Pat Kirwan has come up with six intriguing storylines to monitor now that the preseason is over, including a method teams could employ to effectively attack the Eagles' "Dream Team" defense.

The New York Giants are expected to place linebacker Clint Sintim on injured reserve with a torn ACL, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

A new coordinator. Antonio Pierce gone. Kenny Phillips' health in the balance. And Osi Umenyiora on the bench? The Giants need to figure out their defense, because the teams' success depends on it.

While the common thinking goes that players improve entering their second year, the evidence suggests that rookie pass rushers who struggled initially will continue to disappoint.

There's only so much the Giants' talented, revamped defensive line can do. The rest is up to Eli Manning, who must exude higher levels of confidence while surrounded by a young group of eager WRs.