With the NFL lockout finally in the past, the Giants will open training camp today at the Timex Performance Center in East Rutherford. Here's a look at the team heading into it:

WHAT'S NEW

Offensive Line

The biggest story of the first post-lockout week for the Giants was the release of two veteran offensive linemen who were among the leaders in the locker room: center Shaun O'Hara and guard Rich Seubert. Their walking papers begin a new era for the offensive line, one that will include William Beatty at left tackle and free agent acquisition David Baas at center.

Training Camp Site

The Giants will practice at their team headquarters in East Rutherford for the first time. The camp will be a departure from Albany, N.Y., where the Giants have visited every summer since 1996. Although the Giants surrender the collegial feel and hurt their upstate fans, the Timex Performance Center has state-of-the-art locker rooms and training facilities.

Night Practices

The lack of two-a-days and the lockout-mired offseason prompted Tom Coughlin to schedule practices at night. The Giants will have a walk-through in the morning and hold meetings in the afternoon, with the night practice available to the public. It will be a change of pace for the players, but could be rewarding for fans who will not even need to take off from work to watch the Giants practice.

WHAT'S NOT

Tom Coughlin

By the time the regular season commences, the Giants coach will be 65. He's shown no signs of slowing down and the team rewarded the Super Bowl-winning coach with a contract extension through 2012. Coughlin's job security was an issue during consecutive late-season collapses, although the team continues to pledge confidence. Still, a one-year extension does not guarantee Coughlin's still the coach if the Giants again fail to reach the postseason.

Linebacker Concerns

The Giants entered last season with concerns at linebacker. It appears they'll enter training camp with those same questions. Starters Michael Boley and Jonathan Goff return, and the team is hoping for production out of 2010 second-round pick Clint Sintim, who struggled last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury. The Giants have two late-round rookie linebackers and rookie free agents, but unless they add another veteran, there will be a lot of pressure on Boley, Goff and Sintim to perform.

FOUR QUESTIONS

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1. Will Plaxico Sign?

The most intriguing storyline will be what happens tonight between Tom Coughin and Plaxico Burress when the two are expected to meet. If the old-school coach and the troubled wide receiver can set aside their differences, Burress could re-join the Giants. Whether he's still a productive receiver at 33 and just under three years removed from his last NFL snap will then become the key question.

2. What About Osi?

Osi Umenyiora is not happy with his contract and the issue could linger into camp. If Umenyiora's contract remains status quo, defensive captain Justin Tuck predicted Umenyiora would not show up today. The 29-year-old two-time Pro Bowler finished last season with 11 1/2 sacks and 10 forced fumbles, showing that he can still be a dominant pass rusher.

3. Who Will Play Defensive Tackle?

With Barry Cofield and Rocky Bernard no longer on the roster, pay attention to Linval Joseph and Marvin Austin. The second-round picks in 2010 and 2011, respectively, will join Chris Canty on the depleted interior of the defensive line. The Giants are high on both players, and if they flash their potential, you'll be witnessing the defense's duo for years to come.

4. Who's The Most Popular Rookie?

The rookie with the greatest fanfare might not be first-round pick Prince Amukamara, above ­— or anyone the Giants drafted in April. Instead, undrafted free agent Mark Herzlich, a linebacker from Boston College, will likely be a fan favorite. It's with good reason, too. Herzlich survived cancer and returned to the football field last season. Although the Giants like what Herzlich stands for, they're going to want to see if Herzlich can play to pledge any future in the prospect.

A NEW YEAR

Some Giants are fortunate that 2010 is behind them and need big years in 2011:

Eli Manning, quarterback

2010: Although Eli Manning passed for a career-high 31 touchdowns, his season was marred by 25 interceptions. Not all were his fault, as tipped passes and injuries to his receiving corps contributed to the total. Yet it was clear that the Giants could not be a Super Bowl contender if they turned the ball over at such an alarming rate.

2011: Manning will benefit from a more experienced receiving corps, particularly if Plaxico Burress and Steve Smith sign with the Giants. Manning has familiarity with both. He also needs to throw the ball away more frequently, and perhaps even take a sack. Still, he's the franchise player and provides stability to the most important position on the field.

Linval Joseph

2010: Joseph didn't underachieve last season — the Giants drafted him based on value, not need — but he played in only six games and mostly on special teams. The team was high on Joseph's development in practice, though, and is optimistic about his future.

2011: The optimism has an opportunity to be immediately realized. Unless the Giants sign a starting-caliber defensive tackle, Joseph will battle with Marvin Austin for a chance to earn the stating job.

Victor Cruz, wide receiver

2010: The feel-good story of last season's training camp, Cruz was a preseason darling and regular season flop. He played in only three games before the Giants placed him on injured reserve. He did not record a single regular-season catch after his 15 catches for 297 yards and four touchdowns dazzled during the preseason.

2011: Cruz will have a hard fight to make the roster if the Giants add Burress and keep Smith. The team already has Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham, meaning those last spots will come down to special teams. Cruz did not excel in that area last season, but has experience on his side in 2011.

Tom Quinn, special teams coordinator

2010: The Giants' special teams were mostly a disaster last season, from struggles in the return game to Matt Dodge's punting inconsistencies. Tom Coughlin did not fire Quinn, who will need his unit to show improvement in 2011 if the Giants are going to be successful.

2011: Quinn will benefit from late-round picks drafted specifically for special teams. Pay attention to Tyler Sash and Jacquian Williams as core special teamers and Jerel Jernigan as a returner. The Giants also added former special teams ace Larry Izzo as an assistant special teams coach.

CAMP SCHEDULE

Saturday

6-8:10 p.m.

Sunday

6-8:10 p.m.

Monday

6-8:10 p.m.

Wednesday

6-8:10 p.m.

Thursday

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 5

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 6

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 7

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 8

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 10

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 11

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 15

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 16

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 18

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 19

6-8:10 p.m.

Aug. 20

6-8:10 p.m.

Zach Berman: zberman@starledger.com