10 Players That Will Lead New York Giants To 2013 Playoffs

10 Players That Will Lead The New York Giants To The 2013 Playoffs

The New York Giants had a rather disappointing season in 2012, especially coming off their Super Bowl victory the previous season. They had a 3-5 record during the second half of the season and missed out on the playoffs.

The biggest issue the Giants had last year was on defense, where they were amongst the NFL’s worst against both the run and the pass. Even with a defense that couldn’t stop anybody, New York was just one game away from winning the NFC East and making the playoffs, as the offense led by Eli Manning remained a threat to score points at a high rate.

If the Giants had been able to make the playoffs last season, they would have been considered a threat to get to the Super Bowl, as they’ve proven in the past that they are one of the best postseason teams in the NFL. The same applies for the Giants again this year, as they have the talent to be one of the best teams in the NFC and make a run toward their second Super Bowl appearance in three years.

The Giants have made some changes in free agency, and they’ll certainly need to add some pieces in the upcoming draft. However, there is enough left on their roster to think that a return to the playoffs is not only possible, but likely. They are a little bit older, so health could be an issue, but if they stay healthy here are the 10 players that will be integral parts of getting the Giants back to the playoffs, and possibly the Super Bowl:

10. Rueben Randle

Randle had a promising rookie season and should become an even more dynamic playmaker in his second season, as both a receiver and a returner. He’ll become a noteworthy part of the New York offense this season.

9. Dan Connor

Acquiring Connor has given the Giants a true middle linebacker, which is something their defense was missing last season and should make them a lot better in 2013.

8. Prince Amukamara

The Prince has missed a lot of games due to injury over the past two seasons. But if he’s healthy, he’ll be able to establish himself as a top-notch corner for the Giants; which is something their defense desperately needs.

7. Justin Tuck

Tuck was not happy with his performance last season, as he accumulated just four sacks. Expect Tuck to return in 2013 with a little extra motivation, which could lead to a bounce back year for him and the Giant’s defense.

6. Aaron Ross

Ross is back with the Giants in 2013 and is hoping to get back to winning after a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Giant’s secondary struggled without him and will get a big boost, both on the field and in the leadership department, now that Ross is back in the fold.

5. Jason Pierre-Paul

He had a down-year last year and may have taken success for granted after an incredible season in 2011. But JPP is another part of New York’s defense that will be looking to have a bounce back season. If he can reclaim his 2011 form, he’ll be one of the top pass rushers in the NFL.

4. Victor Cruz

Put everything that has happened during the offseason aside. When the season starts, the Giants know what they’ll get out of Cruz. He should at least be able to repeat the 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns he had last year, if not more.

3. Hakeem Nicks

Nicks wasn’t quite himself last year, scoring only three touchdowns. But that’s likely just an aberration for a wide receiver with that much talent. The old Nicks will be back in 2013 and along with Victor Cruz, he’ll give the Giants a dynamic pair of receivers that will carry the offense.

2. Mathias Kiwanuka

Kiwanuka is on his way back to defensive end this season, which is a move that could pay off for him and the Giants. He held his won at linebacker, but wasn’t great. Now, Kiwanuka will be able to focus on rushing the passer, which will help him be a difference maker on defense.

1. Eli Manning

Last year was Manning’s worst season since 2008, but his career is far from over. Manning is still capable of being an elite passer. With a slew of great receivers around him and a little more support from his defense, that’s exactly what he’ll be in 2013.