NFC East Breakdown - New York Giants

After shocking the Patriots and the world, the Super Bowl champion New York Giants began their quest to repeat last year's magic when they reported to training camp in Albany a couple of weeks ago.  After their shocking and improbable win in Arizona, one thing hasn't changed; the Big Blue Wrecking Crew is getting little to no respect as they head into the 2008 season.

And that's just the way they like it.

The Gmen are not only given little chance to reach the Super Bowl this year but they aren't even the favorites in their own division.  That disrespect is exactly what spurned this team to its third Super Bowl championship in team history last year.  Look for Big Blue to use that same motivation in 2008 as they go out to prove last season was no fluke.

It will not be easy; the NFC East is loaded and is arguably the best division in football.  Michael Strahan rode off into the sunset with a shiny new ring in his back pocket and disgruntled tight end Jeremy Shockey mouthed his way out of town to the Big Easy.  However, this team seems set up for the foreseeable future with a great mix of young talent and grizzly veterans.  General Manager Jerry Reese worked draft day magic last year and by all early indications may have done the same for the upcoming season.

Defensively, Big Blue will miss Strahan on the field and off as the vocal leader of the unit.  However, the Giants have a lot of depth at the defensive end position and a healthy Mathias Kiwanuka back from injury.  Initially the Boston College product started his career at defensive end before moving to linebacker in 2007 and suffered a season ending injury half way through the year.  While he may return to linebacker he will be put in a position to rush the quarterback with Pro Bowler Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck who man handled Tom Brady in the desert.  With defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spurning the Redskins in the off-season to return to the Giants, this unit will once again wreak havoc against opposing quarterbacks.  Once a weak spot, the secondary took a big step last year and is now a strong part of the unit.  The Giants could very well lead the league in sacks in 08.

On offense, the "Aw Shucks" Eli Manning has shed that label with a Super Bowl MVP in his arsenal and a renewed confidence that has Giants fans thinking about how many championships the younger Manning will receive over the next ten years.  A talented mix of proven receivers with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer will once again have solid seasons with second year wide out Steve Smith and tight end Kevin Boss poised to make big contributions.  The drafting of Michigan's Mario Manningham could be the steal of the draft and a huge priority in training camp is to open up the down field passing attack.  Most importantly, the offensive line returns in tact after keeping Manning upright most of the season while providing big holes for monster running back Brandon Jacobs.

On the coaching front, a happier and richer Tom Coughlin comes in fresh off a contract extension and championship.  Gone are the griping Giants replaced with a unit that believes in their coach and the system.  Look for Coughlin to use the disrespect from the media as another motivational tool before the Giants open up the season against the Redskins.

Prediction: 2nd place NFC East

Final Finish: An all-Manning Super Bowl with the Giants taking home another ring

What do you think?  Check back for the rest of the NFC East breakdown along with analysis of every division.