Happy Football

It's finally here.

Another year to a tradition of Giants football that's brought joy to fans of Big Blue for generations. After an eventful off season, it's officially time for the NFL regular season. Obviously last season is in the past, but there are some strengths and weaknesses that this team now has in response to a disappointing collapse as defending Super Bowl Champions.

Strengths: 

Defensive Line- Last year the Giants defense stunk. Really stunk. And it was mainly because of the defensive line. Last year Jason Pierre-Paul led the team with a measly 6.5 sacks. When it came to stopping the run the Giants defensive line was an afterthought. This will not be the case this year. The Giants have completely upgraded at the defensive tackle position. After cutting Chris Canty, the Giants signed veterans Cullen Jenkins and Mike Patterson. Shaun Rodgers is back from injury to add to the depth. The Giants also drafted Jonathan Hankins from Ohio St. in the second round. The defensive tackle position is bigger and beefier than ever, and the defensive ends should be back to play. The Giants rightfully cut Osi "the matador" Umenyiora, due to his inability to stop the run. Now Mathias Kiwanuka is back where he belongs at the defensive end position. Jason Pierre-Paul has had successful back surgery and is all ready to go for week one. And Justin Tuck, the captain, is rumored to be in fantastic shape. Tuck's entering a contract year and has admitted that a goal of his is to retire after a long career with the New York Giants.

Passing Game- The Giants have not had a bad year throwing the ball in quite some time. Eli Manning continues to do what he does in 2 minute drills and clutch situations. Everyone knows Victor Cruz is back for the long haul, and Hakeem Nicks needs to have a good year if he wants to be in the same club. Not to mention Rueben Randle is emerging as a consistent receiving threat in the offense. There are some concerns on the offensive line, but drafting Justin Pugh in the first round has already proven to be the correct decision. Eli can throw the rock. Look for him to improve his completion percentage this year.

Weaknesses: 

Linebackers- Everyone fears the mysteries of the unknown. And the truth of the matter is the Giants have a very inexperienced linebacker core. Dan Connor signed with the Giants this off season and won the starting middle linebacker position, with Mark Herzlich not too far behind him. Keith Rivers will handle the fort at strong side linebacker and Spencer Paysinger will be at the weak side. Expect Jacquian Williams to be a big part of passing plays and drop back coverage. This group is a big question mark. There is a lot of enthusiasm but there is also a lot of inexperience. Hopefully an upgraded defensive line can assist the new looking linebacker core.

Safeties- The Giants signed Stevie Brown to a big contract this off season, but unfortunately during a pre-season game against the Jets, Brown tore his ACL and will be out for the season. And due to Will Hill's untimely suspension and the releasing of Tyler Sash, the Giants depth at safety is suddenly very thin. Antrel Rolle has battled through an ankle sprain and is as good as it gets at the strong safety position. He is arguably the best tackler on the team. But beside Rolle will be the new guy, Ryan Mundy. As a Steeler, Mundy started the past four seasons as a free safety and was actually quite solid for Pittsburgh. But after Rolle and Mundy, depth is problematic and the Giants may consider converting a corner to safety. The safeties may be able to hang in there until Hill is back from his suspension but they have to be a group focused on the task at hand. Antrel Rolle has been rewarded the title of captain for his dependability the past few seasons. Rolle was really shaken up about his pal Stevie Brown, but he is fighting through his ankle sprain because he knows the team needs him.

There are some other concerns with this Giants team as well. With Andre Brown out the running game is another concern but fans are excited about what Wilson can do. Dave Diehl's injury hurts offensive line depth but as a veteran that's slowing down that's not the worst thing that hurt the team.

The point is the Giants, like every other team in the NFC, have a lot of pros and cons. But this is a new year and this is a division where it's up for grabs. The Super Bowl is in the Meadowlands this season, everybody knows that.

And the Giants have just as much a chance as anybody to compete for it.

Happy Football.