In 2011, the New York Giants finished 9-7, but rode a hot streak at the end of the regular season into the playoffs and ended up winning the Super Bowl. In 2012, with an offense that scored more points and a defense that was stingier, the Giants went 9-7 … and missed the playoffs.

Talent abounds on this team, as evidenced by two Super Bowl championships in the Tom Coughlin era. But there are also a number of flaws that have kept the Giants from establishing more consistency and prevented them from being in the mix every year.

Ed Valentine, editor in chief of the Big Blue View, says New York should be right back in the thick of the NFC East race again in 2013, but acknowledges as well that there are still improvements to be made.

Zoneblitz: In 2011, 9-7 got the giants to the Super Bowl. In 2012, 9-7 didn’t make the playoffs. What kept the Giants from getting a chance to repeat last season?

Valentine: Well, the easy answer is not winning one more game. Really, though, the Giants (even in the Super Bowl year) are a flawed team. They didn’t rush the passer as well in 2012, didn’t get the number of big plays on offense they had the year before and left a couple of winnable games on the table.

Zoneblitz: What went wrong with Eli Manning the second half of 2013?

Valentine: With Eli? Really, it was about the health of Hakeem Nicks. He was never right in 2012 with a broken foot first and then a knee injury. Nicks commands so much attention that it helps set up Victor Cruz. For me it was less about Eli, although he had a couple of bad games, than it was about the weapons he had being diminished.

Zoneblitz: Ahmad Bradshaw and Martellus Bennett are gone from the offense. Kenny Phillips is gone from the defense and it looks like Osi Umenyiora is on his way to Atlanta. What other key losses do the Giants face and how are they set to deal with them?

Valentine: I think the Giants have dealt with most of their free-agent losses just fine. They have a number one pick (David Wilson) ready to step in at running back. They signed Brandon Myers to replace Bennett. They have Stevie Brown and Antrel Rolle at safety. They replaced Chase Blackburn with Dan Connor and Chris Canty with Cullen Jenkins. It will be interesting to see what they do in the draft.

Zoneblitz: The offensive line was a strength for years, but I was reading on your site that ownership now thinks that has to improve. What is your sense for how that unit will change in 2013?

Valentine: Well, they just re-signed Kevin Boothe. Unless they draft a right tackle early in the draft it seems unlikely to change much. Young James Brewer could win the RT job.

Zoneblitz: What is going on with Victor Cruz’s contract situation and what is your sense for how it should and will play out this offseason?

Valentine: Cruz really doesn’t have many options. It seems no one will sign him to an offer sheet. He either has to sign the restricted free agent tender from the Giants or the long-term deal they have offered him.

Zoneblitz: David Wilson was used sparingly in 2012, but he showed signs of some amazing upside when he did get on the field. How good can he be?

Valentine: I think Wilson can be outstanding. He is a breakaway threat every time he touches the ball. We’ll see how he handles the increased workload.

Zoneblitz: The defense actually gave up 56 fewer points in the 2012 regular season than it did in 2011. Do you have any concerns that have to be addressed on that side of the ball?

Valentine: The front seven has to be better than it was a year ago. The Giants didn’t rush the passer or defend the run well enough. They only had one dependable cornerback in 2012 (Prince Amukamara). They have to be better there.

Zoneblitz: Who on the current roster could you see having a breakout 2013 season?

Valentine: Reuben Randle or Wilson.

Zoneblitz: Dallas and Philadelphia are hard to read at this point, but Washington seems to be on the upswing. Where are the Giants currently in the NFC East power structure and how far are they from making another deep playoff run?

Valentine: I think the Giants are right there. I think they will fight for the NFC East title and all bets are off if they can get to the playoffs.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see the Giants do in free agency and the draft?

Valentine: I think they are done in free agency. I would love to see them add some depth to both lines and, if they can find one, grab a cover corner.

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