The New York Giants kick off the 2014 NFL season in difficult fashion. The Giants are looking to improve from last year's abysmal 7-9 record. Last season was especially disappointing considering the Super Bowl was held in New York for the first time in the games illustrious history. New York travels to Detroit to take on the Lions in a marquee Monday night match-up. The Lions hired former Indianapolis Colts coach Jim Caldwell to the same position in the off season. This could be the year the Lions maximize their potential and ruffle some feathers around the league.
Eli Manning is the heart and soul of the Giants organization. The two-time Super Bowl MVP is coming off his worst season as a professional. Eli led the NFL with 27 interceptions a year ago. If the Giants expect to end their two year playoff drought, it starts with Eli taking care of the ball. A lack of communication between Eli and his pass catchers is one of the main reasons the Giants led the league in turnovers a year ago.
This is Ben McAdoo 's first season as the Giants offensive coordinator. Eli didn't look comfortable during the preseason. Eli needs to be on the same page with his receivers for this offense to work.
Tom Coughlin is 68 years old. He is the oldest active head coach in the NFL. Not that age matters much to Coughlin, he became the oldest coach to win the Lombardi Trophy in 2011. Coughlin has to find a way to light a fire under his younger players. Much of the Giants roster from 2011 has departed. Coughlin must convince a new group of young players they can win on this level.
Winning the first game of the year will be crucial to the Giants season. Last year they let the season opener slip away in Dallas. The Giants ended up digging themselves into an 0-6 hole they failed to recover from.
A win in Detroit is big for the Giants psyche. The Lions are a talented team. However, bad coaching and a lack of discipline have kept the team from reaching their true potential. On paper Detroit should be in the playoffs every year. Matthew Stafford is attempting to get back to an elite level. Detroit is out for redemption.
The NFC East is a winnable division for the Giants this season.
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