2014 NFL Preview: Everything you need to know about the New York Giants

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New York Giants

Schedule | Roster

Unlike the Giants' typical season trajectory under Tom Coughlin, where New York starts strong only to go into a December swoon, the G-Men dropped their first six games in 2013. They rallied to win seven of their final 10 contests, but it was too little, too late to salvage the campaign. 

The Giants have now missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons after winning the Super Bowl, and last year raised questions about the future of their franchise quarterback. Eli Manning threw a career-high 27 interceptions, as the offense looked out of sync for most of the year. 

Preseason Power Ranking - #19

With a bevy of signings in the offseason, the Giants could be headed for a turnaround in 2014, but it's far too early to tell if this revamped roster will gel. After missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons following a Super Bowl win, this group better come together quickly if they want to avoid more shakeups at the end of the year. More...

Key Additions/Departures

Key Additions: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB Walter Thurmond III, OG Geoff Schwartz, RB Rashad Jennings, DE Robert Ayers, LB Jameel McClain, S Quintin Demps 

Key Departures: DE Justin Tuck, WR Hakeem Nicks, C David Baas, TE Brandon Myers, G Kevin Boothe, DT Linval Joseph, OG Chris Snee, S Will Hill, RB Brandon Jacobs, OG David Diehl

The Giants' roster will look vastly different to fans this season, as general manager Jerry Reese conducted a major overhaul in personnel. Staples of the team for close to a decade like Snee and Tuck have departed, so New York will look for new leaders to step up. 

The secondary seemed to be the major focus of the offseason. Rodgers-Cromartie as well as Thurmond will join Prince Amukamara and Antrel Rolle to form a suddenly formidable group of defensive backs. 

Jennings figures to see heavy carries this year with David Wilson forced to retire coming off neck surgery. However, the New York backfield is crowded, with fourth-round draft pick Andre Williams and Peyton Hillis also in the fold. 

The return of Super Bowl hero Mario Manningham would have been a nice story, but he's headed for season-ending injured reserve because of a calf injury suffered in the preseason. Trindon Holliday, who was supposed to help the Giants' return game, is also headed for IR.

2014 Draft Class 

The Giants had a variety of roster needs to fill, and they attempted to do so by taking players from seven different positions in the draft.

Beckham was a gamebreaker in college and has been compared by some to number one wideout Victor Cruz. Both are speedsters, but slightly undersized, putting pressure on the 6-foot-2 Rueben Randle to take a more active role in the red zone and occupy coverage. 

Weston Richburg should earn a starting role now that Baas is gone. The Giants line will look almost unrecognizable this season since not only Baas, but Diehl, Snee, and Boothe won't be back. Richburg and 2013 first-round pick Justin Pugh will now be expected to carry the load. 

As mentioned earlier, Williams, who had more than 2,100 yards on the ground at Boston College last year, will be vying for carries in the Giants backfield. Bromley, on the other hand, will be counted on greatly on a defensive line that lost Tuck and Joseph, and saw Jason Pierre-Paul battle injuries over the past two seasons. 

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Tom Coughlin
Offensive Coordinator: Ben McAdoo
Defensive Coordinator: Perry Fewell

Despite a trying season for 67-year-old Tom Coughlin, the NFL's oldest coach is showing no signs of slowing down. He'll be getting acquainted with a new offensive coordinator, something he hasn't had to do since 2007. 

McAdoo takes over from mainstay Kevin Gilbride, who has worked with Eli Manning ever since he broke into the league. Learning a new offense will be an adjustment for the Giants signal caller, especially after the less than stellar performance he displayed a year ago. McAdoo comes over from the Green Bay Packers, so expect a wide variety of formations and quick pass plays, as opposed to the often more conservative approach from Gilbride. 

New York's defense actually performed pretty well under Fewell, reaching an eighth overall ranking by season's end. That was impressive considering Pierre-Paul, the units most dynamic defender, missed considerable time. 

2014 Schedule

The Giants face just one playoff team from last year before Week 9, so saying they have to take advantage of the first half of their season is a major understatement. 

After their bye, New York gets the Colts, Seahawks, and 49ers in succession. How well they survive that stretch may determine their chances at a playoff berth in the NFC. 

A Week 17 matchup against the Eagles should already have fans nervous. Contests between those two sides in the Meadowlands usually end in crazy fashion, and rarely in the Giants' favor. 

Bold Predictions

Rueben Randle will catch at least 10 touchdowns. Hakeem Nicks is gone and rookie Odell Beckham Jr. is reportedly expected to be a complementary piece, opening the door for Rueben Randle to carve out a significant role as a starter alongside Victor Cruz. Look for Randle to play the Jordy Nelson role in new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s scheme. In the red zone, the 6-foot-3 Randle will be the Giants’ top option - especially because the team lacks a reliable tight end. - David Woods

Rashad Jennings rushes for over 1,200 yards. Jennings has never had over 750 yards rushing during his NFL career, but he’s also never really been put in a situation like he will be with the Giants. Jennings enters the season as the starter and the other guy expected to take a good portion of the carries, David Wilson, just retired. That leaves rookie Andre Williams and Peyton Hillis behind him on the depth chart, which should lead to a heavy workload and a whole lot of yards for Jennings. - Mike Dickson

The Giants will have two 1,000-yard rushers. The Giants did not have 1,000 rusher last season, nor did anyone even come close. Their top three running backs - Andre Brown (492), Peyton Hillis (247), and Brandon Jacobs (238) - combined for less than 1,000 yards on the ground, largely due to injuries. Brown and Jacobs are no longer with the team, but if Hillis can remain healthy, he and Rashad Jennings could both be in for career years. - Caitlyn Holroyd