NFC East New York Giants
Finished 2004 season 6-10, 2nd place in the NFC East behind the Eagles
Key returning starters:
Eli Manning – QB
Tiki Barber – WR
Jeremy Shockey – TE
Amani Toomer – WR
Michael Strahan - DE
The Giants are coming off a rebuilding year and rookie season for Eli Manning. The big question from the Giants camp is what kind of year will Manning have? The Giants brought in All-Pro receiver Plaxico Burress to give Manning a dangerous offense with Barber, Shockey and Toomer.
2004 Stats:
Ranked 23rd overall in offense, #11 ranked in NFC
Ranked 13th overall in defense, #5 ranked in NFC
Your thoughts on the New York Giants this upcoming 2005 season...strengths/weaknesses and your prediction on where they will finish in the division.
posted by Steve at 8:13 AM
8 Comments:
I think this Giants team is just loaded offensively, Barber coming off his best season as a professional, if Shockey can remain healthy, Manning has some of the best support in the league at his disposal.
Think about this for a second, you have Jeremy Shockey as your hot route, Plaxico on your deep post, Toomer on a quick 10 and in and Tiki flaring out of the backfield...that is scary to think about. What's also scary to think about is how Manning might screw it up.
That is the biggest question for me, how will Manning perform with that much talent surrounding him? Sure Manning played well in the last part of the season, now he knows he's the starter, can he step it up? I didn't think much of Peyton when he came into the league, but lets face it, passing wise, there is no one better in the game right now than Peyton...and he has a family gene to go along with it.
I think it'll take a couple of years for Manning to really settle in which is why I am picking the Giants to finish last in the NFC East this year.
The Giants have a tough schedule this year playing the AFC West plus the other power houses in the NFC East twice...I don't see the Giants finishing above 7-9.
However - if Manning can pull it together, have an average QB type year, don't be surprised to see the Giants finish 2nd in the division and have a chance at a playoff berth. It all rests on the arm and playing ability of Eli.
Giants have a lot going for them, they got Tiki Barber who just came off his best season last year and they have Shockey back and healthy, Not to mention wonder boy Eli Manning. The big question this year is how Eli Manning will settle in at quarterback in his second season. Eli Manning has the weapons to carry his team to the playoffs with Plaxico Burress on the squad now as a deep threat and Toomer as a solid possession receiver. Look for the Giants to battle for 2nd place this season with a strong 8-7, 10-6 record and possibly waltz into the playoffs. Tom Coughlin knows how to rally the troops and I believe he will do just that this season.
Eli Manning will be the deciding factor in getting the G Men into the playoffs. The defense will be tough as usual with Michael Strahan applying the pressure on the end. The only weak spot I see on this team is the offensive line which might not leave enough time for Manning to pick a part the secondary. If Eli can work with that pressure and make a few pre snap adjustments like his brother Peyton well... Watch out this cat might toss for 4000. Tiki will carry the load like he did last year and rush for about 1300 yards and a dozen scores. I'm going out on a limb here and say they will end up tied with the Cowboys with a 10-6 record but will lose the tie breaker to the veterans of Dallas.
You bring up an interesting argument with their offensive line Red...for that reason among other things is the reason for me suggesting that the Giants will finish in last place.
There are maybe a few QBs in the league that I could see being productive in the NFL without having a good o-line, names like Vick and McNabb come to mind because of their ability to scramble and make plays with their feet. I don't see Manning having that capability and if the o-line is weak at anytime, that will just create more havic for Manning to handle. Being in his second year, physically and mentally I don't think he's capable of tossing a 4k season without having a solid o-line.
Lets talk fantasy - In years prior, Tiki was always a RB picked in high rounds and each and every year, he killed owners by fumbling so much. Last year was different and because of that, look at your draft boards and you'll see Tiki off in the first 4 rounds.
Jeremy Shockey should be considered one of the top TE's taken off the board, though you shouldn't draft a TE until atleast the 5th or 6th round...though there are a few people who take Tony Gonzales in much earlier rounds (I've seen him go in the first before).
Plaxico, often refered to as Plexi-glass should be considered a 2nd or 3rd receiver in most leagues. Last season was a great season up until he was injured. But I think he's the main man on this team (no offense to Toomer who is an excellent possession receiver). Speaking of Toomer, probably a really late round pick up as a back-up WR - I don't see him starting in most fantasy leagues.
I would recommend to stay away from Jay Feely, their PK - a poor season last year, wouldn't have scored anyone any fantasy points. I would also stay away from the defense, I don't see much fantasy value there.
Which brings me to the final player - Eli Manning. I'd be surprised if any fantasy owners actually start him. He might make an OK backup but he shouldn't be considered a fantasy league starter.
you guys are getting redundant--
Fantasy stuff:
Tiki should have another excellent year. He's worth a top three pick.
There are about 5-6 TEs I'd put ahead of Schlokey.
Toomer is a sleeper pick. He was steller when Hilliard was on the other side of the field, Plaxico and Schlockey over-rating will get Toomer lots of looks. He'll fall to the 6th or 7th and you'll want to snap him up.
Eli might be worth a serious look. You could grab him late, but if you are thin at QB, it might be good to snatch him up and see how he develops later in the season.
---One True Guru---
BTW, it wasn't the fumbling as much as the running-back-by-committee they tried to run with him and Ron Dayne, which resulted in neither of them settling into a rhythm or making much noise...
--OTG---
I don't agree with that many TE's ahead of Heap (maybe), Gonzalez, Gates...I think a healthy Shockey should be in the top 4. You have to look at their QB situation and how well they can benefit from it. Obviously Gates and Gonzalez should be your two top TE's - I mean who else, McMichael (No good QB situation in Miami) or Eric Johnson (Possible rookie QB Alex Smith starting in SF) - Witten is the only other TE that should be considered top tier of TE's.
Shockey is your best friend little ELI... Strahan is healthy thanks for the thunder..... cellar prospect one for the east.
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