It may not sink in until Sunday, but the Tom Coughlin era in New York is over.

Ben McAdoo is the new man in charge and he’s excited for the challenge. 

“We (need to) put the fifth trophy in the case,” McAdoo stated. “Period. That’s it. There’s only one goal in this business.”

This proud franchise hasn’t seen postseason football since they won the Super Bowl back in 2011 over the New England Patriots, but that could very well change this season.

As we’re nearing the beginning of the NFL season, there’s tons of optimism surrounding the New York Giants and for good reason.

Last year, the Giants arguably fielded the most pathetic defense in the entire league. As an unit, they ranked dead last in yards allowed and pass defense. Not to mention, they finished 30th in sacks, 31st in first downs allowed, last in third down efficiency and 30th in points allowed per contest.

In an effort to correct things on that side of the ball, general manager Jerry Reese dished out nearly $200 million to sign defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and cornerback Janoris Jenkins.

After immense criticism, Reese acknowledged his past mistakes at the end of the last season, but he wanted to make sure people know it’s not entirely just on him.

“Let me say this: You always miss on some draft picks,” Reese said. “I take full responsibility for every player that’s been on this roster from the time I’ve been director of player personnel until right now, so I’ll take full responsibility — even though everybody’s involved with the grading players, and the players we take. I don’t try to have full control of everything. Our coaching staff is involved, our personnel staff is involved, everybody’s involved.”

The hope around Giants camp is that this offseason’s acquisitions will pan out.

Nonetheless, New York’s linebacker core still lives you with less to desire, but we must factor in that Jason Pierre-Paul was a one handed player for eight games last year and considering he’s in a contract year, one must assume he’ll be highly motivated to produce.

Now, it’s safe to say this defense should be better than last year but that’s not saying much to be quite frank.

If this team has any desire of winning Super Bowl LI, it’ll come down to the arm of Eli Manning.  Since his big brother Peyton Manning is gone, it lives us with Eli as the most seasoned starting quarterback in the league.

There’s little to no doubt that Eli can and most likely will produce at a high level this season, especially when you have a receiver by the name of Odell Beckham Jr.

In addition to OBJ, Eli will have Victor Cruz back at his disposal and let’s not forget Sterling Shepard.

For the most part, putting up points shouldn’t be a major issue for New York, but when facing a team with a stout pass rush and secondary, the Giants will have to run the play and that’s clearly not their strong point.

The Giants ranked in the bottom half in term of total rushing and they were tied for second to last in rushing touchdowns with only a mere five on the season.

To win the Super Bowl, you must have a solid defense and reliable running attack.

New York doesn’t have either one.