That’s right, the same team that went down by two touchdowns to the Cleveland Browns, who is 0-2 in their division, and who never seems ready for 1 p.m. home games. The best team last year, is the best team this year.
Oh, I am fully aware the Houston Texans (my preseason pick to win it all) are 5-1 and the Falcons are 6-0, but both teams are far from perfect. At this point, I think Houston is slightly better than Atlanta, but this weeks’ matchup against the Ray Lewis-less Ravens will be very meaningful.
Atlanta has won four of its six games by seven points or less, against a variety of weak teams. And San Francisco, well, these Giants embarrassed the 49ers on their home field, so much in fact, a “Let’s go Giants!” chant broke out. Whether that was meant for the New York Giants or the San Francisco Giants who were playing that night is irrelevant as the (New York) Giants owned the 49ers last Sunday.
I’m sick and tired of hearing people say the Giants only win because of their defensive line, because aside from Sunday’s win, their defensive line has not performed well this year. Going into the San Francisco game, the Giants had eight sacks through five games, which ranked toward the bottom of the NFL. The line stepped up Sunday, registering six sacks, and the team is currently 14th in the league in that statistic.
However, even with a depleted secondary, the Giants are second in the NFL with 11 interceptions. Perry Fewell always finds ways to get the defense ready for big games.
Another great addition to this year’s team was David Wilson and his kick returning ability. Wilson has showed an extreme burst.
Defense and special teams aside, the reason the Giants are the best team in the NFL is Eli Manning.
Manning has yet again proven that he is beyond elite. I would go so far as to say I would not take any quarterback over him. He has proven time and time again that he is extremely clutch and that was demonstrated in New York’s thrilling comeback win over Tampa Bay in week two.
Last year, the Giants seemed to be losing every game, before Manning would bring them back in the fourth quarter. This year, however, Manning has taken care of the football and been a smarter quarterback. At 4-2, the Giants are as dangerous as it gets in the NFL.
John Hilsenroth can be reached at minaret.sports@gmail.com
Yes, the Falcons and Texans have the best records in the NFL, but how will they play in December, and if so, into the playoffs? Looking at the history of these teams, playing in December and into the playoffs have not been a real success for either team. Both teams can’t play in severe, cold weather and have little success in the playoffs. The Falcons have a young team that is still developing. Texans QB has been impressive since his injury that ended his season last year, and Watts has been a breakout player for the Texans. How long will this glory last for these teams? My guess, not long enough to get them to the Superbowl with their history.
Responding to Sheila’s comment, yes the Giants lost to the Cowboys, but the Giants seem to always start off on the wrong foot in the beginning of the season. By December, they are playing their strongest football. They have 2 Super Bowls to prove it. Eli Manning is not given enough of credit. The kid is great (he has 2 Super Bowl MVP’s to show for it) He has created an offense for the team. Manning’s offense consist of receivers Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, and Domenik Hixon that have been significant attributes to the Giants success. The Giants still have a lot power, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them raise the Lombardi trophy again. (The lost to the Cowboys…….. Yeah, the Cowboys are not who we all think they are. They got their own issues)
Yo dude. The giants lost to the cowboys. Cool. Good talk.