Giants Fan Here

[hyruleguardian]

Hey Cowboys fans. I am crashing your board.

So I was looking through some threads here to see what some of you guys are saying, and I couldn't help but notice what some of you guys are saying about the Giants.

It seems as if a lot of you guys are hoping the Plaxico situation will be a constant distraction for the Giants and really hurt them. I don't think this could be further from the case. This is the most focused team in the league. They already manhandled the Commanders just two days after the Plaxico story came out. This "distraction" is not going to make them miss a beat.

Some of you also seem to be hopeful that Pierce might be suspended by the team, the league, or else the city of New York. It is worth pointing out that a suspension from any source is highly unlikely. Pierce is cooperating with city officials. It is highly doubtful he will face criminal charges as long as he continues to cooperate with the police. There may be some rumors that swirl around about an obstruction of justice charge on his part but don't expect anything to come of it. If you think Pierce is going to be suspended you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.

As far as Plaxico goes, there is no way losing a #1 receiver is a GOOD thing for the team. However, I really do not believe the Giants will be hurt by his loss. For some proof, the Giants are 3-0 in games in which he has not played, and have outscored their opponents by an average of 21 points in those games. Furthermore, the three games Plaxico has missed have coincided with three of Eli's best games of the year. Since a great week 1, Plaxico hasn't had much of an impact for the Giants anyway. Dominic Hixon stepped into Plaxico's shoes on Sunday and had more yards receiving than Plaxico has had in a long while. Finally, cutting ties with Plaxico cuts ties with what was clearly the most uncooperative player on the team. Simply put, the Giants don't need Plaxico.

Tiki Barber
Jeremy Shockey
Michael Strahan
Osi Umeniyora
Plaxico Burress

It doesn't matter who the Giants lose, the team just keeps rolling. The Giants truly play as a team and not merely a collection of talented individuals. In fact, this is part of what makes them thrive. I added Plaxico to the list because he has basically been M.I.A. since week 1 even before he pulled the trigger.

And one other thing worth mentioning... because of the structure of Plaxico's contract, the Giants are going to be able to get the vast majority of the $35 million back. That gives them more cap room in the coming seasons to sign and/or keep other good players that the Giants otherwise would not have been able to hang onto.

So, while Cowboys fans understandably may be hoping this whole Plaxico incident leads to some sort of Giants downward spiral, a feeling that the national media is doing its best to instill in people, don't bet on it.

---

As for my thoughts on the Cowboys, I think they are going to have a tough time of making it to the playoffs. The problem is right now they are losing the tiebreaker to the Falcons. The Cowboys are a better team than the Falcons, but with their schedule, the Cowboys are going to have to win AT LEAST 3 games to make the playoffs. 4 wins gets them in for sure, 2 wins assures that they will miss the playoffs, and 3 wins is a probably/maybe.

I will admit this: I think the Cowboys are the second best team in the NFC, as well as a top 5 team in the NFL. As a Giants fan, I certainly don't want to be facing the Cowboys in the playoffs, I must admit. The Giants will be the bona fide favorites no matter who they play, but if I could take my pick of which NFC teams I would like to play in the playoffs, the Cowboys would be my last pick.

That said, the Giants are going to make it back-to-back Super Bowls this year, and Eli Manning will only further solidify his legend. But don't listen to me, I'm just a Giants fan.

 

[rexrobinson]

But don't listen to me, I'm just a Giants fan.

Good advice!

 

[Boysboy]

Everyone thought the Giants wouldn't do well this year when Strahan retired.

Everyone thought the Giants would implode when Plaxico started whining about wanting more $$.

Everyone thought the Giants were finished when they traded Shockey. Sure, he's a nutcase, but he's also a very underrated blocker in the Giants' run-first scheme.

Everyone thought the Giants were finished when Osi went down in preseason.

Everyone thought the Giants were exposed when they got exposed against lowly Cleveland 2 months ago.

Everyone thought the Giants would lose @Pitt, @Philly, and @Cards in each of those weeks.

Everyone thought the last minute Plaxico distractions + FedEx honoring Sean Taylor = Big Skins win.

As much as it pains me to type this...if the Giants hadn't imploded already, it's not like they'll fold like a cheap suit all of a sudden this late in the season.

Big Props to this team for weathing the storm and successfully playing with a chip on their shoulder.

BTW-welcomg to the Zone!

 

[casmith07]

Eli Manning will only further solidify his legend.

Eli Manning

...

legend.

 

[Eskimo]

The Giants defense is good, but the real key to that team is the OL - they mask deficiencies in Eli, RBs and WR/TE on the offense. A major loss on the OL could change things in a hurry for you guys. I do agree that the loss of Plaxico is unlikely to kill your dominant position in the NFC.

As for Pierce - that's up to the lawmakers and Goodell - there is no consistency in the commissioner's office so I have no idea what he will think about this situation.

As for our chances, who knows? Our biggest issue has been health and defensive intensity. We have most of our key guys back now on the defensive side of the ball and if Holland plays well and Choice can partially fill in Felix's shoes the offense should be back on track. The schedule down the stretch is tough and I think 10-6 leaves us on the outside looking in. I cannot recall an 11-win team not making the playoffs (certainly not since we moved to 6 teams in each conference making the playoffs) so I think 3 out of 4 will get us there - it is just a matter of doing it now. The games are played on the field and not on paper.

Head-to-head matchup against your team is interesting. I think you guys have a big advantage with your run game against our run defense. Similarly, we have a big advantage with our WRs/TEs against your secondary. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out and I think if we make the playoffs we'll end up playing you at some point.

Come back before the big head-to-head game - should be a good one. Our focus is the Steelers for now.

 

[hyruleguardian]

Thanks for the welcome!

Oh but surely Eli already IS a legend!

People were calling for his head at this time last year, and from then on he plays outstanding football and leads his team to the Super Bowl against the favored Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, the heavily favored Cowboys in Dallas, the heavily favored Packers in Green Bay, and then upset what was being called "the greatest team of all-time" in the Super Bowl.

Thus, Eli is already a legend, at least in my part of the woods. :

Romo can be a legend of his own one day... but first he needs to win a playoff game or two!!

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Hey Cowboys fans. I am crashing your board.

So I was looking through some threads here to see what some of you guys are saying, and I couldn't help but notice what some of you guys are saying about the Giants.

It seems as if a lot of you guys are hoping the Plaxico situation will be a constant distraction for the Giants and really hurt them. I don't think this could be further from the case. This is the most focused team in the league. They already manhandled the Commanders just two days after the Plaxico story came out. This "distraction" is not going to make them miss a beat.

Some of you also seem to be hopeful that Pierce might be suspended by the team, the league, or else the city of New York. It is worth pointing out that a suspension from any source is highly unlikely. Pierce is cooperating with city officials. It is highly doubtful he will face criminal charges as long as he continues to cooperate with the police. There may be some rumors that swirl around about an obstruction of justice charge on his part but don't expect anything to come of it. If you think Pierce is going to be suspended you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.

As far as Plaxico goes, there is no way losing a #1 receiver is a GOOD thing for the team. However, I really do not believe the Giants will be hurt by his loss. For some proof, the Giants are 3-0 in games in which he has not played, and have outscored their opponents by an average of 21 points in those games. Furthermore, the three games Plaxico has missed have coincided with three of Eli's best games of the year. Since a great week 1, Plaxico hasn't had much of an impact for the Giants anyway. Dominic Hixon stepped into Plaxico's shoes on Sunday and had more yards receiving than Plaxico has had in a long while. Finally, cutting ties with Plaxico cuts ties with what was clearly the most uncooperative player on the team. Simply put, the Giants don't need Plaxico.

Tiki Barber
Jeremy Shockey
Michael Strahan
Osi Umeniyora
Plaxico Burress

It doesn't matter who the Giants lose, the team just keeps rolling. The Giants truly play as a team and not merely a collection of talented individuals. In fact, this is part of what makes them thrive. I added Plaxico to the list because he has basically been M.I.A. since week 1 even before he pulled the trigger.

And one other thing worth mentioning... because of the structure of Plaxico's contract, the Giants are going to be able to get the vast majority of the $35 million back. That gives them more cap room in the coming seasons to sign and/or keep other good players that the Giants otherwise would not have been able to hang onto.

So, while Cowboys fans understandably may be hoping this whole Plaxico incident leads to some sort of Giants downward spiral, a feeling that the national media is doing its best to instill in people, don't bet on it.

---

As for my thoughts on the Cowboys, I think they are going to have a tough time of making it to the playoffs. The problem is right now they are losing the tiebreaker to the Falcons. The Cowboys are a better team than the Falcons, but with their schedule, the Cowboys are going to have to win AT LEAST 3 games to make the playoffs. 4 wins gets them in for sure, 2 wins assures that they will miss the playoffs, and 3 wins is a probably/maybe.

I will admit this: I think the Cowboys are the second best team in the NFC, as well as a top 5 team in the NFL. As a Giants fan, I certainly don't want to be facing the Cowboys in the playoffs, I must admit. The Giants will be the bona fide favorites no matter who they play, but if I could take my pick of which NFC teams I would like to play in the playoffs, the Cowboys would be my last pick.

That said, the Giants are going to make it back-to-back Super Bowls this year, and Eli Manning will only further solidify his legend. But don't listen to me, I'm just a Giants fan.

 

[hyruleguardian]

Yeah the Giants-Cowboys game should be a great one, I'm really looking forward to that. Although the game will certainly mean a lot more for the Cowboys than it will for the Giants (the Giants could have the #1 seed nearly wrapped up by then).

I'm really looking forward to this Cowboys-Steelers game as well.

Back-to-back weeks the Cowboys will be playing in the game of the week, and really the rest of the schedule should be really entertaining for you guys.

 

[Boysboy]

The Giants defense is good, but the real key to that team is the OL - they mask deficiencies in Eli, RBs and WR/TE on the offense. A major loss on the OL could change things in a hurry for you guys. I do agree that the loss of Plaxico is unlikely to kill your dominant position in the NFC.

As for Pierce - that's up to the lawmakers and Goodell - there is no consistency in the commissioner's office so I have no idea what he will think about this situation.

As for our chances, who knows? Our biggest issue has been health and defensive intensity. We have most of our key guys back now on the defensive side of the ball and if Holland plays well and Choice can partially fill in Felix's shoes the offense should be back on track. The schedule down the stretch is tough and I think 10-6 leaves us on the outside looking in. I cannot recall an 11-win team not making the playoffs (certainly not since we moved to 6 teams in each conference making the playoffs) so I think 3 out of 4 will get us there - it is just a matter of doing it now. The games are played on the field and not on paper.

Head-to-head matchup against your team is interesting. I think you guys have a big advantage with your run game against our run defense. Similarly, we have a big advantage with our WRs/TEs against your secondary. It'll be interesting to see how it plays out and I think if we make the playoffs we'll end up playing you at some point.

Come back before the big head-to-head game - should be a good one. Our focus is the Steelers for now.

Happened in 1985...Denver went 11-5 and missed the playoffs. Yeah-only 5 teams in each conference made the playoffs then, but it's no different from now-the similarity is that prior to '90(when only 5 got in) and after '02(division realignment with 4 divisions in each conference instead of 3), only 2 WC teams got in.

Honestly-I can see an 11-5 team in the NFC missing out this year.

 

[jobberone]

You've got a more disciplined team. I'll give you that. Very consistent. You'd better stay that way if you hope to stay with us. Cya in Dallas soon.

 

[hyruleguardian]

:zzz:

 

[casmith07]

Oh but surely Eli already IS a legend!

 

[SacredStar]

Romo can be a legend of his own one day... but first he needs to win a playoff game or two!!

Romo is a legend in our part of the woods.

He is also better than Eli.

 

[Vintage]

Thanks for the welcome!

Oh but surely Eli already IS a legend!

People were calling for his head at this time last year, and from then on he plays outstanding football and leads his team to the Super Bowl against the favored Buccaneers in Tampa Bay, the heavily favored Cowboys in Dallas, the heavily favored Packers in Green Bay, and then upset what was being called "the greatest team of all-time" in the Super Bowl.

Thus, Eli is already a legend, at least in my part of the woods. :

Romo can be a legend of his own one day... but first he needs to win a playoff game or two!!

Eli deserves credit for the way he played in the playoffs. But it was hardly something I'd consider legendary. His performance in the Super Bowl isn't something I will remember 10 years from now. What I will remember is how the Giants were vast underdogs, your DL dominated the entire game, and you beat an amazing team.

Your DL was legendary that game.

Not Eli. And that's not a knock on Eli.



As for Romo.... eh. He may not be legendary. But anyone who has watched him play know he is as talented as any QB in the league. He failed in the Seattle playoff game (not because of the botched hold, either). But he did more than enough to win the playoff game against you. A dropped TD reception by Fasano (we settled for a field goal), Crayton's big drop, an intentional grounding that wasn't actually intentional grounding, and the gaffe on 3rd down at the end of the game.... all.... really out of Romo's control. And probably the difference in the game, to be honest. That's the difference between Romo being "heroic" in the Giants playoff game.... and be labelled as a "choker." And the sad part is... none of that stuff was in Romo's control. His receivers let him down and we lost. It happens.

People want to call Romo a choker or whatever....? Its laughable. Even your legendary Eli began his playoff career 0-2, IIRC.

Romo clearly has the talent to win at any stage. If I was a betting man, I wouldn't bet against him. He'll eventually lead us to a deep playoff run. The talent is there.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Simply put, the Giants don't need Plaxico.

Tiki Barber
Jeremy Shockey
Michael Strahan
Osi Umeniyora
Plaxico Burress

It doesn't matter who the Giants lose, the team just keeps rolling.

You left Antonio Pierce off your list.

He is next!

 

[hyruleguardian]

Eli steps up and makes the plays his teams asks him to make. Since week 17 of last season Eli has been nothing but outstanding, with the exception of the Browns game in week 6 this year. He hasn't been throwing for 300 yards per game because the Giants haven't asked him to. He is a fantastic game manager, and a highly clutch player... and don't underestimate his talent. Last I checked, the Giants receiving core doesn't get a heck of a lot of credit, so Eli must be doing something right.

Eli led to his team to a Super Bowl last year, and his team is 11-1 this year. I am not going to call Romo a better quarterback just because he has a higher QB rating. You have to watch Eli play consistently to see that his game goes beyond the stats.

That said, I am not knocking Romo. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league, for sure.

 

[DallasEast]

That said, the Giants are going to make it back-to-back Super Bowls this year, and Eli Manning will only further solidify his legend. But don't listen to me, I'm just a Giants fan.

Such confidence. I have read confidence this high since Patriots fans last season.

whoops!

Archie is a legendary quarterback in New Orleans. Peyton is legendary quarterback throughout the country. Eli is legendary in New York (I guess).

Well, one out of three ain't bad...

 

[vta]

Buddy, as a Cowboy fan in Giant country, there's nothing I look forward to like Giant-Cowboy games.

There's going to be all kinds of talk you might think is out there, but you're not going to find Cowboy fans on a Cowboy board laying it down and accepting a losing demeanor.

Our Cowboys are a team that's growing together and there's more to come from them in the coming years. Playoff losses aren't what the goofs at ESPN say they are - some albatross around a teams neck; they're growing pains for a young team learning to work together.

There's no doubt that the Giants are a big task this year and I wouldn't have it any other way. Games like this Sunday's match up against the Steelers and against the Giants when they're good are the very reason I watch and love this game.

Thanks for stopping by to say hey. I'd wish you good luck, but that would be a conflict of interest.

 

[LittleBoyBlue]

Eli steps up and makes the plays his teams asks him to make. Since week 17 of last season Eli has been nothing but outstanding, with the exception of the Browns game in week 6 this year. He hasn't been throwing for 300 yards per game because the Giants haven't asked him to. He is a fantastic game manager, and a highly clutch player... and don't underestimate his talent. Last I checked, the Giants receiving core doesn't get a heck of a lot of credit, so Eli must be doing something right.

Eli led to his team to a Super Bowl last year, and his team is 11-1 this year. I am not going to call Romo a better quarterback just because he has a higher QB rating. You have to watch Eli play consistently to see that his game goes beyond the stats.

That said, I am not knocking Romo. He's one of the best quarterbacks in the league, for sure.

Come on... I will give the Giants props for alot of things last year.

But when the Pats scored what would have been the gamewinning drive at the end of the game. YOU and EVERYONE else thought it was over.

Lucky escape by Eli on the almost sack.
Lucky helmet catch.


Lets be real. Outstanding??? You sure?

Buddy, as a Cowboy fan in Giant country, there's nothing I look forward to like Giant-Cowboy games.

There's going to be all kinds of talk you might think is out there, but you're not going to find Cowboy fans on a Cowboy board laying it down and accepting a losing demeanor.

Our Cowboys are a team that's growing together and there's more to come from them in the coming years. Playoff losses aren't what the goofs at ESPN say they are - some albatross around a teams neck; they're growing pains for a young team learning to work together.

There's no doubt that the Giants are a big task this year and I wouldn't have it any other way. Games like this Sunday's match up against the Steelers and against the Giants when they're good are the very reason I watch and love this game.

Thanks for stopping by to say hey. I'd wish you good luck, but that would be a conflict of interest.

Let me just say... I am hoping we get to meet the Giants and knock them out of playoffs. I gots some vengeance to serve here in NY as well

 

[hyruleguardian]

I never called Romo a choker. I disagree with that notion. My only point is this...

if their careers ended today, Romo would not be a legend. But Eli sort of would already simply because of last year's playoffs.

Yes, the Giants D was probably the #1 factor in Giants Super Bowl last year. But Eli was also outstanding, especially in the game's final drive. And he won the MVP. That will always be remembered, whether or not you specifically happen to remember that.