Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

After 5 straight wins to start the season, it seemed like the New York Giants may be on their way to a great year. But four straight losses followed by an up and down end of the season gave New York an 8-8 record. That brought questions marks all over, but mainly to a defense that was so dominant in their Super Bowl XLII run in the 2007-2008 season. The unit gave up the third most points in the league (26.7 points per game), while only totaling 32 sacks and 24 turnovers. An overhaul was much needed in the offseason and a quick turn around could mean good things for fantasy purposes.

The offense on the other hand had a huge role reversal, taking on a totally different identity. The Giants went from being a running team to a passing team, making quarterback Eli Manning earn that big payday he recently received. Manning had his best season ever in 2009, throwing for a career high in both yards (4,021) and touchdowns (27). The big reason was the chemistry developed with his young wide receivers, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, and Hakeem Nicks. Smith was the big star, catching 107 passes for 1,220 yards and 7 touchdowns. Meanwhile the running game took a hit, as no single running back totaled 1,000 yards for the first time since 2001.

 
KEY ADDITIONS

Antrel Rolle (S) – How do you fix a defense that couldn’t create turnovers while continually giving up the big play? Insert a big name safety that got paid handsomely to be the playmaker needed in the secondary. Rolle is one of the better safeties in the game, compiling 337 tackles and 12 interceptions in his five seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. If the Giants were going to be a better team, it started with finding someone who could play the middle of the field. New York made it a top priority and shored up the position with a very good player in Rolle.

Deon Grant (S) – If you’re shopping for a veteran safety that you know can get the job done, why not get two. That was the approach New York took in signing Grant along with Rolle to help their secondary in a major way. Grant, who has played 9 seasons the latest of whom with the Seattle Seahawks, has collected 640 tackles and 26 interceptions in his career. New York knew it needed a major face-lift at the safety position and adding two veterans like Grant and Rolle certainly has turned around a weak area on the team.

KEY DEPARTURES

Antonio Pierce (LB) – Another way to change up the defense is to get younger and more fresh. Although Pierce had been one of the leaders of the defense since coming to New York in 2005, his numbers have been on a steady decline since his career high in tackles with 138 in 2006. Last year Pierce totaled 55 tackles with only one sack. Sure he was injured, only playing nine games. But the Giants felt like it was time for a change and many other teams must agree, as Pierce remains a free agent at the time of this writing. While his play had not been what it once was, his leadership will be sorely missed. While the team may be able to get quicker at the linebacker position, it is still questionable how they will respond without their defensive captain in the fold.

Jeff Feagles (P) – Punters tend to not get any kind of recognition in fantasy football, but we here at the Bruno Boys want to point out the retirement of a guy who had such a great career in the NFL. Feagles spent 22 years in the NFL, playing with the Giants, Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and New England Patriots. Now the team will go from a savvy veteran to a rookie in Matt Dodge. While Dodge has a strong leg, the question remains whether he will be able to deliver in bad weather conditions and position the ball where New York needs it to be. While special teams may not mean anything to your fantasy football statistics, a good punter gives both the offense and defense great field position. The change from Feagles to Dodge is something to certainly keep an eye on.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Jason Pierre-Paul (DE) – The first round defensive end out of South Florida may not have been a big need area for the Giants, but the guy clearly has some of the biggest upside out of any player entering the 2010 NFL Draft. Pierre-Paul has a high motor with explosiveness and closing speed that make him a big playmaker. Remember, this is how the Giants defense was so successful in winning their Super Bowl in the 2007-2008 season. They love having a lot of defensive ends that they can rotate who are quick and fresh. Adding Pierre-Paul to the likes of Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, and Osi Umenyiora will mean trouble for opposing quarterbacks. Sacks should begin to total up once again for New York and the added pressure will help their improved secondary as the unit will not have to cover their opponent nearly as long.

Need help organizing your fantasy draft? We’ve got you covered….

NFC WEST:  ARI  |  STL  |  SF  |  SEA

NFC SOUTH:  ATL  |  CAR  |  NO  |  TB

NFC NORTH:  CHI  |  DET  |  GB  |  MIN

NFC EAST:    DAL  |  NYG  |  PHI |  WAS
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GET YOUR COMMISH KIT DRAFT BOARD NOW

The Bruno Boys have once again teamed up with Commish Kit to sell fantasy football draft boards. The 2010 draft boards are available for purchase and you can pick one up here… DRAFT BOARDS

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