Michael Strahan's Career at a Glance: the Giant Heads into the Sunset

After 15 years in the National Football League, Michael Strahan has decided to call it a career after winning Super Bowl XLII.  What a great way to go out.  It really is a fairy tale ending for the single season sack king and all-time sack leader for the Giants.

That being said, let us make something clear.  No record was handed to Strahan.  Watching that infamous play when Brett Favre rolled out and fell down will always be pinned on his career in a negative fashion.

However, look at the facts.  At that point in the game, the Packers were well enough ahead of the Giants to not force any throws.  Favre had his back to Strahan's side until he completed the fake hand off and started to roll out. 

Does it cross your mind that he saw Strahan coming, took a quick look around for a receiver, and then decided to take a light sack instead of forcing the ball into coverage?  While you could argue it looked designed, if it really was, would you not think that they would have made it look like a more convincing sack? 

Alright. That being said, either way, Strahan dominated offensive tackles his whole career.  His career total of 141.5 sacks puts him at .655 sacks a game.  Meaning that he averaged more than a sack every other game throughout his career. 

He had three straight years with more than ten sacks. Also, six times in his career he had more than ten sacks in a season.

When it came to putting pressure on the quarterback, Strahan was one of the best ever.  Definitely better than The NFL Network's 7th place all-time. 

Not enough noise is made about Strahan's run stopping ability. 

The New York Giants' defense may have had many years of poor pass defense, however the defensive line always seemed to be able to put up sacks, and keep the running game of opponents from dominating.  The only familiar face on the line all those years was Michael Strahan's.

These numbers, and his recent Super Bowl will put Strahan in the Hall of Fame. 

There is no ligament argument that any football fan could come up with that would suggest Strahan will not make it to Canton.  After all, he is one of the best defensive ends to ever play, and probably the one who had the most character.

Now that Strahan has announced retirement, the Giants will need to replace more than a defensive end.  In fact, that will not be the problem at all, considering they have ample talent at that position.  They have options whether they decide to place Tuck there or move Kiwanuka back to the end position. 

The problem that the Giants face is replacing a player who has seen it all the way through with this organization.  They need to replace the heart and soul of the defense. 

The most likely candidates for defensive captain would be Osi Umenyiora, who may eventually put together a career as fine as Strahan's, or Antonio Pierce, who has become a dominating middle linebacker. 

Either way, it is up to the players on the Giants' defense to trust their new locker room leader while keeping the same drive and dedication Strahan will take with him.

Farewell Michael Strahan, much success in your future off the field.  And finally, thank you for the years of fantastic play you have allowed football fans to see.