2007 New York Giants Preview

2007 New York Giants preview from MadduxSports.com. Once this years football season kicks off don't miss Maddux's NFL Picks. as well as our NFL odds page so all visitors can line shop the weekly point spreads.

High Expectations For Eli
By Adam Barone

Two outstanding issues arise when discussing the 2007 NFL season for the New York Giants. First, this is the year that QB Eli Manning needs to step up and take over the team. Second is a question: “How productive and successful a season can these Giants have without RB Tiki Barber?” These two issues are of monumental importance to the “G Men” because they go hand in hand and will directly determine whether or not Giants fans are cheering or booing, as well as whether or not they'll have the chance to buy any playoff tickets. Eli was decent last season, throwing for 3244 yards on 58% completions, and 24 TD against 18 picks. Those are solid numbers, but with the absence of Tiki Barber, the leadership role falls squarely on the shoulders of Peyton's little bro. He'll be expected to be the guy carrying the team as well as the city of Gotham on his shoulders.

As for Tiki's replacement, Brandon Jacobs had something of a coming out party in 2006, smashing into opponents on 96 carries, pounding the ball over the goal line for 9 TDs. He'll certainly get more carries in '07, splitting them with newly acquired former Browns' RB Reuben Droughns. A former Oregon Duck, Droughns has established himself as a decent, but not spectacular back. He has more speed than Jacobs along with better endurance, though both can be quite powerful. Expect them to split 3rd down and goal line duties as well, with Jacobs getting a slight edge in carries near the end zone and Droughns more reception opportunities on 3rd down. One thing is for sure with the Giants: their opponent's tacklers will wake up with some bruises the day following the game.

Another issue on offense will be left tackle. There is no established LT on the roster and the coaching staff is looking to fill the role with LG David Diehl or former backup LT Guy Whimper. This could develop into a major issue if the situation is not rectified by the start of the season, simply because whoever takes over the position will be protecting Manning's blind side, and directly influencing his level of comfort in the pocket.

On defense the Giants are growing a bit old and becoming thin at some positions. The defensive line will be a strength, even with Michael Strahan getting up in age, simply because of depth. Ends Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Mathias Kiwanuka and DTs Fred Robbins, William Joseph, Barry Cofield and rookie Jay Alford will all see significant playing time in the rotation. As a unit, the Giants' D ranked 25th overall in 2006 (28th against the pass and 14th versus the run). To help out incumbent CBs Cory Webster and Sam Madison against opposing aerial attacks, the Giants drafted Texas CB Aaron Ross. Ross has enough speed to double as a punt returner while he settles into an every-down-defender role, and should eventually replace the aging Madison.

2007 New York Giants Predictions

Overall the Giants will probably not live up to fans expectations this year, but if Eli Manning matures significantly from last season and takes over the leadership role, the offense could excel. Fans set on betting in favor of the Giants should be aware of the number of question marks on both sides of the ball and not be surprised when the team is consistently inconsistent. Too many things have to happen on offense and there are not enough big playmakers on defense for the Giants to beat the odds and finish higher than 3rd in their division.

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