----------------------------------------------------------------------- New York Giants FAQ Created By: MetsRule Contact: MetsRule5@gmail.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------- - Table of Contents - I. Introduction II. Team Roster/Breakdown III. Playbook Breakdown A. Singleback I. Big II. Big Wing III. Twin TE IV. Normal Slot V. Slot strong VI. 4 WR Flex VII. Flip Trips VIII. Empty 4 WR B. I Formation I. Normal II. Twin WR III. Close IV. Twin TE C. Fullhouse I. Normal Wide D. Strong I I. Normal II. Twin WR E. Weak I I. Normal II. Twin TE F. Shotgun I. Normal Offset WK II. Trips Bunch III. Slot strong TE Flip G. Goal Line H. Special Teams IV. Team Strengths/Weaknesses V. Copyright Information ----------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction Hello, and welcome to my New York Giants FAQ. In this guide I will tell you about the strengths and weaknesses of the New York Giants and how to be successful with the team. If you would like to send me a question or comment, please email me at NYGiantsFAQ@yahoo.com. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- II. Team Roster/Breakdown In this section I will give the New York Giants current roster and give you a breakdown on the players. The rosters here may be a little off from the game's original rosters, but they can be easily updated manually. - Quarterbacks - 1. Eli Manning Eli Manning is an amazing quarterback and he is the future of the New York Giant franchise. Eli Manning improves rapidly in the game. He has great receivers to throw to, so you'll probably run an offense that passes the ball a lot. 2. Tim Hasselbeck Tim Hasselbeck is a very good backup quarterback. His passing power and passing power are good for a backup at 82, but his awareness is very low. His awareness is only 69, which will trouble players that are new to Madden's new passing system. 3. Jared Lorenzen Jared Lorenzen is an extremely large quarterback that can wear down defenses when he decides to scramble. He won't see much playing time in your offense because Manning and Hasselback are very durable. - Running backs - 1. Tiki Barber Tiki Barber is an amazing running back that can get it done on the field. He is an extremely fast runner who can hit the holes and break tackles for a big gain. Barber is also a threat while passing the ball too. He is a great receiver and can go unnoticed by defenders because he is so short. 2. Derrick Ward Derrick Ward is a very balanced running back. He doesn't really amaze many, but he will get the job done in short yardage situations. You can either use Ward or Jacobs here at the second spot on the depth chart, but they usually have the same amount of carries. 3. Brandon Jacobs Brandon Jacobs is a beastly running back who will power over defenders. Jacobs is great at breaking tackles and is like a future Jerome Bettis in Madden. He may not be fast, but he definitely makes up for it with his power. 4. Chad Morton Chad Morton won't see much time as a running back for the New York Giants. However, he is a very good punt returner, which is where he sees most of his action. - Fullbacks - 1. Jim Finn Jim Finn is a good blocker out of the backfield for Tiki Barber and Eli Manning, but isn't much of a rusher. Jim Finn is pretty slow and really lacks skills at breaking tackles, which is important for a fullback. You may want to sign a free agent with better rushing skills and switch them around during the game. - Wide Receivers - 1. Plaxico Burress Plaxico Burress is a great target for quarterback Eli Manning, who is still getting a feel for the New York offense. Plax is a very tall receiver and can make amazing catches. He also has a high jump rating, which is good for you in the red zone. 2. Amani Toomer Amani Toomer is an aging wide receiver and should be replaced as soon as possible. His stats will decrease rapidly as the seasons go on. He should be able to hold up for one more season, but I would definitely try to make a move during free agency or during the draft. 3. Tim Carter Tim Carter is a fast receiver that can make big plays. He isn't really that consistent and shouldn't be your replacement for Amani Toomer. Carter is good as a number three receiver. 4. David Tyree David Tyree won't receive much time as a receiver on the Giants, although he has potential. He is mainly used on special teams, which is where he really excels. 5. Jamaar Taylor Jamaar Taylor is a speedy receiver that isn't afraid to get physical going up against the defense. He doesn't catch the ball that well, but that can be improved on in training camp. 6. Willie Ponder Willie Ponder is an amazing kick returner. He's one of the best returners in the NFL and should have a spot on your team no matter what. He may not be an amazing receiver, but he is a great contributor on special teams. - Tight End - 1. Jeremy Shockey Jeremy Shockey is one of the best tight ends in the league and there isn't a weakness in his game. Shockey is a physical receiver who can run over defenders and finish off catches for a touchdown with his speed. He also jumps very well and can go up against some of the game's finest receivers. 2. Visanthe Shiancoe Visanthe Shiancoe is a decent backup for Jeremy Shockey. Shiancoe is good in formations that use two tight ends and he can be a threat while on the goal line. 3. Sean Berton Sean Berton is a very good blocker. He is usually played on special teams because he is a very aggressive player. - Left Tackle - 1. Luke Petitgout Luke Petitgout is an experienced lineman for the Giants, but still manages to make rookie mistakes on the field. He is both an effective pass blocker and run blocker, but can cause problems for you when you try to put together a drive down the field. 2. Bob Whitfield Bob Whitfield is an adequate backup for Luke Petitgout. He provides the leadership that Petitgout lacks for offensive lineman. Whitfield is a better run blocker then he is a pass blocker, so you may want to use him on the goal line. He would be a great blocker for Brandon Jacobs to pound the ball into the end zone. - Right Tackle - 1. Kareem McKenzie Kareem McKenzie is the unspoken leader of the New York Giant offense. McKenzie provides good blocking for Eli Manning and Tiki Barber and he should be credited for a part of their success. 2. Bob Whitfield Bob Whitfield is an adequate backup for Kareem McKenzie. Whitfield is a better run blocker then he is a pass blocker, so you may want to use him on the goal line. He would be a great blocker for Brandon Jacobs to pound the ball into the end zone. - Center - 1. Shaun O'Hara Shaun O'Hara provides decent blocking as the Center for the New York. O'Hara is able to pick up blitzes from charging linebackers, which is vital to the offense. 2. Jason Whittle Jason Whittle is an above average lineman that can provide your team with good blocking when Shaun O'Hara is not able to play. I would not use him as a starter, though. - Left Guard - 1. David Diehl David Diehl is an up and coming offensive lineman that can become one of the NFL's finest in a few years. He is still young and will progress well. Diehl is already a good offensive lineman, and we've yet to see the best to come. Diehl will also make mistakes, but that is to be expected with a player that has only a year of experience. 2. Rich Seubret Rich Seubret is an amazing backup for David Diehl. Seubret provides depth to the Giants' offensive line. Seubret isn't much off a pass blocker, but is a good run blocker. Seubret can be used as a starter if David Diehl is injured, but I wouldn't rely on Seubret for a full season. - Right Guard - 1. Chris Snee Chris Snee, who happens to be the Grandson of head coach Tom Coughlin, is also a young offensive lineman on the rise. Chris Snee also has more potential then the left guard he lines up with, David Diehl. Chris Snee is an amazing run blocker and is also good at blocking for the Giants' quarterback, Eli Manning. 2. Jason Whittle Jason Whittle is an above average lineman that can provide your team with good blocking when Chris Snee is not able to play. I would not use him as a starter, though. Chris Snee has a bright future as a right guard on the New York Giants. - Left End - 1. Michael Strahan Michael Strahan is arguably one of the greatest defensive ends the NFL has seen and is without a doubt the anchor of the Giants' defense. He is still a great force on the line and I would keep him as a Giant until he retires, no matter what the price is. 2. Adrian Awasom Adrian Awasom is extremely inexperienced and probably will not see any playing time at all for you during the regular season. - Right End - 1. Osi Umenyiora Osi Umenyiora is an exciting player to have on your football team. Umenyiora is a quick defensive end that WILL be on the top of the NFL in a few years. Not only does Umenyiora get many sacks, he also puts pressure on the quarterback to set up sacks for the Giants other defensive end, Michael Strahan. 2. Justin Tuck Justin Tuck is a talented defensive end, but won't see much time as a starter on the Giants. You may want to move Tuck to defensive tackle if you want him to progress faster. He will be ready to replace Michael Strahan then, once he retires. 3. Eric Moore Eric Moore is a below average defensive end who probably will never see any playing time on your team. Eric Moore is mainly used for depth on the line in case of injuries. - Defensive Tackle - 1. Kendrick Clancy Kendrick Clancy is an average defensive tackle that will not amaze many people. Defensive tackle is one of the Giants' few weaknesses, as I also mention in my Draft FAQ. 2. William Joseph William Joseph seemed to be considered a draft bust by many, but this may be his season to break out and emerge in the Giants' defense. He should see time as a starter with Kendrick Clancy. If he isn't meeting your expectations after the first season, I would recommend that you find a replacement. If you can't find a replacement you can use Fred Robbins. 3. Fred Robbins Fred Robbins may see some time in your offense if William Joseph begins to struggle. Robbins has more experience in the league and can help you out if Joseph fails for you. Another option you have is to play both players and substitute them throughout the game. 4. Kenderick Allen Kenderick Allen won't see much time on the field as a New York Giant because of the three talented defensive tackles ahead of him on the depth chart. Allen is big in size at 6'6" and weighing in at 315 pounds, and that is one of his strong points. 5. Damane Duckett Damane Duckett is a very touch defensive tackle who will need to work hard to see playing time. Duckett may have more potential than Allen, so you may want to judge the winner of this battle in preseason. - Left Outside Linebacker - 1. Carlos Emmons Carlos Emmons is an established linebacker in the NFL, and he is a great run stopper. Emmons also has the speed to drop back into coverage and defend the pass. 2. Barrett Breen Barrett Green is a quick linebacker that can put a large amount of pressure on any quarterback in the league. Green is currently injured, which is why he is second on the depth chart. Once he is healthy you may want to move him to the ROLB position. - Middle Linebacker - 1. Antonio Pierce Antonio Pierce is an electrifying linebacker that is just reaching the prime of his career. Pierce is a good all-around linebacker that can get to the quarterback and bring him down. Pierce is very underrated and he is a valuable addition to any team. 2. Chase Blackburn Chase Blackburn is an impressive player, for an undrafted rookie. Blackburn won't see much playing time, though. The Giants have a talented linebacking corps and Blackburn's main purpose if for depth at the position. - Right Outside Linebacker - 1. Reggie Torbor Reggie Torbor is a young player and much was never expected of him. Torbor has proved many people wrong with his excellent play. Torbor deserves a spot on the team. He needs some work on his tackling skills, though. 2. Nick Greisen Nick Greisen is a valuable asset for the New York Giants. He can play any of the linebacker positions well, and he also contributes on special teams. Greisen is a very strong tackler and is about average for most of his other skills. - Cornerbacks - 1. Will Allen Will Allen is a very fast cornerback that can keep stride with any of today's wide receivers. He keeps his eye on the receiver most of the time, though and doesn't concentrate on where the ball is. Allen doesn't get many interceptions because of this. Will Allen is also a very weak tackler. 2. William Peterson William Peterson is a reliable cornerback for the Giants. Peterson is a much stronger tackler than Allen, although he lacks the speed that Will Allen has. William Peterson will also see a few more injuries than Allen. 3. Curtis Deloatch Curtis Deloatch is a reliable cornerback for use when Allen or Peterson are hurt. Deloatch will have to fight for his third string spot, though. 4. Corey Webster Corey Webster is a great cornerback who has the ability to break open the game in a matter of seconds. Webster will force many interceptions. Webster lacks the speed most cornerbacks have, which gives Curtis Deloatch the edge. 5. Frank Walker Frank Walker is a talented cornerback, but has been in Tom Coughlin's dog house since he was arrested. Walker can compete with both Deloatch and Webster for the job as third string cornerback. Walker is like Corey Webster, he lacks speed, but makes up for it with his ability to force turnovers. - Strong Safety - 1. Gibril Wilson Gibril Wilson is a talented young safety that also has the ability to change games by forcing turnovers. Wilson lacks the ability to lay a punishing hit on wide receivers, though. If you work on Wilson's tackling ability during training camp he will become a great safety for you. 2. Shaun Williams Shaun Williams is a very overrated safety that is injured very often. Williams had potential to become a good safety, but injuries ruined his shot of becoming a very special player. One of Shaun Williams' strengths is that he has is that he can pack a big hit on receivers, which is something Gibril Wilson has problems with. 3. James Butler James Butler is a decent safety that doesn't have much potential with the Giants. The Giants already have a somewhat talented secondary, so there isn't much of a need for him. Butler provides good depth though for the secondary. James Butler is a strong safety in real life, but you will need to move him over to free safety in order to meet roster requirements. - Free Safety - 1. Brent Alexander Brent Alexander is an experienced player that has been productive for the New York Giants. Alexander is also durable and can pack a hit on receiver. Another one of Brent Alexander's strengths is his speed. He is quick compared to some of the other safeties around the league. - Kicker - 1. Jay Feely Jay Feely is a powerful kicker that can make many long field goals. He needs to improve his accuracy a little, but is still an amazing kicker. Jay Feely is a very valuable player for the New York Giants' special teams. - Punter - 1. Jeff Feagles Jeff Feagles is an experienced punter that is extremely accurate punter. He lacks the power that he once had, but that can be improved in training camp. Feagles still has the ability to place the ball inside of the twenty yard line, easily. - Kick Returner - 1. Willie Ponder Willie Ponder is an electrifying kick returner and he is one of the best throughout in the league. Ponder does a good job finding the hole to run through, and he has the speed to take it to the house for a touchdown. 2. Derrick Ward 3. Chad Morton - Punt Returner - 1. Chad Morton Chad Morton is a great punt returner that has been doing his job for a while now. 2. Curtis Deloatch 3. Corey Webster ----------------------------------------------------------------------- III. Playbook Breakdown Here is the entire New York Giants offensive playbook. I've separated the playbook by its formations to make it easier to read. A. Singleback - I - Singleback Big Giant Cross Ups HB Blast Shockey Option Dual TE Flat HB Dive PA Waggle FL Hook Giants 25 Counter FL Corner HB Smash PA HB Curl Split Belly HB Power Post Flags QB Sneak This formation is mainly used for rushing the ball. There are also some good play action plays here. You should try to find Jeremy Shockey on play action plays. Shockey is almost always able to jump up and get the ball for the reception. - II - Singleback Big Wing TE Cross HB Counter TE Option in PA Rollout HB Blunt Dive PA Boot Comeback TE Corner HB Cutback HB Swing HB Dive PA TE Corner HB Draw HB Slant 18 Dual TE Flat HB Stretch This formation is also used for rushing the ball a lot. You should always try running the ball towards Kareem McKenzie. McKenzie is a good blocker. - III - Singleback Twin TE WR Drag HB Counter WK TE Under PA FL Stretch HB Slant 18 Ace TE Drag PA Rollout HB Belly weak Toomer Option PA Middle HB Draw TE Stick This formation is more of a passing formation. There is an extra tight end in for blocking purposes. There are a lot of good routes for Amani Toomer in this formation. - IV - Singleback Normal Slot Curl Flats HB Dive Slot Swings TE Shallow Giants 25 Counter Plaxico Option PA Comeback HB Slam HB Screen Slants HB Counter Trap Slant Attack PA Dbl HB Slant 18 QB Rollout You should use this playbook for short passing plays. Plaxico Burress is open a lot while using these plays. - V - Singleback Slot Strong TE Flat Slant HB Slant 18 Shockey Option Slot Hitch HB Blunt Dive PA waggle SE Cross HB Sprint Play Action PA HB Curl HB Power WR Drag WR Post HB Smash Twin Cuts Slot Cross HB Draw Cross Up This is a very good formation, both passing and rushing wise. This is a good passing formation to send Jeremy Shockey long. Plaxico Burress will also get open a lot. - VI - Singleback 4 WR Flex Giants Smash Giants 22 Counter Slot Shallow Toomer 2 out HB Draw Barber Option PA Drop in HB Cutback Toomer Option Slants HB Dive Criss Cross This is obviously a passing formation since there are four wide receivers lined up. You may want to rush the ball too because it will fool the opposing defense. - VII - Singleback Flip Trips SE Wheel HB Draw Flood Fight Drive HB Counter Trap Slant Attack Angle HB Toss Crack Curl Flat This playbook is used for short yardage gains. There are various running plays that can be used for first downs. - VIII - Singleback Empty 4 WR Hitch Corner Slot Screen TE Post Cross Corner TE Screen WR Clearouts Slot Crosses Outside Posts FL Deep Curl Quick Curls Curl Flats TE Drag Quick Screen Slot Zig wts TE Wheel This is a passing formation that is used to attempt a long pass. There are a lot of post routes, so you'll need to make sure you get the ball thrown up high. B. I Formation - I - I Form Normal PA TE Post Giants 24 Lead Burress Option HB Middle HB Misdirection PA Clearout HB Slam PA FB Streak HB Sweep Strong HB Lead Dive PA FB Flat Fake HB Toss Plaxico Reverse Shockey Option HB Slash Deep Cross FB Dive Finn Option While you use the I-Formation you will almost always rush the ball. You shouldn't try any of the reverses in this playbook because they almost never work. - II - I Form Twin WR HB Lead Dive Shockey Option Off Tackle TE Post HB Blast PA FB Up Quick Outs HB Draw FB Flare Giants Wheel HB Toss Weak Flood This formation should be used for short passing gains and rushing plays. This is a good formation to use your fullback, Jim Finn. - III - I Form Close Flanker Drive HB Sweep PA TE Corner Giants 24 Lead PA End Around End Around PA Clearout HB Counter WK Mid Cross PA Waggle HB Lead Dive Deep Over FB Flare HB Counter Burress Option You should use the I Form Close formation for rushing the fooball. The play "Giants 24 Lead" is very effective. While using this play you should gain at least five yards. - IV - I Form Twin TE HB Lead PA FB Fist FB Dive Strong Short Slants HB Slam PA HB Curl HB Lead Toss FB Flare HB Counter Str. You should use this formation for play action plays. When you come out in the I formation many defenses expect a running play. You should a play action play here and dump the ball off to Shockey quickly. C. Fullhouse - I - Normal Wide HB Dive PA Middle Counter Lead Fake Dive Pitch WR Dbl Shake FB Slam HB Draw Curls HB Slam HB Smash HB Screen HB Sweep This formation looks like a passing formation once you line up, but its strength is definitely rushing the ball. The secondary is usually playing back and you can pull off a big run. D. Strong I - I - Strong I Normal FB Dive PA Rollout HB Dive Weak Barber Option HB Blast PA Counter Flat Shockey Option HB Sweep TE Corner HB Draw PA Slide HB Off Tackle You should use this formation rush the ball outside. The Giants' wide receivers do a good job at run blocking and will be able to open up a hole for Tiki Barber. - II - Strong I Twin WR FB Dive PA Slot Drag HB Lead Blast WR Streak Counter Weak Quick Drag PA WR Cross HB Sweep WR Smash You should use this formation for passing. There are a lot of plays here where Plaxico Burress is open for a huge amount of yardage. If you use play action and send Burress long he will almost always be open. E. Weak I - I - Weak I Normal Shockey Option Off Tackle WK PA Waggle Bunch HB Dive TE Fade WR Deep Posts Double Counter PA TE Post Toss Weak Burress Option HB Draw This formation should be used for running the ball. The passing plays in the playbook don't always work that well. Jeremy Shockey is used a lot as a receiving tight end in this formation. - II - Weak I Twin TE Counter Trap PA Waggle HB Gut Rollout Strg. HB Dive PA Boot Lt TE Drag FB Power WR Cross This formation should be used for rushing the ball and using play action. The Giants are one of the best teams in the league at executing the play action, which is why I highly recommend it. F. Shotgun - I - Shotgun Normal Offset WK Burress Option HB Middle Draw FL Curl HB Go Short Attack WR Over WR Drag HB Sweep Slant Hook FL Drag HB Screen FL Hook This formation should be used for short passes. The play "FL hook" is a very good play that works 90% of the time. - II - Shotgun Trips Bunch Burress Option HB Mid Draw Flanker Drive Slants Slot Flat HB Screen Greenside drag Switch Special Inside Post 518 Hook This formation should be used for passing the ball outside. If you're getting good protection from your line you may want to try the play "HB Screen." If your offensive line can get off a few blocks you can get a huge gain. - III - Shotgun Slot Strong TE Flip Drag Combo Inside Attack Deep Dig Slot Under HB Mid Draw Hi Lo Read Burress Option HB Screen Slant Attack WR Hooks HB Draw WR Post This formation should be used for long passing plays. You should try to get the ball to Plaxico Burress while using these plays because he is a tall receiver that can jump up to make the reception. G. Goal Line QB Sneak PA TE Drag HB Dive HB Smash PA TE Option Strong Toss HB Off Tackle PA TE Corner HB Pitch FB Dive FB Fake HB Toss HB Sting This formation is usually used to pound the ball into the end zone with rookie runningback, Brandon Jacobs. One play I really like in this formation is "PA TE Corner." Your tight end will almost always open. H. Special Teams Fake FG Pass Field Goal Fake FG Run Spike Ball QB Kneel Fake Spike Fake Punt Pass Punt RB Direct Snap Max Prot. Punt Max Prot. Pass Max Cover Punt ----------------------------------------------------------------------- IV. Team Strengths/Weaknesses - New York Giants' Strengths - The New York Giants have an extremely strong offense which is one of the best in the league. Tiki Barber is a great runningback who rushes for about one hundred yards every game. Barber is also a receiving threat out of the backfield. You should try screen passes to Barber on second and short. Another strength for the New York Giants is there tight end, Jeremy Shockey. Shockey is an extremely valuable player for the Giants because he can do it all. The tight end out of Miami is a great blocker for the young, progressing star, Eli Manning. Shockey also makes a big target for Eli Manning to throw to, especially in the red zone. One more strength of the New York Giants is there defensive line. The Giants have some of the strongest defensive ends in the league in Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyioura. These two big men put a lot of pressure on the opposing cornerback and cause them to make mistakes by turning the ball over. - New York Giants' Weaknesses - One of the Giants big weaknesses is their secondary. The Giants secondary allows a lot of passing yards each game, even to quarterbacks that aren't that good. The Giants have good players in the secondary; it's just that they make to many mistakes. I would try to get a new free safety during the off-season of your franchise. Another weakness the Giants have is their wide receiver corps. The Giants have good receivers in Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress, but after that they don't really have any good receivers. Amani Toomer's stats decrease rapidly as the seasons go on and Tim Carter is very inconsistent. You should try to find a young wide receiver during the off-season to replace Amani Toomer, whether he's from free agency or the draft. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- V. Copyright Information Copyright 2005 Thomas Barnett This may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.