One year ago, the Giants were bundling up and gearing up for their victory parade through the Canyon Heroes as newly-crowned Super Bowl champions. Their quest for as repeat fell flat, as they didn’t even get into the playoffs. There’s work to be done, especially on defense, but here’s how they can be a factor in 2013:
WHAT’S THE RUSH?
If the Giants cannot hound the quarterback they cannot play defense and without a fearsome rush they don’t win two Super Bowls in a five-year span. Now it’s time for retooling. Osi Umenyiora likely won’t be re-signed and even if Mathias Kiwanuka becomes a full-time defensive end another pass-rusher is needed, even if the Giants are confident Justin Tuck has plenty left in the tank.
GET NICKS FIXED
The dynamic nature to the entire offense never materialized because Hakeem Nicks wasn’t healthy all season, bothered and at times sidelined first with foot issues and then with a bum knee. He’s entering the last year of his contract and needs to return to form to cash in.
LINE IT UP
It is no coincidence that the 49ers represented the NFC in the Super Bowl and their five offensive linemen started every game, all 19 of ‘em. Lots of unknowns with Giants, as left tackle Will Beatty and right guard Kevin Boothe are free agents, right tackle David Diehl is on the downside and right guard Chris Snee is having hip surgery.
UHAUL ALERT
There were 65 points scored in Super Bowl XLVII so it’s clear the old days of defensive dominance are gone. The Giants took that to the extreme, coming off a season with shoddy work against the run and a ridiculous barrage of big plays given up in the passing game. With Robert Griffin III running around and Chip Kelly taking over in Philadelphia, the Giants need more speed on defense, especially at linebacker.
FEEL THE HEAT
The Ravens will learn what the Giants already know: There’s something about winning a Super Bowl that involuntarily allows a team to take its foot off the accelerator. The Giants in 2012 played with a “We did it last year, we can do it again’’ attitude and that’s got to be replaced with an edge and hunger that champions find it difficult to muster.