Each year, the preseason usually causes the end of the season for a big name player. (And often times, his team)  This year unfortunately is no different.  This time, the victim is the defending champion New York Giants.

Star defensive end Osi Umenyiora was injured in the Giants preseason game last night, and according to NFL.com's Adam Schefter, he has a torn MCL and requires season ending surgery. 

Anyone who watches football knows that Osi was a HUGE reason that the Giants went on the postseason run they did.  Him, along with Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck, were pass rushing machines.  Osi in the regular season had 13 sacks and five forced fumbles.

But now, things are looking bleak for the Giants.  In the offseason, they lost Strahan to retirement, and now they've lost Osi.  That's 22 sacks that have disappeared for the Giants, and without those guys, it's probably safe to say that Tuck won't be as successful either.  Plus the fact that they lost two other defensive starters in the offseason, (Gibril Wilson and Kawika Mitchell) Giants fans have plenty reason to be concerned.

Who do they put in Osi's slot?  The next best end they have is an old Renaldo Wynn, who is less than stellar.  There is a chance that LB Mathias Kiwanuka will move back to DE, but they also really don't have anyone to put in that linebacker spot.  And in a division that annually has three playoff teams, it's certainly not to unrealistic to think the Giants could be the odd team out.  Dallas looks strong, Washington hasn't gotten weaker, and the Eagles have improved.

The lesson of this is the same.  Having four preseason games is absolutely absurd.  There is no reason for four games, but because they can screw season ticket holders into to buying them, there will continue to be four preseason games, and there will continue to be teams who have their season ruined by the preseason.

Unfortunately for the Giants, this year, they are the victim.

[NFL.com] Giants' Umenyiora requires season-ending knee surgery