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!!!!