(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
New York Giants Report
October 13, 2009
The exhausting question I have been asked by many NFL fans this year repeats like a broken record. Are the New York Giants for real? My answer to the doubters is always the same. You better believe it!
Starting the season at 5-0 for only the third time in team history and for only the second time in about two decades speaks volumes. However, the level of competition they have faced so far (Redskins, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Chiefs, Raiders) doesn't say much.
The teams the G-men have played thus far were supposed to be beaten. They were inferior teams and just another step in the journey of getting to the playoffs. And Yes, this includes the Dallas Cowboys.
The difference from previous years (pre Manning) is that the Giants actually won the games they were supposed to win. They are also doing it in dramatic fashion, including going 2-0 in the NFC East division. They have an extremely balanced team on both offense and defense. Something the coaches and front office should take a lot of credit for. They are now arguably the best team in football.
Big Blue is statistically a top ten team in multiple categories. One of the more surprising categories include the wide receivers, which were perceived to be an "issue" before the start of the year. I was one of the worry warts, I have to admit it.
Superbowl MVP Eli Manning has been outstanding this season and looks to be on pace for a career year. He played well in his last game (the Raiders destruction 44-7) even though he had an injured heel. Hopefully, he can continue his Iron Man streak and fight through the pain for the rest of the season.
Defense wins championships. We have all heard this phrase ever since playing Pop Warner football. The Giants organization knows this well and has prepared this team for a long battle to the top.
The point I like to make most, when discussing football with some friends and family, is that the Giants aren't even fully healthy yet. Can you imagine this team at full strength? They could go 15-1 at full health without blinking an eye.
With each passing game comes another week of rest for the banged up and bruised. Sooner or later, like fine wine, this team will emerge stronger and vibrant. I can easily see them dominating from the week 10 bye, straight through the playoffs.
The Giants will repeat as NFC East Champions and make it back to the playoffs for a 5th straight year. They will go deep into the playoffs and make it back to the Super Bowl. They will beat who ever they face in the Super Bowl and get their second ring in three years. That sums up my feelings for the remainder of the season.
The Giants play the New Orleans Saints this weekend in what many say will be the biggest test they have faced all year. I agree with that statement and playing in New Orleans doesn't help. My question is, if the Giants beat the Saints at home, does that make them the best team in the NFL?
Are the New York Giants for real? What do you think?
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