Giants Preview
MOST IMPORTANT OFFENSIVE PLAYER
Ian Allen. Who? The new right tackle has a distinctive patch of gray hair and the Giants hope he won’t be a worry as he makes his starting debut at a critical spot on the offensive line. The attack looks ready to erupt, but not unless Allen can protect Kerry Collins.
MOST IMPORTANT DEFENSIVE PLAYER
Will Peterson. The rangy cornerback looks like the real thing and a steal as a third-round pick a few years ago, but nagging injuries have slowed his development. He needs to stay healthy and on the field to form a lock-down tandem with ultra-reliable Will Allen.
ROOKIE TO WATCH
David Tyree, receiver, Syracuse. He won’t get on the field much, if at all, as a wideout, but he’ll be the guy in the middle of the action on all special teams units. Tyree’s spirit and demonic zeal in coverage could make him a fan favorite.
STAR ON THE RISE
Tim Carter. One look at this second-year receiver and it’s obvious he’s a special athlete. He’s the fastest player on the team and has the potential to make huge plays as a receiver and kick returner.
BIGGEST GAME
Oct. 19 vs. Eagles at Giants Stadium. Winning home division games are a must for serious contenders and this one, against the archrival Eagles and reigning NFC East champs, is huge. It comes in the midst of a brutal stretch that will make or break the Giants.
BIGGEST COACHING DECISION
How Jim Fassel balances out the offense. With so many weapons in the passing game, Fassel as the playcaller has to resist the urge to turn the Giants into an aerial circus at the expense of a competent running game.
DON’T BE SURPRISED IF …
Jeremy Shockey catches fewer passes than he did as a rookie, with defenses watching his every move and Collins enjoying the luxury of multiple targets.
SURE TO MAKE BIG BLUE FANS GRUMBLE
Time-management foul-ups by Fassel; lost fourth-quarter leads; dancing at the line by Ron Dayne; any bad snaps from Carson Dach; more tell-all interviews by Shockey; the need for a resounding December to secure a playoff spot.
THE GIANTS WILL
MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IF …
They go a combined 3-1 vs. the Cowboys and Redskins; Peterson plays in all 16 games; Collins tosses 24 TD passes; Tiki Barber gets at least 325 touches as a rusher and receiver; long-snapper Dach goes the entire season with no one mentioning his name.
THE GIANTS WILL MISS THE PLAYOFFS IF …
Collins, Amani Toomer or Michael Strahan miss more than two games; Shockey doesn’t score at least seven TDs; Fassel makes another guarantee; Jeff Feagles, Brian Mitchell and Dorsey Levens suddenly show their ages; the defense doesn’t get at least 18 interceptions.
PREDICTION (10-6)
Second place in NFC East
Giants will make the playoffs as a wild card team, again finishing behind the Eagles.
Unlike last year, the Giants lost neither key players nor familiar names.
P MATT ALLEN
Waived; out of football
TE DAN CAMPBELL
Backup for Cowboys
LS TREY JUNKIN
Out of football
T MIKE ROSENTHAL
Starter for Vikings
CB JASON SEHORN
Released; on injured reserve with Rams
G JASON WHITTLE
Backup for Buccaneers
C DUSTY ZEIGLER
Waived; retired
Sizing Up Big Blue
QUARTERBACKS If he stays healthy, Kerry Collins could shatter more Giants passing records.
RUNNING BACKS Tiki Barber never has made a Pro Bowl but try dismissing his value to the Giants.
RECEIVERS The surprise re-signing of Ike Hilliard means you double-team Amani Toomer at your own risk.
TIGHT ENDS Jeremy Shockey called Bill Parcells a what? Can’t wait for Giants-Cowboys Sept. 15.
OFFENSIVE LINE If Ian Allen at RT can’t play, it’s trouble, but get ready for loads of Real [David] Diehl headlines.
DEFENSIVE LINE Best depth in years means Michael Strahan and Co. get more rest.
LINEBACKERS Are Brandon Short and Dhani Jones adequate or something more? We’ll see.
DEFENSIVE BACKS Where there’s two Wills (Allen and Peterson) there’s a way, as long as they stay on the field. KICKER Resilient Matt Bryant made 26 of 32 FGs as a rookie last season.
PUNTER Watch as Jeff Feagles nails another one perfectly angled to the sideline.
COACHING Expectations are high and Jim Fassel knows it; he has to come up big calling the plays and motivating a talented team. Johnnie Lynn at defensive coordinator also could use a big year.
