New York Giants (l-r); #87 Domenik Hixon, #26 Antrel Rolle, #91 Justin Tuck, #22 Antwaun Molden, #24 Terrell Thomas, #72 Osi Umenyiora, and #21 Kenny Phillips (
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For the second time in four years, the Giants head north to the University at Albany as the reigning kings of the NFL, having secured a Super Bowl victory and eager to lay the groundwork for a repeat performance.
The Canyon of Heroes parade, the ring ceremony at Tiffany and Co., the visit to the White House to check in on President Obama, the countless victory laps at clubs and events and homecomings, the Giants this offseason basked in the afterglow of their great achievement.
Through it all, attendance at workouts was high, as is the internal belief they are poised to make another run, only this time without the regular-season angst that nearly kept them out of the playoffs altogether.
Not everyone made it back for this training camp — mainstays Brandon Jacobs (49ers), Aaron Ross (Jaguars) and Mario Manningham (49ers) are elsewhere and Kareem McKenzie presumably is retired.
But the triumphant trio of Eli Manning, Justin Tuck and Tom Coughlin returns and, guided by their indelible touch, this figures this to be a low-key, high-energy camp.
Here’s a look at five keys to camp:
KEY ISSUE: Can champs play underdog role again?
Tom Coughlin contract extension? Check. Osi Umenyiora contract restructuring? Check. Filling draft needs at running back and receiver? Check. Avoiding serious post-Super Bowl chaos? Check. There’s nothing hovering over the Giants — no controversy swirling overhead ready to pounce at any moment. What will smack the defending champs across the face as they embark on camp is that they’re flying under the radar, dwarfed by the opening of the Tim Tebow Tour operating out of Cortland. Coughlin can’t pay enough for the motivation that this perceived slight could generate. Otherwise, the Giants start up their football business in a distraction-free zone.
KEY HEALTHY BODY: Terrell Thomas
The pieces are in place for this edition of the Giants defense to be a special unit — as long as the cornerback makes a successful return from his second reconstructive surgery on his right knee. Thomas was a rising star before missing the entire 2011 season, and he was re-signed because Giants believe he can regain his form. He was kept under wraps in the offseason and insists he is ready to roll for training camp. Aaron Ross was not a great player, but he started every game a year ago and must be replaced. Finding a starting corner alongside Corey Webster is essential, and Thomas is the guy, as long as his knee holds up. Behind him, 2011 first-round pick Prince Amukamara is coming off an injury-filled rookie year courtesy of a broken foot. Thomas has the pedigree (a combined 10 interceptions in 2009 and 2010) and the ability to be a shut-down corner.
KEY POSITION BATTLE: MLB Chase Blackburn
vs. the field
Every time Chase Blackburn is referred to as the starting middle linebacker there’s always a “for now’’ disclaimer. The popular veteran and mostly career backup won the hearts and minds of Giants fans with his stirring off-the-couch performance down the stretch of last season. The Giants would not have won the Super Bowl without him. As a result, he has been installed at the top of the depth chart. Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell admitted he doesn’t know if Blackburn will hold onto the job even as he praises him as his coach on the field. Mark Herzlich, entering his second season, has greater athletic potential and was progressing nicely as a rookie before an ankle injury put him on the sideline for the stretch run. Herzlich certainly will push Blackburn. Keith Rivers, a former Bengals hot prospect, is an outside linebacker but could be given a look in the middle, which would really stoke the competition.
KEY VETERAN: Will Beatty
He’s a young vet but Beatty, 27, is on the hot seat stationed on the blind side. He started 10 games last season at left tackle and was solid — but certainly not spectacular — before taking a seat on injured reserve with a detached retina. He missed much of the offseason work with an achy back. Heading into Year 4, the former second-round pick from UConn has displayed more than enough athletic ability but he must prove his consistency, durability and toughness. There’s little doubt David Diehl will make a successful transition to right tackle, but if Beatty isn’t up to the task on the left side, there aren’t many options — with 10-year vet Sean Locklear signed as insurance and third-year James Brewer more suited to right tackle. Beatty must emerge or else the plan along the line goes awry.
KEY ROOKIE: Reuben Randle
The Giants can’t afford for Randle to experience the typical first-year receiver struggles that so many high draft picks before him endured. Manning’s pass-oriented offense relies on at least three dangerous options, and with Manningham now stationed in San Francisco, that third option behind Hakeem Nicks (coming off a broken foot that will keep him out of camp) and Victor Cruz has yet to be identified. The Giants consider the smooth, lanky Randle to be “NFL-ready,’’ and he showed some of those traits in the offseason camps. Jerrel Jernigan, after a dismal rookie year, is a candidate, as is Domenik Hixon and annual tease Ramses Barden. But Randle certainly will be in the mix if he can fast-forward the learning process and display the readiness the Giants believe he possesses.
paul.schwartz@nypost.com