The New York Football Giants kicked off training camp today in East Rutherford New Jersey. This year camp is different for the Giants. The team is coming off their first losing season since Eli Manning's rookie campaign back in 2004. The Giants have missed the playoffs in four of the last five seasons, squeezing in a Super Bowl championship in 2011. Quite frankly, the Giants haven't gotten it done since winning Super Bowl 46.
Eli Manning is one of the most durable players in the NFL. The two time Super Bowl MVP is coming off ankle surgery this offseason. Last year was was difficult for Eli. He seemed out of sync with his receivers for much of the season. Eli topped the NFL in interceptions with 27. It seems as if Eli is always searching for respect. This season is about redemption for the Giants starting Quarterback.
Chris Snee will be retiring prior to the 2014 NFL season. Snee has been a member of the Giants since 2004. He and Eli came up through the Giants ranks together. He was the last remaining starting lineman from the Giants Super Bowl 46 Championship team. The Giants will miss Chris Snee.
The Giants offense will have a new look this season. Ben McAdoo will take over the reigns from Kevin Gilbride. Gilbride was the Giants offensive coordinator since 2007. Under Gilbride the Giants offense relied heavily on body language. That could be one of he reasons Eli threw so many interceptions last season. In that type of offense it's important the Quarterback is on the same page with his receivers.
Sometimes change is necessary in the NFL. The 2013 season was one of the most disappointing years in team history. The Giants failed to qualify for postseason play the first time the Super Bowl was held in New York. The fan base agonized over their team having such a brutal season.
Victor Cruz is now the leader of the receiving core. He could be the Giants most important player outside of Eli. Cruz is coming off a disappointing 2013 season. I expect him to have another big year. Every good team needs a deep ball threat in this league. Hopefully Cruz can get back to the level he played at in 2011 and 2012.
Mario Manningham has returned to the Giants. Manningham is coming off an injury riddled tenure with the SanFransisco 49ers. Eli will benefit from having a familiar target to throw to. Manningham's health will be a huge question mark.
Tom Coughlin is entering his 11th season as head coach. Every year Coughlin finds a different way to motivate his team. This season that message isn't necessary. The Giants are not used to missing the playoffs. The bad taste of going home early should be enough motivation.
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