The Associated Press
NEW YORK GIANTS (7-9)
New faces: Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, OL Geoff Schwartz, CBs Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Walter Thurmond and Zack Bowman, RB Rashad Jennings, rookie WR Odell Beckham Jr., LB Jameel McClain, C J.D. Walton, DE Robert Ayers.
Key losses: DE Justin Tuck, DT Linval Joseph, G Chris Snee. G Kevin Boothe, WR Hakeem Nicks, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride.
Strengths: WR, DB.
Weaknesses: OL, TE.
What’s New: Up-tempo offense under former Packers assistant McAdoo. It’s struggled in preseason with new line and no standout tight end. Secondary has talent and depth and may need both with revamped line that lost Tuck and Joseph, and has Jason Pierre-Paul coming off injury-plagued season. Rookies LB Devon Kennard, G-C Weston Richberg, RB Andre Williams and WR Beckham Jr. — if he ever gets over hamstring injury — might have immediate impacts.
Expectations: Giants have missed playoffs last two seasons and chances of getting back are iffy unless QB Eli Manning picks up his game. He threw NFL-high 27 interceptions. Now, offense starts adapting to new scheme. Defense has potential to be good, especially if Pierre-Paul returns to 2011 form. Playing in relatively weak NFC East should help. Another 0-6 start could end coach Tom Coughlin’s tenure.
___
AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.