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 looks designed, if it really was, would you not think that they would have made it look like a more convincing sack? 

Either way, Strahan dominated offensive tackles his whole career.  His career total of 141.5 sacks puts him at .655 sacks a game.  That means he averaged more than a sack every other game, throughout his career. 

He had six years with more than 10 sacks, including three in a row. When it came to putting pressure on the quarterback, Strahan was one of the best ever. He is definitely better than NFL Network's ranking of him in seventh 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 opposing runners from dominating.  The only familiar face on the line all those years was Michael Strahan's.

These numbers, and his recent Super Bowl win, will put Strahan in the Hall of Fame.  No football fan would suggest Strahan will not make it to Canton.  After all, he is one of the best defensive ends ever, and probably the one who had the most character.

Now that Strahan has announced his 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, whether they decide to place Tuck there or move Kiwanuka back to the end position.

The Giants' problem 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, and much success in your future off the field.  Finally, thank you for the years of fantastic play.