ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Giants certainly have managed to find things to motivate them. One of the main motivating factors in camp is that the Giants feel a lack of respect from some prognosticators picking the Eagles or Cowboys in the NFC East.

Chris Canty said he has heard some of his peers around the league say the Giants were fortunate last year to win it all.

"Well obviously, some of the things that you heard around the league, in this offseason, amongst peers is, this Giants team was lucky last year," Canty said. "They were lucky. They just fell into the Super Bowl and it happened. I think a lot of guys take that personal. Obviously it is fuel to the fire, it is motivation to prove that this is a good football team. We understand how to win, we understand what it takes to be successful and guys were excited to get back here and get back to work."

Canty didn't elaborate on who those "peers" are. But certainly that will be fuel for the Giants.

Canty is hoping to get back on the field soon. The Giants are playing things safe with their starting defensive tackle, who underwent surgery on his knee in the offseason. Tom Coughlin said that it could be a while before Canty is ready to practice.

"I thought there was an outside shot (to be ready for camp) but obviously that wasn’t the case," Canty said. "I will be honest with you, I have no idea (how long it will take). If boss said it is going to be a while, it is going to be a while."

Canty doesn't have a timetable for his return but says he does not want to miss the season opener against his former Dallas team.

"It is the first time I haven’t started a camp on time in my pro career," Canty said. "I definitely wouldn’t want to miss that one (against Dallas). I don’t know if we are going to get into setting (return) dates or anything like that. Obviously I defer to the medical staff and coach."

Canty said he has been running and lifting weights and doing work in the pool.