

I won’t waste time putting guys like Ramses Barden or Travis Beckum here, as I know they may not even play.

Nicks on the other hand, showed that he take a quick pass to the house, which is a threat that The Giants have lacked. He is an incredible compliment to Steve Smith and should be an amazing presence this coming year.

Any type of home run ability can really change an offense.

Cue the next guy

5. Ahmad Bradshaw

Most Giants 101 followers will know that I believe this man holds the keys to offensive success.

The reasoning is simple: he can break a tackle, find the cutback lane, and catch passes out of the backfield.These are all abilities which limit how great of a back Brandon Jacobs can be.

I believe that if healthy, Ahmad Bradshaw can be one of the top backs in the league.

Who’s Missing?

Well, in the words of Dan himself, “Unless Eli Manning can protect his own blindside, improve team effort in the green zone, tackle, rush the passer, and average 4.5 yards per carry, his improvement won’t matter.”

Once again, the G101 sage is correct.

I think it is worth mentioning this to the Giants fan base. We expect a lot of Eli, but this statement should ring loud, because it’s the truth.

$100 million only goes so far

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