Five reasons Giants won't repeat

The New York Giants are certainly not a perfect football team. But they are a savvy bunch of veterans who stay on an even keel and handle pressure extremely well. Needing to win their last two games to make the postseason in 2011, that's exactly what they did, on the way to coach Tom Coughlin's second Super Bowl ring.

Although the Giants probably will find a way to get into the playoffs again this season, people forget this team missed the playoffs in 2009 and 2010 under Coughlin, and the calls for him to be fired were loud and frequent. It's doubtful such calls will be repeated anytime soon, but I also don't expect another ring in Big Blue's future.

After watching a lot of film and studying them in the preseason, here are five reasons the Giants won't repeat.

Lack of a running game

Surprisingly, the Giants had the worst statistical running game in the NFL last season. They produced only 3.7 yards per rush, and there was almost no explosiveness or big-play ability when they ran the ball. That is alarming for an offense that takes pride in being physical in the run game, controlling the clock and using the run to set up good play-action opportunities. Part of the problem is with the backs and part of the problem is inconsistency by the offensive line.

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Gary Horton

Scouts Inc.

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Gary Horton spent 10 years in the NFL as a scout and another 10 years at the college level as an assistant coach and recruiter. He is the founder and most seasoned member of the Scouts Inc. staff, and his extensive experience at all levels of football make him an excellent talent evaluator.