My Steve Smith Blog

The New York Giants looked like they were headed back to the postseason in 2009 after a perfect 5-0 start, but things quickly went downhill after that, losing eight of their final ten games to finish the season a very disappointing 8-8. A lot of the blame was put on the defense, and that led to the Giants firing defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan, and replacing him with 2009 Buffalo Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell. The Giants believe they will be back in the mix in the NFC East in 2010, and here is a look at what they will send onto the field on both sides of the ball, plus my prediction on where they finish the season in the NFC East.

Offense: As bad as the Giants were down the stretch in 2009, quarterback Eli Manning put together a career year throwing for 4,021 yards with 27 touchdowns to 14 interceptions, and he is a big reason why this team can turn things around in a hurry.

As good as Manning was in 2009, the Giants would love to be able to run the ball more effectively in 2010. The two-headed monster of Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were slowed down with injuries in 2009, and both are expected to come into the 2010 season healthy and ready to go.

The Giants headed into the 2009 season with a bunch of questions surrounding the receiving corps, but behind the strong arm of Manning, this unit performed way better than anyone expected. Steve Smith emerged as the No.1 weapon on the outside, while rookie Hakeem Nicks and third year pro Mario Manningham both shined in their first season seeing extensive playing time. The Giants also like what they have in young tight end Kevin Boss, who tied for third with five receiving touchdowns in 2009.

The offensive line provided three Pro Bowlers in left tackle David Diehl, right guard Chris Snee, and center Shaun O'Hara, but need more out of left guard Rich Seubert and right tackle Kareem McKenzie for this unit to be an elite group.

Defense: The Giants were unable to put the same pressure on opposing quarterbacks that caught them their Super Bowl win in 2007 and No.1 seed out of the NFC in 2008. A big reason for that was defensive end Justin Tuck spent most of last season dealing with a shoulder injury, and the downfall of end Osi Umenyiora. Mathias Kiwanuka is the projected starter at the other end spot over Umenyiora and first round pick Jason Pierre-Paul.

The Giants took a big blow at linebacker with the loss of middle linebacker Antonio Pierce and strong side linebacker Danny Clark, but the hope is that second year pro Clint Sintim can take over for Clark on the outside, while Jonathan Goff has the early edge to take over in the middle. Michael Boley is slated as the other starting outside linebacker, and the hope is for a much better season after spending most of 2009 battling injuries.

Corey Webster and Terrell Thomas will be the team's starting duo at corner, while strong safety Kenny Phillips will be joined by newcomer Antrel Rolle, who is a big playmaker at the free safety position. Look for this unit to put up much better numbers in 2010 if the front seven can get back to putting pressure on the quarterback.

Prediction - 4th NFC East: Don't get me wrong when I pick the Giants to finish fourth in the NFC East, it doesn't mean I don't think this is a team capable of making the playoffs in 2010. The NFC East is absolutely stacked, and as of right now I think the Giants are just slightly behind the Eagles and Redskins, with the Cowboys the heavy favorites to win this division.

Check out how the rest of the NFL stacks up in my 2010 NFL predictions. If you plan on betting on the NFL this season, be sure to take a look at our live NFL odds page to ensure you the best odds for every game this season.