No one seems to allow the possibility of the New York Football Giants repeating as Super Bowl Champions to enter their mind. Heck, they haven't even been given a chance to play a postseason game!
"Oh, it's the Super Bowl hangover! They're satisfied with winning it all last year."
I believe in a Super Bowl hangover as much as I believe in the Madden Curse (not at all). Yes, Super-Bowl-winning teams have been known to fall off the wagon the following year, so to speak.
However, the Denver Broncos (‘97/’98) and New England Patriots (‘03/’04) have set precedents for the opposite of that result in recent years.
The New York Giants may not repeat again, but for anyone to count them out of even having a chance to defend their title is perplexing. I already know what is coming, too.
People will say the following:
- They play in the toughest division in football, known as the NFC East.
- The Dallas Cowboys look poised for a serious playoff run.
- Michael Strahan, Gibril Wilson, Kawika Mitchell, and Jeremy Shockey have left the team.
- Plaxico Burress’s ankle is still injured.
- Eli Manning needs to prove his consistency.
These are all valid reasons as to why the Giants may not repeat.
Yet, I find it hard to believe that fans, writers, and analysts alike forget a few minor details (sarcasm).
For starters, the Giants are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Their Super Bowl victory was not like the Baltimore Ravens' in 2000 or Tampa Bay Buccaneers' in 2002, where the winning teams consisted of a handful of veterans. Rather, the Giants are a nice combination of veterans and young talent that stepped up big time.
Offensively, the G-Men are incredibly deep at running back. The depth chart consists of Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, and the returning Derrick Ward. For those that have a bit of memory loss, Ward was a former seventh-round pick that rushed for 602 yards and three touchdowns in eight games.
At Ward's rate, he would have been on pace for 1,000 rushing yards, had it not been for a fibula injury that ended his season Week 13. Ward may not have been on the Super Bowl squad, but he was a key component in the Giants winning six-straight games during the regular season and obtaining a wild-card spot.
Jeremy Shockey is noticeably absent. Despite the lack of the former Pro Bowl tight end in their lineup, Kevin Boss proved he could hang with the best during Super Bowl XLII for Big Blue.
Eli Manning had a breakout performance during the postseason and will be even more motivated to prove his doubters wrong come September. The best things a quarterback can benefit from are practice, big-game experience, and, oh right—having Peyton Manning as your brother.
Wide receiver Plaxico Burress is also a potential Pro Bowler every year. The man had 1,025 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns last season on an injured ankle. He may not be fully healed, but should be close to 100 percent come opening day.
Even if he is not fully recovered, the receiving core of Steve Smith, Amani Toomer, Sinorice Moss, and occasionally—Super Bowl hero David Tyree.
Youth is not limited to the Giants' offensive side of the ball. Defensively, the boys in blue still have young studs by the likes of Justin Tuck, Aaron Ross, Kenny Phillips, and Corey Webster.
Perhaps New York's greatest loss is the now-retired defensive end Michael Strahan. Strahan brought defensive toughness, experience, and of course—leadership. Do not discount Antonio Pierce, though. The man has had a commanding presence with the team since 2005, and he is still in his physical prime.
With all that being said, the Giants do have a ways to go before they can defend their title in the postseason. On paper, their schedule seems incredibly tough—one that includes six games with their division rivals.
The schedule also has New York penned in against the playoff-hopeful Browns, Seahawks, Steelers, and Vikings.
Do the math. Those are at least 10 difficult challenges this season for the New York Giants. I do not disagree with people's sentiments if they say the champs are not even the best team in their division—as long as they are talking about regular-season records.
I can see the Cowboys winning the division, just like they did last season. After all, they are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball.
That does not mean the Giants cannot win the division, obtain a wild-card berth, or that their Super Bowl dreams are dead before even starting. No team is perfect—as New York proved last year. The Dallas Cowboys proved that at the worst possible time—the postseason.
If I was a betting man, I would take the reigning Super Bowl Champions with a great combination of youth, veteran presence, and playoff experience to represent the NFC in February—or at least go deep in the playoffs.
Frankly, it does not matter what the Giants' regular-season record is in 2008—as long as they make the playoffs. Once they are there, anything is possible. Their odds of repeating are quite slim, but make no mistake about it; if any team can defy the odds, it's the New York Football Giants.
But don't take my word for it. Just ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and New England Patriots.
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