And here we go....

This weekend kicks off the 2009 NFL season and I think we can expect some pretty good games from our two local teams this year. Both teams will be an interesting watch every weekend because of the changes that were made during the offseason.

Giants
The main concern for the Giants was replacing Plaxico Burress, which is much easier said than done, so they opted to use the draft to find a receiver and may have struck gold with Hakeem Nicks. During the preseason against second- and third-string defenses he made some spectacular plays and looks like he has the tools to become the downfield threat that Big Blue was looking for.

The defense was the main focus during the offseason and getting Osi Umenyiora back is like having another first-round pick join the team. His quickness from the outside is so important to the Giants defensive scheme because it allows Justin Tuck to move into the middle of the line where he was most effective two years ago.

The two biggest additions to the team were Michael Boley and Chris Canty. Boley is the type of linebacker the Giants will need because of his ability to drop back into coverage against players like Brian Westbrook. Canty is a mammoth of a man much like Tuck who will add to the constant pass rush which is the most important element of the defense.

The Giants will have to get off to a good start because of their tough second-half schedule, but overall I think we can expect a good season from them with about 10 wins and a playoff berth.

Jets
The Jets come into the season with a whole new mental makeover, which will model their new coach Rex Ryan. Much like his father, Ryan brings a confidence and a toughness that the Jets never had with Eric Mangini, but it remains to be seen whether that translates into wins.

Linebacker Bart Scott was the Jets' most important addition and he brings the toughness and the physical nature that Ryan wants to establish. His leadership on and off the field will be just as important as his play during the season. I also love the addition of safety Jim Leonhard, another one of Ryan's guys from Baltimore who will bring more of the physical style of play he prefers.

The biggest news for the Jets was the draft addition of Mark Sanchez, who represents the future of the franchise. Ryan made the right move in naming Sanchez the starter, and he looked very good in the preseason with quickness and the pocket presence that few rookies have in their first season. I know that Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan had spectacular seasons last year, but I hope that Jets fans are patient with Sanchez for a while because I do think he will be a good leader for the team for many years.

Since Bill Parcells was here, all of the Jets coaches had winning seasons in their first years with the team and I think Ryan will do the same. The Patriots are clearly the best team in the AFC East and are the favorite, but I think the Dolphins' schedule is brutal and the Bills will have a mediocre year at best, so it is not unrealistic to believe that Jets can win nine or 10 games depending on the play of Sanchez.