GIANTS 101

The preseason is over, and the New York Giants are just nine days away from their 2010 season opener, at home against the Carolina Panthers. During the off season, I was extremely confident that the Giants would be a great team this season, but following the first three preseason games my confidence sinking. After last night’s win against the Patriots, the starting unit finally gelled, and now my confidence is back up. Here are a few thought I had on a few of the Giants impact players at the conclusion of the preseason:

• Antrel Rolle - The Giants new safety did not disappoint this preseason, and proved how much the back end of the defense has been upgraded, following a disastrous 2009 season. Rolle intercepted passes from both of the AFC East’s pretty-boy quarterbacks (the Jets’ Mark Sanchez and the Patriots’ Tom Brady…no offense Chad Henne) during the preseason opener and the preseason finale respectively. Following each interception, Rolle showed the speed and vision that makes him such a threat, returning the pick against the Jets 59 yards to the one yard line and the interception against the Patriots 28 yards. Giants fans have to be excited to have an electric playmaker at safety, following the embarrassing play of C.C. Brown and Aaron Rouse a year ago. Rolle’s presence alone means the Giants defense will be much improved in 2010.
• Shawn Andrews - The big and versatile offensive linemen showed why he is a two time Pro Bowler last night, looking immovable in pass protection and like a bulldozer in the running game. I think that Andrews has the fire back in him, which he lost in Philly, and wants to prove to the world that he is still one of the best offensive lineman in the league. The Giants needs to give Andrews that opportunity, and start him at left guard during the season opener against Carolina. With a offensive line of David Diehl, Andrews, Shaun O’Hara (if his ankle checks out), Chris Snee and Kareem McKenzie the Giants will have a stout offensive line which will be able to open huge holes in the running game. I think that this move is inevitable, but will more than likely not happen until midseason, when Andrews becomes familiar with the Giants schemes and plays himself into football shape. I think it would greatly benefit the offense and especially the running game if the front office showed some guts and started Andrews right away.
• Ahmad Bradshaw - If he can stay healthy and the Giants offensive line can open hole for him, I am projecting a huge season for Ahmad Bradshaw. I am not exaggerating when I say I think he can eclipse 1,700 total yards this season, score 12 touchdowns and make the Pro Bowl. Bradshaw is a big reason why I stand by my prediction that the Giants win the NFC East, he is known nationally, but he becomes a star in 2010.
• Clint Sintim - I hate to say this, since I correctly picked him in my mock draft in 2009, but I am beginning to question if Sintim has a future with the Giants. He will be a very good player in this league, but he is a pass rusher and not much else, who seems destined to play rush linebacker in a 3-4 defense.  He lacks the instincts and the ability to shed blockers that is required to be a successful outside linebacker in the 4-3 defensive scheme. I was predicting a monster year for Sintim, but now I do not see it. I would not be surprised if he is eventually traded to a team where his skill set could be best utilized in a 3-4 scheme at some point in the near future.  Kansas City, I’m looking at you.
• William Beatty - I lobbied for Beatty to become the Giants starting left tackle all off season, after his impressive performance as a rookie when forced into action last season, and thought that he would force David Diehl inside to left guard. Man was I wrong. Beatty has had his struggles this preseason, but he was not terrible, he just is not remotely ready yet. While Diehl is not your prototypical left tackle, he really proved his worth by putting together a fantastic preseason, playing physical, tough and with a mean streak. Diehl belongs at left tackle, and with Shaun Andrews looking to take over at left guard, I am starting to think Beatty could be a talented reserve for a long time. He needs to watch Diehl, learn from him, and get stronger, tougher and nastier before he is ready for a full time starting position.
• Hakeem Nicks - There is no longer any doubt, Nicks is going to beyond break out this season, and it is going to be amazing. Although he was only in the game for the first two offensive series last night, he touched the ball four times (3 receptions, 1 carry) and totaled 48 yards (15 on the carry). Giants Quarterback Eli Manning threw another pass to him as well, which was well defended and broken up. So Nicks was targeted (at least) five times last night, with four touches, in two series. Stretch that out over an entire game, now a full season. When Nicks gets the ball, he is one of the tougher receivers in the entire league to tackle, he totaled 411 YAC (Yards After Catch) in 2009, good for 22nd (RBs and TEs included 12th ranked wideout) in the NFL and he missed two full games. It is going to be fun watching him become a star this season, and Nicks’ development is another reason I predict the Giants to win the NFC East.
• Rocky Bernard - I was one of the people who questioned Bernard after last season’s horrible performance, and ripped him on this site when he blamed his underwhelming 2009 on a lingering shoulder injury, which I thought was nothing more than an excuse. I may have to apologize for that. Bernard has arguably been the Giants best defensive tackle this preseason, and I think its safe to say he will be a major part of the rotation this year. Maybe his shoulder injury was the problem, and maybe he turns into the player the Giants thought they were getting when they signed him to a lucrative contract last summer. A rotation of Chris Canty, Barry Cofield, promising rookie Linval Joseph and a healthy Bernard should be a productive one for Big Blue.