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New York! New York! in the NFL (Part 2)
By Allock of the Week | November 26, 2008
Now, let’s talk about the other New York team that’s on top of their division, the New York football Giants. After spoiling New England’s perfect season in last year’s Super Bowl, the defending champs have gotten themselves off to a nice 10-1 start this season.
Eli Manning has taken another step forward as quarterback and leader of this franchise and has cut down on some of those mental miscues he was famous for in years past. The three headed running back monster of Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward (aka Earth, Wind & Fire) have been tearing up the league as the Giants lead the NFL in yards rushing per game. The receiving corps has been solid as well, even when Plaxico Burress hasn’t been on the field. When will this guy learn that the team can win without him? Hopefully he doesn’t turn into another Jeremy Shockey and write his ticket out of town.
The MVP of the team this year has to be the offensive line. Without a doubt, the Giants have the best o-line in the entire NFL, and the only crime is that none of their starters have made a Pro Bowl. I think that will change this year as I expect Chris Snee and Shaun O’Hara to make a trip to Hawaii in February.
Many fans were concerned when star defensive end, Osi Umenyiora, was lost for the season from an injury suffered in a pre-season game. However, with Justin Tuck taking his place, the pass rush hasn’t missed a beat. Fred Robbins and Barry Cofield have been stellar in the middle giving the Giants a front four as good as any in the league. The linebacker corps and secondary have also played solid despite the defections of Kawika Mitchell and Gibril Wilson from last year’s championship team.
Special teams have been lead by the outstanding play of kick returner Domenik Hixon. Hixon has emerged as one of the best return men in the league and also as a quality backup receiver as well. John Carney and Lawrence Tynes have managed the kicking duties while Jeff Feagles has been solid in his 20th year in the league.
In all, the Giants are poised to make another serious run at the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Solid play on both sides of the ball coupled with great coaching make them a favorite to take it all.
Topics: NFL Football |
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