With the bitter taste of last year's 8-8 season still fresh in their mouths, the New York Giants came into their 2010 training camp determined to prove that last year's injury-filled, shattered season was an aberration.
In seeking to accomplish that objective, almost all of the players became born-again disciples of the weight and film rooms, as they set about strengthening not only their bodies but also their minds. More importantly, though, they developed a plan that would see them re-establish their physical presence on offense and defense, and affirm that they have strong leadership in their locker room.
Their plans, however, have come together slowly. Right from the start, the same injury bug that wiped out their physical toughness and ability last season proved to be alive and well in this year's clubhouse, making it impossible for the projected starting offense and defense to get live game snaps together.
The most serious injuries so far have been to return specialist Domenik Hixon, lost in June to a knee injury, and cornerback Aaron Ross, who was not only projected to play the nickel back but fill Hixon's shoes on the punt return team before he was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis following the second preseason game.
Ross remains hopeful of returning, though no timetable has been given on when he might be able to come back. In the meantime, the Giants' punt returner position remains in a state of flux.
The Giants also got a taste of what life might be like without their All-Pro starting center, Shaun O'Hara, who has been battling a chronic ankle injury all summer to the point where the team's medical staff shut him down for the last two weeks of the preseason in hopes of finally getting his ankle injury under control.
Despite the fact that their lineups have had more looks than a Las Vegas performer, perhaps the most alarming development to come from training camp is the Giants' admission that the energy and the execution hasn't always been what it should.
After their 24-10 lackluster performance against Baltimore, for example, head coach Tom Coughlin said:
"I think that there certainly were some outstanding individual plays and guys that did make strong contributions, but I'm not going to change my tune from being disappointed in terms of the overall outcome of the game, the way the game was played because remember, going into the game I was very interested in upgrading our execution. Overall I did not see the kind of execution that I was anticipating and therefore I was disappointed."
"We've definitely had some growing pains throughout the preseason," said defensive tackle Barry Cofield, speaking from a defensive perspective. "There have been some miscommunications. So I think it's a process, and these next couple weeks before the season starts, I think they're going to be very critical."
"I like what (defensive coordinator Perry Fewell) is teaching us, but we haven't put together what were supposed to put together," added S Deon Grant.
Despite the bumps they've encountered so far, there have been some things for the Giants to smile about. Armed with a healthy set of running backs for the first time in more than a year, the running game has shown early signs of returning to the physical, smash mouth style of offense it was known for in 2007 and 2008.
On defense, Coughlin has to be pleased with the progress the team has made in the turnover department, which has always been a high priority for the head coach. In three preseason games, the Giants were plus-three, with two of those turnovers converted into 10 points by the offense.
The defense, while still a work in progress, has also shown signs of returning to its old physical and dominant self as Fewell's attacking style has seen hints of the pass rush returning to form after an unsuccessful season last year.
There are still some unanswered questions, though. The injuries to Ross and O'Hara have the potential to linger.
The team is also cautiously optimistic that the surgically repaired knees of safety Kenny Phillips and linebacker Keith Bulluck, two key players on the defense, will be able to hold up to the rigors of the 16-game season. Both have had their snaps managed by the coaching staff and thus far, both have responded well in the days following the games.
Then there is the matter of their punt team, specifically the consistency they're seeking from rookie Matt Dodge. Dodge has a big leg, and his numbers haven't been bad through three preseason games as he has a 36.1 net average. However, he has been inconsistent with his hang time and, in some instances, his distance. That has put more of the onus on the punt coverage team.
As the Giants continue to make their way toward the starting gate, the players are confident that come Sept. 12 when they take the field against Carolina, the world will see a team that matches what the coaches have drawn up on the chalkboard: an aggressive, attacking defense that forces turnovers and a better balanced offense that incorporates a strategic blend of the run and the pass.
"As long as the chemistry is there, I almost feel like I know we can do it," said safety Deon Grant, who was signed as a free agent in the offseason.
"The preseason is all about getting our rhythm back, and well be ready," added quarterback Eli Manning.
COACHING: Tom Coughlin, 15th year (131-108), 7th with Giants (59-44).
REMEMBERING: 2009 record: 8-8 (3rd in NFC East); did not make the playoffs for the first time in four years.
PREDICTING: 2010 regular season record 9-7 (3rd in NFC East).
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