Eli Manning and Coach Tom Coughlin are in for a long season...

I’m not feeling too good about this season for the Giants. It’s never a good sign when two former Giants head to our rivals (Plaxico to the Jets, Steve Smith to the Eagles). Even if Shaun O’Hara and Rich Seubert weren’t worth the money, Kevin Boss was worth it. I just have so many questions:

1. How will Eli play, after such a poor season? Whether Giants fans want to admit it or not, Eli never truly got it going last year, and that was with a solid offensive line. I question Eli’s abilities.
2. How will Ahmad Bradshaw fare? Even if he stops fumbling (big if), he doesn’t have a great offensive line anymore.
3. Who will replace Steve Smith as our slot receiver and Kevin Boss as our blocking tight end? I have no issues with Nicks or Mario Manningham; I’m a huge fan of both, in fact. But they’re explosive deep threats, not first-down scorers. Meanwhile, Boss may not have been a huge part of the receiving game, but the guy can block. Is Travis Beckham a worthy starter? I don’t think so. Also, everybody’s talking about some third-round TE rookie…not going to win us playoff games.
4. How will our defense hold up? Our defense killed us last year, especially down the stretch. Justin Tuck has never been the same since his Superbowl season, and Osi Umenyiora is fading, both in legs and attitude. Prince Amuknamara is not going to help anymore, being on the sideline with a broken foot. Our secondary is about the only part of the team that is looking bright, with Terrell Thomas and Antrel Rolle. Secondaries are not typically exciting.

The Giants are getting doubted by everyone, and hope to play with a chip on their collective shoulder. There are plenty of good reasons why people are doubtful though – only time will tell. At least there’s going to be a season!