![]() ![]() Strongside LB Greg Ellis (heel/Achilles) is not likely to play. It won’t be easy for Jacobs to generate yards against this bunch. The inside linebackers linebackers are also solid run defenders with good size. The defensive line of LDE Marcus Spears, NT Jason Ferguson, and RDE Chris Canty is solid, but not spectacular. Because of this, the Giants will have the chance to make some big plays if they play smart, maintain their composure, and execute. Secondly, they want to get in Eli Manning’s face and rattle him. ![]() Firstly, they want to stop Brandon Jacobs in his tracks before he gets rolling. I would expect the Cowboys – unless they are really, really concerned about their cornerback situation – to come after the Giants up front. Giants on Offense: The Cowboys under new coach Wade Phillips will still employ a 3-4 defense, but it is a more aggressive version of that defense than Bill Parcells used. Show the prognosticators that they are full of crap. The defensive line and linebackers are stronger. Even if you think Jacobs is a downgrade, Eli is set to dramatically improve his play. Nevertheless, taken in sum, the 2007 Giants are a STRONGER team on paper than the 2006 Giants that started the season 6-2. Will FS Gibril Wilson/SS James Butler combination be better than the SS Gibril Wilson/FS Will Demps combination? Will the Giants be exposed by their corners? Or will the corners thrive in the new defense? Depth on the offensive line is also a concern. Aaron Ross was added to the secondary, but he’s not ready yet. Under Spagnuolo’s new scheme, we should see a lot more three-and-outs, but we will likely also see more big plays given up (both run and pass). It is not clear if things will be much better than they were last year. Other than the place-kicking situation, the secondary is my primary cause of concern. By all accounts thus far, team chemistry has improved a great deal with the roster transformation. Steve Spagnuolo appears to be an improvement over Tim Lewis and Kevin Gilbride an improvement over John Hufnagel – but that remains to be seen. There are some interesting newcomers such as Steve Smith, Ahmad Bradshaw, Aaron Ross, Jay Alford, Zak DeOssie, and Manny Wright. Added experience will only help Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Chris Snee, Justin Tuck, and Barry Cofield. Antonio Pierce and Jeremy Shockey are healthy. Who would you prefer? Mathias Kiwanuka/Kawika Mitchell or Carlos Emmons/LaVar Arrington? Steve Smith or Tim Carter? Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, Amani Toomer, Sinorice Moss are back. The other changes are actually for the better. The biggest downgrade may actually be Lawrence Tynes replacing Jay Feely – that is a cause for concern. I expect some growing pains, but I am optimistic. It remains to be seen how the latter will do. The other major change is that the Petitgout-Diehl left side of the offensive line has been replaced by the Deihl-Seubert combination. He is going to cause other teams to bring the safety up into the box and open things up in the middle of the field. Opposing defenders are going to hate playing against Jacobs. In fact, while Brandon may not burn opposing defenses with as many nifty runs as Barber, I feel strongly that he will be more consistent and punishing than Barber was. What has changed? The franchise’s career rushing leader is gone and most people feel that Brandon Jacobs will be a major downgrade. Then the Giants were slammed with a wave of key injuries to some of their most important players. Keep in mind, that at the midway point last year, the Giants were 6-2, with a 2-game lead in the NFC East, and had the second-best record in the NFC – this despite the fact that there was questionable coaching from the offensive and defensive coordinators (both of whom were fired) and questionable team chemistry. If you believed – like many did last year – that the Giants were a Super Bowl contender in the NFC, I do not understand why you should believe they will not be this season. We’ll soon find out if my optimism is well-founded or the product of homerism. So people can make a legitimate case not to put too much stock in my last-minute pre-regular season thoughts. ![]() I almost always have high hopes heading into a new season. Approach to the Game – New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys, September 9, 2007: Yes, I am biased. ![]()
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