Since August it has been an up and down season for the Giants. Great players were lost. Rival teams picked up better players. News breaks out that Eli has confidence in himself and thinks he is an elite quarterback (the nerve). Injuries to Goff, Thomas, Tuck. Osi's contract dispute. Osi's surgery. The first lost to the Redskins. Cruz's emergence as a premier receiver. The loss to the Seahawks. The amazing comebacks. Beating the Patriots in Foxboro. Losing a heartbreaker to the 49ers and the Packers. Getting killed by the Saints. Beating the Cowboys in Dallas. Losing to the Redskins again. Talks of Coughlin getting fired. Cruz's 99 yard TD catch and run against the Jets that turned the entire season around. Beating the Cowboys to win the NFC East. Then that momentum continuing through the playoffs beating the Falcons, Packers, and 49ers. After all of this the Giants kept a level head and won the Super Bowl.
 | |
| Well, at least your wife won't trash your receivers... |
This was a competitive game through and through but what the key for the Giants victory was that they made the big plays when they needed to. Whereas the Patriots couldn't execute in those crucial moments. For instance a Cruz fumble that was negated because they had twelve players on the field. Also, the Welker drop comes to mind. Not only did those drops hurt the team's chances for glory, but it made supermodel wife, Gisele, mad. How dare they! Doesn't everyone know that her opinion is valued over everyone elses? Even if that opinion violates "the code of the brotherhood".
Eli's beautiful throw down the sideline and "Super" Mario Manningham's incredible catch was the play of the game. It was those kinds of plays that gave the Giants the edge they needed. It wasn't anywhere near as good as the helmet catch but it was still one of the best balls in Super Bowl history.
The Giants defensive line wasn't as dominant as I expected they only had two sacks and eight QB hits. However, they did force an intentional grounding which resulted in a safety, and they forced a jump ball which was picked off by Chase Blackburn.
The Giants secondary also kept up the good work and did a great job covering the Patriots "playmaker" receivers. By playmaker I mean they force Brady to be a playmaker.
 |
| We may be in Indy. But this looks like a Cleveland steamer. |
The Giants kept their collective heads on a swivel and recovered two Giant fumbles in big moments.
So what have I learned?
Unless he completely falls apart, Eli should never be questioned as a quarterback. Yes some of his decisions are suspect and they can be questioned. But the discussion about him being a great quarterback, being a great leader, and being a winner should stop after Sunday night's game.
Same goes for Coughlin.
Steve Weatherford, a.k.a. the Ed Hochuli of punters, was the best free agent pick up this year. His performance this year was downright Feaglesesque and his assault on field position helped the Giants defense all year.
Chase Blackburn was a close second. Since he re-joined the Giants he has made great plays.
But here is the most important thing I learned. There is no other team that is equally rewarding as it is frustrating to be a fan of. But I wouldn't trade it to be fans of any other team.
Congratulations, Giants it has been one hell of season and an even better finish. I hope they celebrate this win like Rob "Rocket Scientist" Gronkowski "uhhhh... Yo soy fiesta! Huh-huh-huh."
 | |
| Look! Gronk have shirt! Make Gronk Laugh! Huh uhh huh huh |
No comments:
Post a Comment