The New York Giants might be coming off of a disappointing 2012 season, but there is plenty to be optimistic about in 2013. Despite missing the playoffs, there were a number of Giants players that stood out — especially towards the end of the year — and they will have an opportunity to take the next step with more playing time.
The Giants intend on returning to the postseason, but it will take more than just their big stars to get there. Wide receiver Victor Cruz, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and linebacker Chase Blackburn were key players that took the next step when the G-Men won the Super Bowl in 2011. Here’s a look at four Giants players that are ready to have a breakout year in 2013.
David Wilson, RB
Getting the obvious one out of the way, 2012 first-rounder David Wilson is expected to be a key piece in the offensive attack. The running back had a number of breakout performances toward the end of his rookie campaign and he will likely be the No.1 guy this upcoming season. Though the NFL game has shifted towards a pass-first offense, the Giants are still one of a few teams that prefer to run a well-balanced attack. Wilson will be called on to carry the football much more in his second season.
The running back started 2012 in head coach Tom Coughlin’s doghouse following a fumble in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys. But he slowly made his way out, finishing with four rushing touchdowns, 1,533 kick return yards and a 97-yard touchdown. Of his 358 rushing yards, 247 came in the Giants’ final four games.
Rueben Randle, WR
As with Wilson, it took the Giants’ second-round pick, Rueben Randle, time to catch on during his rookie year. But as the season led on, the former LSU Tiger became a formidable target for quarterback Eli Manning.
Randle had eight catches for 140 yards and three touchdowns in the final six games. He is a spectacular possession receiver that could be a valuable asset alongside downfield threat Hakeem Nicks and superstar playmaker Victor Cruz.
With another summer to work with Manning and the Giant’s offense, Randle should continue to progress into another quality receiving talent. Domenik Hixon’s departure and Cruz’s uncertain future could make Randle a very important figure on New York’s game plan.
Prince Amukamara, CB
The Giants’ secondary has not been very good over the last few years, but 2011 first-round cornerback Prince Amukamara made great strides this past season. The Nebraska alum stepped up and showed improvement in his coverage.
Amukamara starred, allowing just 375 yards in coverage which, according to Pro Football Focus, ranked as the fourth-fewest in the NFL. His 0.86 yards-per-coverage-snap-allowed was second only to the Denver Broncos’ Champ Bailey — a 12-time Pro Bowler.
Unfortunately, Amukamara continues to be an injury risk. He has played in just 20 of 32 possible games in his NFL career. In order to take that next step, he will need to do all he can to ensure his presence on the field every week.
Mathias Kiwanuka, DE
It’s hard to consider a guy who is 30 years old as a “breakout” player of any sort. Having spent most of his career at outside linebacker, however, 2013 could be a big year for the natural defensive end from Boston College.
In an attempt to ensure his presence on the field, the Giants have used Kiwanuka primarily as a strongside linebacker since 2007. In that time, he’s played well and has recorded 30 sacks. In 2013 he will have the first opportunity in quite a while to prove he is — and always was — a lethal pass rusher.
For a Giants defense that had a down year in the sacks department, Kiwanuka’s production will be pivotal. The defense needs the pass rush to play at its best in order to camouflage the unit’s sputtering coverage group. If Kiwi can replicate his 2008 performance during which he recorded eight sacks, the Giants should be in good shape.
Marvin Austin, DT
For the former second-round pick from North Carolina, 2013 will be a make-or-break year. The defensive end has done very little since being drafted by the Giants, battling with injuries in each of his first two seasons. But the departures of defensive linemen Chris Canty and Osi Umenyiora will force Austin to prove himself to the Giants. The pass rush was dismal in 2012, and Coughlin and defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will not accept mediocrity again in the upcoming season.
In order to have a successful pass rush, sufficient pressure must be generated up the middle. Quarterbacks in today’s NFL will thrive if defenders are not immediately in their face. Austin could be that guy in 2013.
Austin was a force in college for the Tar Heels, recording nine sacks and 14 quarterback pressures in 38 games. At 6-foot-2, 312 pounds, Austin has the size and potential to be a key cog in the middle for Big Blue. But first, he must make it through the summer in healthy condition.
Louis Musto is a reporter and sports talk host for the Sports Journey Broadcast Network. You can follow him on Twitter @LouisMusto.