Finally in the Red
By Superfan
Let me start by saying congrats to Tom Coughlin for winning his 50th regular season game as the Giants head coach on Sunday. Any coach couldn’t have asked for more than what the Giants showed against Tampa Bay, and it was fitting that such a dominant victory would be the Coach’s 50th with the team (126th overall). A truly outstanding performance in each phase of the game. And given the crazy drama suffered by all Gmen fans last week, this made for an especially enjoyable viewing experience. No drama, no migraines, no near-ulcers – no worries. Hopefully this will continue in our next couple match-ups.
Let’s break down just how successful we were last Sunday against Tampa Bay, given what the team really needed to focus on/improve upon. Above all, we hadn’t scored a red zone touchdown all season. In Tampa Bay, we did just that on our first two drives. Our defense was badly weakened due to injury, and new faces needed to step up. Well, our secondary got 1 pick and held Byron Leftwich to only 22 yards passing, while their running backs managed ten. Of course Tampa Bay isn’t what anyone would consider a “premiere offensive team,” but shutting any offense in the NFL down like that still says something. Lastly, our running game hadn’t been what Giants fans had come to expect in the first couple games, but they certainly turned that around Sunday, rushing for over 200 yards as a team. Over a hundred of them came from my boy, Mr. Ahmad Bradshaw. I’ve been saying for years how good this guy could be if he only got the necessary carries, and he proved me right. Atta boy! This with our star offensive lineman, Kareem McKenzie, sidelined for most of the game. And Steve Smith, your nickname is “the 3rd down maker.” Every time it’s 3rd-and-more than five, the ball goes his way, and he always seems to make a play. What a great option for any quarterback to have. Not to mention the team only committed five penalties all game. All-in-all, I’d say that was about as completely dominant a performance as you can get in this league. Well done, Gmen.
It was a fun day of football viewing for me, as I went over to my cousin Larry’s house to watch the game with my buddy JJ, the three of us watching football (and a little baseball) before getting ready for Yom Kippur services that evening. My cousin’s got DIRECTV Sunday Ticket, so we were able to jump from the end of the Gmen blowout to the dramatic finishes of the Jets and Vikings wins. When those were over, we switched over to ESPN to watch the Yankees clinch the division at home against the Red Sox. What a great day for a New York sports fan! Of course, I wouldn’t be a true NY fan if I didn’t feel at least a little skeptical about how great of a day it was (almost too good – some part of me knows something’s bound to happen to one of them).
It was very comforting to see that the back-ups were able to take care of business on defense with Phillips, Tuck, Canty, and Ross out (to name a few). This is a great sign, because we should be able to play well these next two weeks and keep those guys rested (except for Phillips, of course, who’s on the IR) as we prepare for a big match-up against the Saints. The loss of Phillips, which was announced last week, was a tough one to swallow for all Giants fans. A couple years ago, it happened to the linebacker core. Last season, it was the loss of Osi on the defensive line that hurt our defense for the season. This year, it’s Kenny Phillips and the secondary. It’s like the injury bug has been moving its way from front to back through the defense. Hopefully, this mean’s there’ll be no more positions to get weakened on the defense next season. This team has played well despite major injuries in the past, and there’s no reason to believe that shouldn’t continue this year (as was clearly demonstrated on Sunday).
As is the case with all Giants blowout victories, it’s comes with a certain negative to accompany all the positives – it’s a lot harder to write about a team when all things are clicking. Not to sound cynical, that’s just the way it is. So, let’s get to other issues worth talking about:
• One of the most underrated moves of the NFL offseason was Adam Schefter moving from NFL Network to a certain 4-letter network. I used to not be able to stand watching anything football related on that channel, but the addition of Adam alongside Chris Mortensen not only makes them more tolerable, but in fact informative. The NFL Network, on the other hand, lost a great on-air personality. Also, there’s nothing like hearing Chris Berman say “the geeeeeeee-men” while recapping a Giants game during “The Blitz.”
• The Jets are absolutely for real, as is Mark Sanchez. Mark Sanchez looks about as poised as any other QB in the league right now, and their defense is scary. I’m just glad we only had to play them in the pre-season this year.
• I didn’t think it was possible, but the Browns have gone from bad to worse. No only is their talent-level not there, but now they have player-coach conflicts galore off the field, something that wasn’t really a problem with this team last season. The Jets get a new coach, and get exponentially better, while the Browns get the Jets old coach and somehow get even worse…hey, I’m just saying…
• Regarding the whole “twitter” thing – I’m not just mad that players are airing their dirty laundry for the world to see on Twitter, but I’m especially mad that the media’s giving it so much attention! Why is every channel acknowledging all this tweeting?! It’s bad enough to focus on off-the-field issues instead of analyzing the games themselves, but to make special reference to social-blabbering technology?? That has absolutely nothing to do with professional sports in any way, and therefore has no reason getting constant on-air references. Save that garbage for TMZ, please.
Well, another week down, another Giants victory in the books. Don’t get too comfortable, though - despite their record, Kansas City’s always a tough place to play. The players and coaches know that, and won’t be taking the game too lightly I’m sure. Keep those e-mails and facebook messages coming, to gmensuperfan@gmail.com and “Gmen Superfan,” respectively. Until next week, GO GMEN!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
SuperFan: Giants vs. Cowboys (9/22/09)
Nice Pick, Jerry
By Superfan
Wow. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there should be an antibiotic for being a New York Giants fan. Still, you gotta love being a fan of this team. To go into Dallas, as they opened a new stadium which, according to NBC’s lead-in (probably at the request of Jerry Jones), was comparable to the Taj Majal, and WIN – doesn’t get much better than that in Week 2. I think they should get a snapshot of Jerry Jones’s expression at the end of that game, place it alongside a picture of him on the sidelines after we beat them in the divisional championship a couple years ago, frame them, and hang them somewhere in the new stadium when it opens next season (oh, I almost forgot to include the picture of him ring-deep in his nose after we made a pick of our own). Because I just love seeing his face after we beat them. He must hate the Gmen so much, and few things could make this Giants fan happier.
And what a crazy game it was! This team continues to prove people wrong week in and week out. Going into this game, there were several reasons why we wouldn’t win. “Our secondary was beaten up and too slow for Cowboy receivers.” They picked Romo off three times, with one getting run back for a TD (shoulda been two, but I’ll get to that later). “The receivers were unproven and too young to perform well enough in the spotlight.” Really? Two receiving touchdowns and nearly three hundred yards receiving between Steve Smith and Mario Manningham beg to differ. “The Cowboys defensive line were all over Eli last season, recording 12 sacks in the two match-ups.” And? They hardly laid a finger on the guy all game. Once again, the best offensive line in football showed everyone why they deserve that title.
As a character study in just falling short of being elite, Eli Manning might take the cake. I can’t understand it. For half of the game, you hate the guy, and the other half you love him. He’ll make a great play to get out of a sack, scrambling out of the pocket beautifully, only to miss a wide open receiver by twenty feet. But there’s no one I’d rather have behind center to lead a comeback drive in the fourth quarter. If he could only get over that little hump of inconsistency that’s plagued him his entire career, there’s no question he’d be one of the top three or four in the league. He’ll seem to show these flashes of brilliance at times on the field that make you wonder how someone with so much natural ability, intelligence, and toughness can, at times, make your insides churn. Maybe he’s past all that, and what we’re seeing are early-season jitters, simple timing mistakes that will take care of themselves as he spends more time with these young receivers on the field throughout the season. One thing’s for sure – he’s led us to two big divisional wins, with a pretty nice QB rating of 103.2 to show for it.
It’s funny how proud I was of our defense, despite giving up thirty-one points. Although they gave up that field goal just before the end of the first half, and let Dallas run all over them in the second half, they were still able to overcome the 105,000+ fan-fueled homefield advantage Dallas had going for them and successfully got in Romo’s head. Even though they didn’t sack him, they knocked him down quite a bit, and picked him off three times. And they did this even though it sure looked like the referees were doing everything in their power to not throw any flags on the Cowboys. It was almost as bad as those Big Ten referees that call the games in Notre Dame when a team from said conference come into town to play them. The first holding penalty called against Dallas didn’t happen until the 3rd quarter, and it was on their defense. Come on. And what Flozell Adams did to Justin Tuck was inexcusable. He shoulda been tossed from the game. The guy’s been playing like this his whole career, and all he gets for it each time is a little tripping penalty. If you get beat on a play, be a man and deal with it, but don’t cheat. Guys get hurt from cheap plays like that. Props to Justin Tuck for being the bigger man and not retaliating. It doesn’t hurt to show those other guys what true class is all about.
And how about these young receivers of ours! Steve Smith and Mario Manningham have done an excellent job stepping up in the clutch, and you can see the trust that’s developed between them and Eli. When Eli throws their way, he knows they have the playmaking abilities to catch the ball and do something with it. If only our game-plan could include Kevin Boss a little more, especially in the red zone, then we’d really be dominant passing team.
Lastly, I can’t forget to mention Lawrence Tynes, who always manages to step up and redeem himself when we need him most. Way to show up Wade’s ridiculous freeze attempt by striking it clean through the second time around.
Despite all the greatness that comes from such a huge win on the road against a division rival, there is room for cynicism (or as they say in the post game interviews – “improvement”). Once again, I’m going to have to repeat myself: if we continue to play scared in the red zone, we’ll never become a great team. Just like last week, when the team was driving early and getting the ball well into scoring position, we refused to throw the ball into the end zone, and had to settle for field goals. Which meant that for the second straight week, we barely scraped out a victory which in fact should have been a blowout. Coach Gilbride – you have to at least give the offense a chance to make something happen in the red zone.
This game was especially enjoyable to watch for me because I was back home in Jersey. All the old familiar faces came, and it was like a G-Men viewing reunion. My dad, my brother, my buddy Jon, and a few family friends were all over to watch it. Just like old times, the house was rocking Sunday night, and the nostalgia made for a great combination of joy and indigestion.
The game was made even better by the comments I received during the game from those of you I’ve now friended on facebook. I obviously can’t repeat any of the comments here, but they were quite hilarious and entertaining. If you haven’t yet, feel free to look me up under “Gmen Superfan.” Also, I love hearing from you via e-mail at gmensuperfan@gmail.com, so keep those coming.
While there is still room for improvement, as a Giants fan, you should be feeling pretty good. Can’t wait to invade Tampa Bay next Sunday! Until next week, GO G-MEN!!!!
By Superfan
Wow. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there should be an antibiotic for being a New York Giants fan. Still, you gotta love being a fan of this team. To go into Dallas, as they opened a new stadium which, according to NBC’s lead-in (probably at the request of Jerry Jones), was comparable to the Taj Majal, and WIN – doesn’t get much better than that in Week 2. I think they should get a snapshot of Jerry Jones’s expression at the end of that game, place it alongside a picture of him on the sidelines after we beat them in the divisional championship a couple years ago, frame them, and hang them somewhere in the new stadium when it opens next season (oh, I almost forgot to include the picture of him ring-deep in his nose after we made a pick of our own). Because I just love seeing his face after we beat them. He must hate the Gmen so much, and few things could make this Giants fan happier.
And what a crazy game it was! This team continues to prove people wrong week in and week out. Going into this game, there were several reasons why we wouldn’t win. “Our secondary was beaten up and too slow for Cowboy receivers.” They picked Romo off three times, with one getting run back for a TD (shoulda been two, but I’ll get to that later). “The receivers were unproven and too young to perform well enough in the spotlight.” Really? Two receiving touchdowns and nearly three hundred yards receiving between Steve Smith and Mario Manningham beg to differ. “The Cowboys defensive line were all over Eli last season, recording 12 sacks in the two match-ups.” And? They hardly laid a finger on the guy all game. Once again, the best offensive line in football showed everyone why they deserve that title.
As a character study in just falling short of being elite, Eli Manning might take the cake. I can’t understand it. For half of the game, you hate the guy, and the other half you love him. He’ll make a great play to get out of a sack, scrambling out of the pocket beautifully, only to miss a wide open receiver by twenty feet. But there’s no one I’d rather have behind center to lead a comeback drive in the fourth quarter. If he could only get over that little hump of inconsistency that’s plagued him his entire career, there’s no question he’d be one of the top three or four in the league. He’ll seem to show these flashes of brilliance at times on the field that make you wonder how someone with so much natural ability, intelligence, and toughness can, at times, make your insides churn. Maybe he’s past all that, and what we’re seeing are early-season jitters, simple timing mistakes that will take care of themselves as he spends more time with these young receivers on the field throughout the season. One thing’s for sure – he’s led us to two big divisional wins, with a pretty nice QB rating of 103.2 to show for it.
It’s funny how proud I was of our defense, despite giving up thirty-one points. Although they gave up that field goal just before the end of the first half, and let Dallas run all over them in the second half, they were still able to overcome the 105,000+ fan-fueled homefield advantage Dallas had going for them and successfully got in Romo’s head. Even though they didn’t sack him, they knocked him down quite a bit, and picked him off three times. And they did this even though it sure looked like the referees were doing everything in their power to not throw any flags on the Cowboys. It was almost as bad as those Big Ten referees that call the games in Notre Dame when a team from said conference come into town to play them. The first holding penalty called against Dallas didn’t happen until the 3rd quarter, and it was on their defense. Come on. And what Flozell Adams did to Justin Tuck was inexcusable. He shoulda been tossed from the game. The guy’s been playing like this his whole career, and all he gets for it each time is a little tripping penalty. If you get beat on a play, be a man and deal with it, but don’t cheat. Guys get hurt from cheap plays like that. Props to Justin Tuck for being the bigger man and not retaliating. It doesn’t hurt to show those other guys what true class is all about.
And how about these young receivers of ours! Steve Smith and Mario Manningham have done an excellent job stepping up in the clutch, and you can see the trust that’s developed between them and Eli. When Eli throws their way, he knows they have the playmaking abilities to catch the ball and do something with it. If only our game-plan could include Kevin Boss a little more, especially in the red zone, then we’d really be dominant passing team.
Lastly, I can’t forget to mention Lawrence Tynes, who always manages to step up and redeem himself when we need him most. Way to show up Wade’s ridiculous freeze attempt by striking it clean through the second time around.
Despite all the greatness that comes from such a huge win on the road against a division rival, there is room for cynicism (or as they say in the post game interviews – “improvement”). Once again, I’m going to have to repeat myself: if we continue to play scared in the red zone, we’ll never become a great team. Just like last week, when the team was driving early and getting the ball well into scoring position, we refused to throw the ball into the end zone, and had to settle for field goals. Which meant that for the second straight week, we barely scraped out a victory which in fact should have been a blowout. Coach Gilbride – you have to at least give the offense a chance to make something happen in the red zone.
This game was especially enjoyable to watch for me because I was back home in Jersey. All the old familiar faces came, and it was like a G-Men viewing reunion. My dad, my brother, my buddy Jon, and a few family friends were all over to watch it. Just like old times, the house was rocking Sunday night, and the nostalgia made for a great combination of joy and indigestion.
The game was made even better by the comments I received during the game from those of you I’ve now friended on facebook. I obviously can’t repeat any of the comments here, but they were quite hilarious and entertaining. If you haven’t yet, feel free to look me up under “Gmen Superfan.” Also, I love hearing from you via e-mail at gmensuperfan@gmail.com, so keep those coming.
While there is still room for improvement, as a Giants fan, you should be feeling pretty good. Can’t wait to invade Tampa Bay next Sunday! Until next week, GO G-MEN!!!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
SuperFan: Giants vs. Redskins (9/15/09)
The Beginning of the End (of a stadium)
By Superfan
Welcome back to football season, Giants fans! I’m sorry to those of you I didn’t respond to after our playoff loss to the Eagles last January (needless to say, I was too sick to even think about it, much less discuss it). Regardless, it’s all history now, and a bright, shiny new season of opportunity is here.
After opening the final season at Giants Stadium with a big-time divisional win against the Redskins on Sunday, I am one very happy Giants fan. And, despite the final score, it was a big victory. Consider it a blow-out that got uncomfortably close at the end. When you think about it, we did dominate both sides of the ball. With the exception of a surprise fake field goal, our defense looked outstanding with the exception of some sloppy work in the end of the fourth quarter. Good thing we’ve got a good hands team.
As far as the offense is concerned, despite my overbearing urge to be cynical, I have to say I was pleased. That is, with the obvious exception of the fact that they become scared and predictable in the red zone. Maybe it’s nerves of not having a huge target to throw to in the back of the end zone, but this team looked legitimately afraid to throw the football once they crossed the 15-yard line. It seemed a little strange that a team had the guts to go for it on 4th and one inside the five but refused to try any short passes from the same spot. Aside from that, and a few first game jitters-induced drops, the offense moved the ball down the field consistently and wore down both the clock and the Redskins defense. On that note, I’d like to offer some tremendous props to the offensive line (especially Rich Seubert) for keeping Albert Haynesworth to a mere four tackles. Well done!
The viewing went well for game one. I’ve found a bit of a ritual here on the west coast (especially for the later games), watching the game at my condo, with my buddy JJ coming over, sometimes joined by the roommate (good news – he’s not bad luck anymore! Well, so far, at least).
Since this is my first post of the new season, I feel obligated to take some time to share my opinions on the many shake-ups in the Gmen’s roster since last year. Obviously, there’s the wide receiver position. No more Plax, no more Amani. Personally, I’m more upset that we won’t have Amani in the starting lineup than anything. In this fan’s opinion, he’s the most consistent, clutch receiver the Giants have had in quite some time, and he’ll be sorely missed. Plaxico’s story is well known by all, so let’s not waste any time going into it. He no longer has anything to do with the Giants, so there’s no reason to talk about him. Period. (MOVE ON, PEOPLE!!)
Despite losing two key receivers, I still feel we’ve got a strong group taking the field this year. Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon have shown what they can do when the ball’s in the air. Mario Manningham has had plenty of time to study and learn this offense, so one can only expect the athletic prowess he possessed as a Michigan Wolverine will finally show itself in his newest blue uniform. And he certainly helped prove that with his beautiful touchdown reception on Sunday, the result of which was due entirely to his athleticism. And from what we saw and read from the pre-season, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden are a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully, Nicks’ injury won’t be too severe and he can return sooner than later to the lineup. To me, our receiving core is a lot like the Dodgers’ starting rotation (I know, I’ve been in LA way too long. My first comparison is to a west coast baseball team). There’s plenty of young talent, with very little veteran leadership. That, above all else, could be what hurts this group as the season wears on and we get ready to make a push into the post season. I still don’t think the Giants have any need to make a blockbuster trade for a veteran receiver, however, and I can’t think of anyone I’d want them to give up for it.
Now let’s shift gears to the most popular position in all of professional sports – the starting quarterback. Eli, that was quite a chunk of change you picked up with your extension this offseason. Because of it, if you falter (even a little), this city will make it’s animosity towards A-Rod’s high priced play seem so trivial you’ll think he was still in Texas. That being said, maybe this is the year that Manning FINALLY jumps that hurdle from being a good quarterback with flashes of greatness to an all-around great quarterback. One thing’s for sure – the Giants’ front office is certainly counting on it (pun intended).
There’s no denying that Ward’s presence in the backfield will be missed this season, but don’t expect our impressive rushing attack to suddenly come to a standstill. We got the Beast of the East! Jacobs is one of the most feared rushers in the league, and for a very different reason than all the others. Also, I’m pretty excited about the increased time Bradshaw’s going to have with the ball this year now that he’s the number two. The combination of power and quickness will be much more present, and hopefully that much more effective. Which brings me to my next baseball metaphor. Imagine a pitcher going from having a 78 mph changeup followed by a 90 mph fastball to having a 78 mph changeup followed by a 98 mph fastball. It’s a big difference. And if Jacobs doesn’t make the Pro Bowl this year, I might have a breakdown. I still feel he was robbed last season of a spot in Hawaii, despite being injured for some of it.
Speaking of injuries, it’s really unfortunate what happened to Danny Ware. To work that hard to get back from an injury, and he’s out two weeks. Hang tough, man, we’re gonna need you when you return.
Which brings us to the defense. And oh, baby, what a defense it should continue to be! Last year, this team surprised everyone by being as explosive and overpowering as it was despite not having it’s best player. This year, Osi’s back, with several more additions. And if Sunday was any indication of things to come, it’s going to be a huge season for the big man.
With all of that out of the way, let me get to my first tangent of the season. Did anyone get a chance to catch any of the Seahawks-Rams game? I flipped to it at one point during halftime of the Giants game, and there was a potential 12-man on the field play being reviewed. It was one of the most hysterically awful moments of football coverage I’ve ever seen. They kept trying to put up still photos to helps the announcers count whether or not there were in fact 12 guys on the field for the Rams, and the stills they chose to put up couldn’t have been worse. With lord knows how many cameras in that stadium at that moment, they must have used to the three worst shots I’ve ever seen. The first one looked like it was in-game footage from Madden ’93, the second had several players cut out, and the third was well into the play’s progression, when many of the guys were on the ground or getting hit and blocked from view. It got so ridiculous that, at one point, one of the announcers counted 13 PLAYERS. Great stuff, Fox. Almost as good as your robot.
Speaking of good things to watch on TV, how great is next Sunday night’s matchup?!?! Oh, what fun it will be to watch the Cowboys open their pretty, sparkling little stadium with a LOSS!!!! That’s right, baby! The season has officially begun, so let the madness begin! Don’t forget, I always love to hear from you fans, so be sure to e-mail me at gmensuperfan@gmail.com. Also, since I decided to get a little more hip, the Superfan has joined facebook. Several of you have already boosted my street cred by friending me, and for the rest of you, feel free! I’m in there under the name “Gmen Superfan.” Hey, there’s nothing like an online networking site to help keep you posted on how cool you are. Seriously, though, get ready, and get pysched! Look out, Dallas! Until next week, GO GMEN!!!!
By Superfan
Welcome back to football season, Giants fans! I’m sorry to those of you I didn’t respond to after our playoff loss to the Eagles last January (needless to say, I was too sick to even think about it, much less discuss it). Regardless, it’s all history now, and a bright, shiny new season of opportunity is here.
After opening the final season at Giants Stadium with a big-time divisional win against the Redskins on Sunday, I am one very happy Giants fan. And, despite the final score, it was a big victory. Consider it a blow-out that got uncomfortably close at the end. When you think about it, we did dominate both sides of the ball. With the exception of a surprise fake field goal, our defense looked outstanding with the exception of some sloppy work in the end of the fourth quarter. Good thing we’ve got a good hands team.
As far as the offense is concerned, despite my overbearing urge to be cynical, I have to say I was pleased. That is, with the obvious exception of the fact that they become scared and predictable in the red zone. Maybe it’s nerves of not having a huge target to throw to in the back of the end zone, but this team looked legitimately afraid to throw the football once they crossed the 15-yard line. It seemed a little strange that a team had the guts to go for it on 4th and one inside the five but refused to try any short passes from the same spot. Aside from that, and a few first game jitters-induced drops, the offense moved the ball down the field consistently and wore down both the clock and the Redskins defense. On that note, I’d like to offer some tremendous props to the offensive line (especially Rich Seubert) for keeping Albert Haynesworth to a mere four tackles. Well done!
The viewing went well for game one. I’ve found a bit of a ritual here on the west coast (especially for the later games), watching the game at my condo, with my buddy JJ coming over, sometimes joined by the roommate (good news – he’s not bad luck anymore! Well, so far, at least).
Since this is my first post of the new season, I feel obligated to take some time to share my opinions on the many shake-ups in the Gmen’s roster since last year. Obviously, there’s the wide receiver position. No more Plax, no more Amani. Personally, I’m more upset that we won’t have Amani in the starting lineup than anything. In this fan’s opinion, he’s the most consistent, clutch receiver the Giants have had in quite some time, and he’ll be sorely missed. Plaxico’s story is well known by all, so let’s not waste any time going into it. He no longer has anything to do with the Giants, so there’s no reason to talk about him. Period. (MOVE ON, PEOPLE!!)
Despite losing two key receivers, I still feel we’ve got a strong group taking the field this year. Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon have shown what they can do when the ball’s in the air. Mario Manningham has had plenty of time to study and learn this offense, so one can only expect the athletic prowess he possessed as a Michigan Wolverine will finally show itself in his newest blue uniform. And he certainly helped prove that with his beautiful touchdown reception on Sunday, the result of which was due entirely to his athleticism. And from what we saw and read from the pre-season, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden are a force to be reckoned with. Hopefully, Nicks’ injury won’t be too severe and he can return sooner than later to the lineup. To me, our receiving core is a lot like the Dodgers’ starting rotation (I know, I’ve been in LA way too long. My first comparison is to a west coast baseball team). There’s plenty of young talent, with very little veteran leadership. That, above all else, could be what hurts this group as the season wears on and we get ready to make a push into the post season. I still don’t think the Giants have any need to make a blockbuster trade for a veteran receiver, however, and I can’t think of anyone I’d want them to give up for it.
Now let’s shift gears to the most popular position in all of professional sports – the starting quarterback. Eli, that was quite a chunk of change you picked up with your extension this offseason. Because of it, if you falter (even a little), this city will make it’s animosity towards A-Rod’s high priced play seem so trivial you’ll think he was still in Texas. That being said, maybe this is the year that Manning FINALLY jumps that hurdle from being a good quarterback with flashes of greatness to an all-around great quarterback. One thing’s for sure – the Giants’ front office is certainly counting on it (pun intended).
There’s no denying that Ward’s presence in the backfield will be missed this season, but don’t expect our impressive rushing attack to suddenly come to a standstill. We got the Beast of the East! Jacobs is one of the most feared rushers in the league, and for a very different reason than all the others. Also, I’m pretty excited about the increased time Bradshaw’s going to have with the ball this year now that he’s the number two. The combination of power and quickness will be much more present, and hopefully that much more effective. Which brings me to my next baseball metaphor. Imagine a pitcher going from having a 78 mph changeup followed by a 90 mph fastball to having a 78 mph changeup followed by a 98 mph fastball. It’s a big difference. And if Jacobs doesn’t make the Pro Bowl this year, I might have a breakdown. I still feel he was robbed last season of a spot in Hawaii, despite being injured for some of it.
Speaking of injuries, it’s really unfortunate what happened to Danny Ware. To work that hard to get back from an injury, and he’s out two weeks. Hang tough, man, we’re gonna need you when you return.
Which brings us to the defense. And oh, baby, what a defense it should continue to be! Last year, this team surprised everyone by being as explosive and overpowering as it was despite not having it’s best player. This year, Osi’s back, with several more additions. And if Sunday was any indication of things to come, it’s going to be a huge season for the big man.
With all of that out of the way, let me get to my first tangent of the season. Did anyone get a chance to catch any of the Seahawks-Rams game? I flipped to it at one point during halftime of the Giants game, and there was a potential 12-man on the field play being reviewed. It was one of the most hysterically awful moments of football coverage I’ve ever seen. They kept trying to put up still photos to helps the announcers count whether or not there were in fact 12 guys on the field for the Rams, and the stills they chose to put up couldn’t have been worse. With lord knows how many cameras in that stadium at that moment, they must have used to the three worst shots I’ve ever seen. The first one looked like it was in-game footage from Madden ’93, the second had several players cut out, and the third was well into the play’s progression, when many of the guys were on the ground or getting hit and blocked from view. It got so ridiculous that, at one point, one of the announcers counted 13 PLAYERS. Great stuff, Fox. Almost as good as your robot.
Speaking of good things to watch on TV, how great is next Sunday night’s matchup?!?! Oh, what fun it will be to watch the Cowboys open their pretty, sparkling little stadium with a LOSS!!!! That’s right, baby! The season has officially begun, so let the madness begin! Don’t forget, I always love to hear from you fans, so be sure to e-mail me at gmensuperfan@gmail.com. Also, since I decided to get a little more hip, the Superfan has joined facebook. Several of you have already boosted my street cred by friending me, and for the rest of you, feel free! I’m in there under the name “Gmen Superfan.” Hey, there’s nothing like an online networking site to help keep you posted on how cool you are. Seriously, though, get ready, and get pysched! Look out, Dallas! Until next week, GO GMEN!!!!
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