New York Giants 2013 training camp primer

The 2012 New York Giants finished 9-7, the same record as they posted in 2011. The result was very different, however, as the Super Bowl champions found themselves out of the playoffs for the third time in four years. A younger roster will take their field in 2013, and hope they can return to the organization's winning ways.

Statistically it was a down year for Eli Manning, but the nine-year veteran quarterback is in his prime. In the past it was easy to write off the younger Manning as the "clutch" one, but lacking gaudy regular season statistics. While Eli's name may not be on as many records as Peyton's, he's shown a knack in recent years to protect the ball, lead the Giants with more poise and fight through adversity. Last year this adversity manifested as lacking a healthy Hakeem Nicks, which put a damper on the team's passing attack. Now Nicks is back, but other offensive changes could have a large effect on the offense this year.

On defense the Giants took an unexpected step back. Jason Pierre-Paul was ineffective for the first time in his career, registering just 6.5 sacks and 24 tackles -- the lowest since his rookie season. This helped contribute to a faltering defense that once again allowed a lot of yards, but uncharecteristically lacked a punch in their pass rush, falling to 22nd in sacks.

Retaining wide receiver Victor Cruz was the most important step in keeping a semblance of continuity for Eli Manning and the offense. In locking up the team's most productive wide receiver they ensured they can stretch the field, and that is much-needed on a team with turnover at other key offensive positions.

Starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw left for the Indianapolis Colts, and took over 1,000 yards rushing with him. Bradshaw was often maligned by the Giants' fan base for his inconsistency and ball control issues, but he was a reliable back on a team that's had one for the better part of a decade. The focus now changes to Andre Brown and second-year back David Wilson -- who showed promising flashes as a rookie -- but it's unclear whether he can be an every-down back.

The passing attack will rely on Hakeem Nicks returning to form. Rueben Randle was a non-factor during his rookie season, and reliable third option Domenik Hixon has left for the Carolina Panthers. One might be tempted to overvalue the loss of Martellus Bennett, the 600-yard tight end who caught five touchdowns in 2012. However, the Giants believe they've found an upgrade in Brandon Myers, who comes to New York from Oakland where he broke out last year with over 800 receiving yards on a woeful Raiders offense.

Most surprising are the team's defensive changes, particularly on the defensive line. Long-standing veteran defensive end Osi Umenyiora is headed to the NFC South where he'll play for the Falcons, while defensive tackle Chris Canty joins the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens. Cullen Jenkins will replace Canty at tackle, which is a lateral move -- but New York will need to hope they can find a rotational defensive end who can fill the large void vacated by Umenyiora.

The Carolina Panthers and New York Giants swapped No. 3 receivers, as Louis Murphy arrives in New York to replace Domenik Hixon. In order to win playing time he'll be battling second-year player Rueben Randle who had flashes like his 82-yard game against the Cleveland Browns, but didn't show a lot of consistency in 2012.

David Diehl is rightfully penciled in as the team's starter, but it's clear the Giants have a desire to move forward with youth on their offensive line after selecting Justin Pugh with the 19th overall pick in the draft.

The ties between the Giants and Panthers continue as 2012 starter Chase Blackburn left for Carolina to play a backup role, and primarily serve on special teams. In his place arrived Dan Connor, the former third-round pick of Carolina, who left the organization when he was unable to find playing time at middle linebacker with Jon Beason.

Connor has the inside track for the job, but he'll be pushed heavily by former UDFA Mark Herzlich. Coming off a 30-tackle season that saw Herzlich play in 16 games, the chance to start may be slim -- but he'll get opportunities. In his single game as a starter he registered an impressive eight tackles against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and while Connor had moments in Dallas, he failed to live up to expectations.

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