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New York Giants: 5 Things That Would Keep Them From The Playoffs

By Kenneth Teape

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Cornerstone Injuries

Jun 16, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass during minicamp at Quest Diagnostics Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Steven Ryan-USA TODAY Sports

While we mentioned injuries earlier, these ones would be a totally different matter. If the Giants were to lose Eli Manning or Jason Pierre-Paul for an extended period of time, the season spiraling out of control would soon follow. Manning is the most important player on the offense, and most likely on the team, while Pierre-Paul is now the quasi-leader of the defense.

First with Manning. The Giants do not have a capable backup if Manning was to ever miss time during the season. When David Carr was around people were a little more comfortable as he brought a veteran presence and NFL starting experience. The Giants do not have that luxury currently, as they normally hold onto only two quarterbacks, and project Ryan Nassib, a fourth round pick from 2013, currently holds that spot.

If Manning were to go down, the Giants might as well close up shop. With question marks along the offensive line, throwing a player such as Nassib into the fire would result in disaster. Manning is truly irreplaceable for the Giants at this time, even with his future with the team in limbo. He had a strong bounceback season in his first under McAdoo, and looks poised to build on that in his second season with an improving supporting cast. If he, for whatever reason is unable to do that because he misses games for the first time in his career because of injury (knock on wood) the Giants are going to be in a world of hurt.

On the defensive side of the ball, losing Pierre-Paul would be crushing. He is essentially the sole source of pass rushing for the Giants currently, as he is the only one with a proven track record in the area. Despite being double-teamed on a consistent basis, Pierre-Paul was able to compile 12.5 of the 30 sacks the Giants finished with last season. In addition to being a vaunted pass rusher, Pierre-Paul has greatly improved his run defense, looking more and more like a defensive anchor than just pass rushing specialist.

People will point out that the Pierre-Paul has been injured previously for the Giants, but at that time they had other players to fill the role. Veterans such as Mathias Kiwanuka, Osi Umenyiora and Justin Tuck were there to pick up the slack; this time around they do not have that luxury. One of the biggest issues the Giants were trying to fill this offseason was finding a compliment to Pierre-Paul as a pass rusher on the other side of the line. They signed George Selvie, but will he be enough? They will also be hoping for improvement from Damontre Moore and a healthy recovery for Robert Ayers.

As currently situated, Manning and Pierre-Paul are the two most important players on the roster, with Manning have the edge for the top spot. If they were to lose either player this season it would be crippling to the Giants chances of success.

Next: Was A New York Giant the best player in NY last season?

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