Deck Stacked Against Eli Manning

If the Giants go down in flames this season, there's no doubt throngs of fingers will be pointed at quarterback Eli Manning.

And the way things are shaping up, the stage is set for a trying season. Or perhaps it should be called a trap.

Even if Manning finally steps up and starts to fulfill his enormous potential, there are several factors working against the Giants emerging as a strong NFC contender.

The glaring issue is the absence of running back Tiki Barber. The Giants hope his slashing dimension can be replaced by the bruising package Brandon Jacobs brings. But it will be difficult for Jacobs to come anywhere close to matching what Barber brought to the offense as a receiver and big-play threat.

And even Barber might have had problems matching his typical numbers after left tackle Luke Petitgout was released. Yes, Petitgout is on the backside of his solid career, but the Giants chose not to bring in a veteran free agent or high draft pick. Instead, left guard David Diehl is being asked to slide to tackle, where he has precious little experience.

The good news for Manning is second-year wide receiver Sinorice Moss and rookie Steve Smith are coming off strong training camps, and starter Amani Toomer looks to be fully recovered from knee surgery. The bad news is the Giants' most physically gifted wideout, Plaxico Burress, has already dealt with knee, ankle and back issues leading up to the season opener.

That's just the offense. Consider the drama surrounding defensive end Michael Strahan, a subpar secondary and the superior talent in Dallas and Philadelphia within the division, and one has to begin to think Manning might be fighting an uphill battle -- but this time not of his own doing.