2011 Finally Begins

The Giants cut OG Richie Seubert and C Shawn O'Hara and lost DT Barry Cofield, TE Kevin Boss, and WR Steve Smith (the first Giants pro bowl WR in 43 years) to free agency. On the other side of the ledger they signed TE Ben Patrick to replace Boss, but then he promptly retired. They did sign C David Baas, a 2005 2nd round pick of the 49ers where he played guard until filling in admirably at center last year. Jerry Reese claims Baas was the one player the Giants coveted most in this year's free agent market.

My biggest worry heading into this season is WR. I don't have any doubts about Nicks or Manningham. But, I also have illusions regarding the tremendous impact Steve Smith had upon the success of both. Nicks/Manningham were very dangerous when part of a trio that included Steve Smith. The question is how will they do as a duo. Yes, the Giants will go with three and four WR sets. But whoever those 3rd and 4th receivers are, they aren't Steve Smith, nor any reasonable facsimile. And the loss of Kevin Boss doesn't help the situation either. The passing game is going to be something to watch carefully. There isn't any question it is going to experience a downgrade over the great success of 2009 - the only question is how much of a downgrade.

On the other hand, I am tremendously excited to see some players on the defensive side of the ball. First and foremost, Jason Pierre-Paul. I am equally excited about Linval Joseph and rookie Marvin Austin. Staying with the DL, I look for Mathias Kiwanuka to have a big impact (even if he will be playing LB).

Using Kiwi as a nice transition from DL to LB, I still have high hopes for Clint Sintim and I'm especially anxious to see Adrian Tracy and Kenny Ingram. Alas, sadly, we fans will not get to see the Giant's 2011 first round selection, CB Prince Amukamara, due to injury which will sideline him until at least the 3rd regular season game (having missed the entire pre-season, it's unlikely he'll see much, if any, playing time this year).

On special teams, my primary focus will be on Jerrel Jernigan, this year's third round selection. He should be an immediate contributor on returns and, if the Giants struck lightening in a bottle, may actually see some time at WR. But I'm not holding my breath because of his height and Eli's difficulties keeping the ball down.

So, I'm excited for the 2011 season to get underway this evening. As always, I couldn't care less about the score nor who wins or loses. I will be watching for individual performances, especially those I've mentioned above. But, more than anything else, I'll be praying for health. If the Giants stay healthy they can make a big splash in 2011 primarily because on paper the Giants are a top 5 defense. I'm not going to predict a season ending #1 defensive ranking, but this group is that talented - maybe the most talented since the 1986 defense.