New York Giants

The offense is potent, and the special teams are revamped, but can the defense hold its own?

By Josh Elliott

Team Page | Schedule | Depth chart | 2002 Stats | Predicted finish: 2nd in NFC East

Even with a fractured toe, Giants defensive end Michael Strahan can be relentless. His rookie defensive linemate Osi Umenyiora discovered that during a practice session in early August, when Strahan ran through a laundry list of pass-rushing dos (always shed a blocker's hands) and don'ts (never rush the same way two times in a row), pushing and pulling the rookie throughout. At times the 11th-year All-Pro playfully ragged his charge, eliciting chuckles from veteran defensive end Keith Washington, who was standing nearby.

If Strahan (92) gets more help and a few more breathers, the Giants may have what it takes to go the distance. Peter Read Miller

The scene was telling because, for the Giants, the good times will not continue unless they address their glaring need for defensive-line depth. New York's traditionally stalwart defense looked increasingly mortal last season as the shortage of quality replacements resulted in an overworked front four. Those players' exhaustion meant a diminished pass rush -- New York had only 37 sacks and forced just 11 interceptions -- and the Giants ended up allowing 130 fourth-quarter points, tied for second most in the league.

Never was the problem more evident than last Jan. 5 when, holding a 38-14 lead over San Francisco late in the third quarter of a wild-card playoff game, the Giants gave up 25 consecutive points in a shocking 39-38 loss. Because the game ended on a botched New York field goal attempt, much was made of the Giants' myriad special teams needs, but make no mistake -- at the root of the Giants' problems was an ineffective defense.

"We didn't have the luxury of being tired last year," says Strahan, whose sack total fell to 11 last year after an NFL-record 22 1/2 in 2001. "We need quality guys who would let us grab a breather and be up for the fourth quarter. Our kids are good, but they need to be ready now, not two years from now."

The new cavalry members are an upgrade over last year's bunch, particularly rookies William Joseph, drafted 25th overall out of Miami, and Umenyiora, a quick 278-pounder from Troy State who was a second-round selection. With 32-year-old starting tackle Keith Hamilton returning from a right Achilles tear that ended his season in Week 6 (assuming he avoids league suspension after being charged in May with possession of cocaine), and fourth-year tackle Cornelius Griffin on the decline, Joseph must contribute immediately. Umenyiora might spell Strahan occasionally and will rotate series with starting right end Kenny Holmes, who is no longer an every-down player. "We just need to get off the field," Strahan says, "because with our offense, we can stay off for a while."

Indeed, the offense is no longer New York's redheaded stepchild. Over the final nine games of '02, the Giants morphed into a scoring leviathan, averaging 25.7 points behind the underrated captaincy of quarterback Kerry Collins and the fiery passion of rookie tight end-lightning rod Jeremy Shockey. After a preseason homophobic rant, however -- his second in two seasons -- Shockey's mouth remains an issue for the team. Tailback Tiki Barber (1,387 rushing yards, 69 passes) and wideout Amani Toomer (82 catches, 1,343 yards) provide Collins with multiple big-play threats.

On special teams a season's worth of gaffes brought a new kicker (Mike Hollis), punter-holder (Jeff Feagles), long snapper (Ryan Kuehl) and returner (NFL alltime return-yardage leader Brian Mitchell), who were welcomed like favorite uncles to training camp. "I feel very lucky to have gotten them all," says coach Jim Fassel. "Replacing special teams isn't like replacing a lineman, where you hope the group comes together. On their own, those guys are all difference-makers. And you know what? I think they came here because each one looked at us and thought, Hey, those guys have a chance to win it all."

Asked what could be drawn from last year's playoff ignominy, Strahan laughs. "At least it wasn't the biggest comeback in playoff history," he says. "Hopefully, we won't have to worry about it again." As long as the new dogs learn enough of Strahan's old tricks, they won't.

Enemy Lines: An opposing scout's view

"Amani Toomer is underrated. He's faster than you think, he can run after the catch, and he makes every big play. Now the Giants just need Ike Hilliard to stay healthy and take pressure off Toomer and Jeremy Shockey. ... In addition to bringing excitement and production to the offense, Shockey is a much better blocker than he gets credit for. But he has to keep his focus and cut down on his drops. ... Tiki Barber is a great back, but he has to do it for an entire year. Even though he came on strong late last season, he also had some very average games. ... The O-line could be the Giants' downfall, especially on the right side. Ian Allen is awful. I can't believe he might start. With that line Kerry Collins will be running for his life. He isn't mobile and isn't a very good athlete. ... The defensive line and linebackers are solid. Kenny Holmes has to do more, but the rookie tackles will help. ... Letting [cornerback] Jason Sehorn go [to the Rams by way of free agency] was a wise move. ... The special teams upgrades were right on, especially adding Brian Mitchell as the return man. ... They'll challenge Philly right to the end."

Under the Gun

Playing for four years in Cleveland's harsh climes, Ryan Kuehl had just one bad snap. Of course the Giants know just how costly one snap can be. After a bad snap botched a game-winning field goal attempt in last season's 39-38 playoff loss to the 49ers, coach Jim Fassel signed free agent Kuehl to a five-year, $3.62 million deal.

Issue date: September 1, 2003