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| | Saturday, August 12 Giants: Dayne carries a big load | |||||||||||||||
| By Tom Oates Special to ESPN.com The New York Giants have been going backward since they posted a 10-5-1 record under first-year coach Jim Fassel in 1997. After slumping to 7-9 last year, the organization sent Fassel a message in the form of a one-year contract extension. It's now clear that if Fassel doesn't win this year, he's gone. At least Fassel will have a fighting chance. The Giants finally have a potential franchise back in Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne and they retooled the offensive line and the secondary, letting high-priced non-producers go and rolling the dice with younger players. If Dayne is the real deal and the defense stays healthy, the playoffs are possible.
Fassel is hopeful that Dayne will end his four-year search for a franchise back. Fassel's halfback-by-committee approach will be scrapped for Dayne, the all-time leading rusher in NCAA history. There are worries about Dayne's history of weight gain and nagging injuries, but he's a 260-pound hammer with surprisingly nimble feet. If he can overpower NFL defenses like he did college defenses, not a guarantee behind a questionable line, Fassel's offense could take a giant step forward. Key position battle Luke Petitgout, the 1999 first-round draft pick, flopped at left guard last season. He will be moved to his more natural right tackle position, where he will battle with free agent Glenn Parker for the starting job. If Petitgout beats out Parker, the latter will probably move to left guard, which would give the Giants four new starters on the offensive line. Biggest adjustment After changing quarterbacks near midseason for three straight years, Fassel believes he's finally found a keeper in Kerry Collins. Collins, who no longer drinks alcohol, was somewhat erratic but generally impressive in six starts late last season. No one will be happier than Fassel if Collins asserts himself as the long-term starter. One thing is for sure, the Giants have their best group of receivers in many years. Rookie report With the exception of Dayne, there will be little immediate help from the draft. Fifth-round cornerback Ralph Brown might have the best chance to help right away, mostly because the secondary ranks have been thinned by free agency.
| ALSO SEE Cardinals: Plummer has to fix leaks Cowboys: Time is ticking away Eagles: Lofty expectations Redskins: Super offseason AUDIO/VIDEO   Merill Hoge says Ron Dayne is vital to the Giants' success.wav: 666 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Coach Jim Fassell liked what he saw in Ron Dayne Saturday.wav: 116 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Jim Fassel on first round draft pick Ron Dayne.wav: 498 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Coach Fassel thinks the Giants can execute the "quick strike" offense.wav: 743 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Depth in the defensive secondary may be an area of concern for the Giants.wav: 901 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Jessie Armstead and the Giants have matured.wav: 99 k RealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 | |||||||||||||||
