5 Questions That Will Define the New York Giants 2013 Season

The Giants are faced with a familiar challenge this coming NFL season: return to the playoffs and win a Super Bowl. If they fall short, it could spell the end for Tom Coughlin in New York. It’s a tall order, but the team is still within striking distance.

Can the Giants land a playoff spot in 2013/2014?

5 Burning Questions for the New York Giants 2013 Season:

Expert A

Expert B

Can the Giants replace Ahmad Bradshaw?

Bradshaw became dispensable to the Giants for financial reasons. His release will be compensated statistically by David Wilson, who is still in the fold for the Giants. Andre Brown broke his leg on Aug. 29, and will be out 6-8 weeks. Perhaps the void that will be tougher to fill will be Bradshaw’s unrivaled leadership and intensity in the backfield – something that Wilson and Brown need to match.

Last season, Bradshaw was the lone shining rusher in the Giants’ offense. He led his team with 1015 yards, and although it’s not really that impressive by NFL standards, it’s still respectable. When you look at Andre Brown and David Wilson who had the next best rushing numbers last year with 385 and 358, respectively, and you get a clearer picture of what’s missing.

Is this Tom Coughlin’s last season as head coach?

If you ask this question to Coughlin, he might not hear you with his two Super Bowl rings plugged in his ears. But since it’s me you’re asking, I think it will take a very disastrous season for the Giants before management wheels him out of New York.

The Giants only went once to the playoffs in the last four years. Expect the clamor for his dismissal to grow even louder if he fails to steer the Giants back to the postseason. But then again, his past success with the squad speaks volumes about his status in the football club. A good guess is, and it’s ironic to say, that another Super Bowl success will be the key to his exit (retirement) from the NFL.

What Will the Pass Rush Become After Losing Osi Umenyiora?

Losing Umenyiora is just a part of the question, but his departure is a big factor in expecting that the Giants’ pass rush will have a difficult season ahead. Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul accounted for a combined 12.5 sacks, which is roughly a third of the Giants total 33 sacks last year. Another point of concern is Pierre-Paul’s problematic back condition. That leaves much of the burden on Justin Tuck, who had a disappointing four-sack output last season.

Umenyiora’s defection to the Atlanta Falcons during the offseason leaves behind an already frustrating Giants pass rush inn decline. Back in 2011, the Giants were tied for third in the NFL with 48 sacks. Then they followed it up with a total head-scratcher: they only made 33 sacks to slide down to 22nd place in that department last season. But there is hope. Rookie Damontre Moore has been impressive during training camp. Another source of encouragement is Adrian Tracy who has been touted as the next Umenyiora.

Will There Be Significant Improvement with the Giants’ Defense?

The answer hinges on the Giants strong suit prior to the 2012 season: the pass rush. Key personnel losses and injuries to major pieces are major setbacks for the team. The team put up abysmal numbers in allowing yards (4,068) and touchdowns through the air (26). It also doesn’t help that injuries hounded the group in the offseason – see cornerback Jayron Hosley and safety Stevie Brown. This means more pressure for Prince Amukamara, who needs to bounce back from an unimpressive 2012 season.

The Giants drove their defense into the ground last season after a remarkable showing in 2011. They were 28th and 29th in the NFL in allowed passing yards and allowed rushing yards, respectively. Here’s someone who’s head will likely roll: defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. That’s unless his guys can transfer seamlessly into the new season after the tinkering he did in the offseason.

Can They Remain Healthy?

Injuries have battered the Giants’ lineup in the offseason. The roll call of players with health problems is quite long, and it includes some of their best players: Antrel Rolle, Jason Pierre-Paul, and even rookie Damontre Moore, who is pegged to be a contributor on defense.

Though saddled with numerous injuries, the Giants are expected to be in good form once the season starts. Important players like Victor Cruz and Corey Webster are expected to be back after nursing different injuries. However, it still appears that it will be another anxiety-filled season for the shaky Giants as far as health is concerned.

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A huge fan base, an elite quarterback, and an ultra-competitive division will make for another interesting season for the New York Giants. For now, you can take a peek into the team’s future odds of winning the NFC East, the NFC, and the Super Bowl. Also, visit our sportsbook to see the latest odds and lines of Giants games.
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