The New York Giants gather at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford, N.J. for the opening of their offseason training program on Monday. This is not the opening of training camp, or even a mini-camp. It is, however, the first time the Giants have gathered as a team since they finished celebrating their 2012 Super Bowl championship.
Thus, Monday marks the official beginning of the Giants' work toward defending the fourth Super Bowl title in franchise history.
Already some things have changed. Running back Brandon Jacobs and wide receiver Mario Manningham are gone, having signed with the San Francisco 49ers. Cornerback Aaron Ross is a Jacksonville Jaguar. The biggest names among the newcomers are tight end Martellus Bennett, acquired as a free agent, and linebacker Keith Rivers, obtained in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Perennially unhappy defensive end Osi Umenyiora is expected to be a no-show at the OTAs, which are voluntary. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw, recuperating from a bone marrow injection aimed at helping his troublesome feet, is not expected to participate in OTAs or any mini-camps.
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