EAST RUTHERFORD — There are four Vince Lombardi trophies on display inside the lobby of the Giants' training facility.

Those spoils are the franchise's pride and joy, the collection of championship hardware representative of the challenge Ben McAdoo laid at the feet of his team prior to his first season as head coach last year.

Put the fifth trophy in the case.

The Giants reached the playoffs for the first time since winning their fourth Lombardi in Super Bowl XLVI, of course, winning 11 games in what was a successful debut on the sideline for McAdoo despite a disappointing loss in the playoffs.

The next chapter begins when training camp opens Thursday. Here are the five story lines that will shape the next month or so for Big Blue in advance of the Sept. 10 regular season opener in Texas against the Cowboys in prime time.

1. Great Expectations

From the hunter to the hunted, the Giants won't be sneaking up on anyone.

They are legitimate contenders in the NFC East with Super Bowl aspirations thanks to a dominant defense that returns nine starters and features plenty of playmaking options on offense. The pressure will be on McAdoo to improve the production of that offense, quarterback Eli Manning to take advantage of a collection of weapons considered among the league's best.

This won't be easy, and even before the games are played, the Giants will have to show they can handle prosperity while rediscovering the hunger that was evident in their run to the postseason a year ago. A Giants team has not been this confident — with as few question marks — since 2008 when it was the defending Super Bowl champion.

2. Hart and Sole (on the Blind Side)

Ereck Flowers and Bobby Hart have done what they can to build optimism regarding their presence as offensive line bookends. But make no mistake: that optimism is certainly guarded, which means Flowers (at left tackle) and Hart (at right tackle) will be under the microscope throughout camp.

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There is no clear option on the roster to replace Flowers should he struggle, and the Giants know they might not get a true answer as to how much he has improved until the games begin. Hart is in the lead of a competition with rookie Adam Bisnowaty and the likely addition of D.J. Fluker at some point if veteran John Jerry performs at right guard.

It will be a leap of faith for Big Blue when it comes to Flowers and Hart, and they are still young enough to foster hope of improvement from what they have shown to this point.

3. Dynamic Duo

Two seasons ago, Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall were at the center of a debate over who was the best receiver in New York/New Jersey football circles.

Now they're on the same team.

The 6-foot-4 Marshall is a perfect fit as one of Manning's targets in an offense that already included Beckham as its center piece with Sterling Shepard in the slot looking to build on a solid rookie campaign and first-round tight end Evan Engram now in the fold. Marshall's desire to reach the playoffs for the first time in his 11-year career has been evident since he signed with the Giants, and he has said all the right things.

Beckham's absence in OTAs created a stir, but he has vowed to be better this season than he has been in three previous record-setting campaigns. They are remarkable talents with big personalities that will garner attention seemingly every day of camp.

4. Kick Starter

Aldrick Rosas has never kicked in an NFL game, but that on its own has not caused the Giants to back down from the opinion that he could be their guy this season.

They used three kickers last year thanks in part to the suspension and ultimate release of Josh Brown. Rosas has received rave reviews thus far, and his audition will ramp up in intensity throughout the next month or so.

Expect the Giants to do things in camp to try and apply some pressure on Rosas with contests and such, especially if he continues to be the lone kicker on the roster. The preseason games could go a long way in determining if he's ready.

5. Backing Up the Mann

Manning has started 211 consecutive games, including playoffs, good enough for the third-longest streak in NFL history for a quarterback behind Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

Because of his durability, not to mention the presence of rookie Davis Webb, Geno Smith and Josh Johnson likely are competing for the backup job. Smith is recovering from ACL surgery, while Johnson took the No. 2 gig from Ryan Nassib last year.

Expect both Smith and Johnson to get a lot of time in the preseason games, but so will Webb, whose performance in the spring was impressive.