I think it is similar to Villanova vs Georgetown because Villanova had to play the perfect game to beat Georgetown led by Patrick Ewing. And I believe that will be the case for the Giants.
It will not be as great as the Miracle on Ice, or SB III, or Tyson vs Douglas.
Nice of you not to interfere with Susie's birthday wishes as you deliriously celebrate dancing around in your living room in your Blue and red underwear (visions of Tom Cruise). Who would have thought the Jints would have made it this far--I don't know what the Vegas line was on that one preseason but I am sure it was high--especially given everyone calling for Tommy C's head---and with everything Tiki was saying.
Although I am long out of New York (or NJ), I still root for the Giants as my 2d team (behind the Skins--I am sure Kiv will have something to say about that).
If they do win, I think it will be similar to the miracle on ice--the upstart Yanks vs. the Soviet machine--they were almost as dominating as the Pats have been this season--"Eleven seconds, you've got ten seconds, the countdown going on right now! Morrow, up to Silk...five seconds left in the game...Do you believe in miracles? YES!!!
I think the same will be said at the end of SB LXII (just replace Morrow and Silk with Manning and Bradshaw).
Have you bought your NFC 2007 Champs gear or are you waiting for the SB LXII gear to go on sale? But the real question is........ WHY AREN"T YOU GOING TO PHOENIX??
As the Giants are enjoying their place as the headline of the NFL playoffs and trip to the big dance, it may be worth recalling that not long ago, there was another Giants team cast in the same light and hopefully not in the shadow. Like this season’s team, the 2000 Giants were quite a story. They were a team given up for carrion in November with a mediocre coach that many expected to be expurgated. Instead, the Giants charged into the playoffs and the Super Bowl. This Bowl finds the Giants meeting up with a team with a QB larger than life who seems to be un-stoppable. Well; you cannot win them all. Hopefully this adage applies to NE. The Giants shall be the slayers of the mighty dragon known as The Patriots. As a footnote to those who like to wager..I learned one thing from my Dad and that is NEVER BET THE JETS(to those who like the green in team and dollars)! I will take the Giants on this game. Another great story worthy of notation is the 1994 Rangers.
Greetings all, I was at the game at Lambeau Sunday night. Without question, one of the great sporting events I have ever attended, ranking right up there with game 5 of the 1969 Mets/Orioles world Series (yes, I did run on the field as a wild 12 year old). Nothing in G-d's good earth can prepare you for the mind altering cold that defined Green Bay that night. I find myself reliving the entire night over and over again. One thing is certain, WE had the right guy at the helm....at least for that night!!
I'm very supertitious regarding my teams. I do not purchase any new gear for myself until after the run is over. However, my daughter Jamie is attending school in Maryland and asked me to buy her a locker room shirt and send it to her because she cannot purchase one living in the heart of Ravens' country and wants to wear her colors at a Super Bowl Party.
As to why I'm not going to Glendale, Arizona...that is to be determined. My son Jason has been calling "Mike & the Mad Dog" for 3 days straight trying to win a trip for two. He has a cheat sheet he made with all the questions they ask answered completely. The problem is we can never get through. (That is the truth) I am truly comfortable being at home watching the game in HD and being in close proximity to the kitchen & bathroom. (Boy, I'm getting old!)
Glenn...
Wow! That must have been exciting attending Lambeau. I don't know whether to be envious or sympathetic. How long did it take to thaw out? Regardless, you saw an epic game that I believe was one of the top 5 sporting events of all time!
I know this is a football blog... but Glenn I'm glad to see you back on the blog and I see that tommorrow is your birhtday. Let me be the first to wish you a happy birthday.
Good luck getting the tix!! HD is great (so is proximity to the bathroom and kitchen) but being there live would be unbelievable--especially when you celebrate a win
And don't you know it. It appears that the Skins first choice for new coach is none other than Jim Fassel--
Jamie is a senior majoring in Speech Pathology @ Towson University.
I heard that Fassel is the front runner for the job as well. I really thought Greg Williams would be the next Head Coach. But with an owner like Snyder he could fire either one in a year anyway. There is not much job security there. (at least he pays big bucks) The rumor in New York is that Snyder will wait till after the Super Bowl to hire the Giants' D.C. Steve Spagnuolo. I hope he does not move in that direction.
(David, in the AFC I'm still a J E T S fan and have been since the Titan days. Rob Shilling might not remember but our fathers took us to a Titans game at the old Polo Ground when we were kids and my brother and Rob were CUB SCOUTS! In the NFC I've been a die hard Redskins fan since I was at Maryland and the Over tThe Hill Gang with George Allen was my favorite team)
That being said: OH MY GOD.......OH MY GOD! A Giants win would be the greatest sporting upset since.............................are you ready for this??................. THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE
Although not a tremendous football fan myself, growing up as I did insures you have "big blue" in your veins----I must say this to Mitchell & Jason - I hope & pray that your Giants win - I really do know how much it means to you....any chance you two will watch the game in the same room together??? LOL! Trust me, the rest of you on this blog have no idea the depths of their passion for their beloved Giants! The Giants have absolutely dug deep and are still building momentum and they really can win this game - but if they don't, you can still celebrate. GO BIG BLUE!!!! Steve - I love you, but your all wet on this one - win or lose the Giants are true champions this season!!!!
Nothing in sports will ever compare to the Miracle on Ice. Boys against men. Amateurs against "pros". Let's not forget, our boys had to beat the Soviets before they could even play for the gold.For me, Super Bowl Sunday is hot wings, ribs, sausage and peppers, slaw and ice cold Molsons.What am I saying. That's every Sunday.
I second the Molson's! Good old cold Canadians, frosty mug, the comfort of one's sofa, the TV and the cleanliness and comfort and closeness of one's bathroom is a plus. More beer, soda, chips and cold cuts are sold around Bowl time than any other time of the year. Although it would be nice to be there in person, being home with all the amenities at hand cannot be beat either! Maybe it will be warm enough to toss a few on the 'cue and pretend to tailgate. I'll take the Giants and the points. After the SB it is hockey season all the way! Brian Leetch is the man!
Before Molsons , Coors and the other Mega beer companies there was and still is my favorite...Rolling Rock. AKA 'Rocks'
The original beer made from 'spring water' . No fancy labels , ads or marketing budget like the others. Just plain ole good brew. Still the best in my opinion. Give me an icy one.
BTW , does anyone remember Maximus Super? Made by utica club of NY , contains twice the alcohol content of all beers and a favorite of upstate college students , HA. After a six pack of this brew , you'll be feeling NO PAIN , actually you'll be numb , LOL
Yes , Steve , I do recall that game in the Polo grounds. Definitely the best peanuts and hot dogs I ever had as well as my premier indoctrination to NY football.
Speaking of the Polo Grounds, a bunch of us went to a Met game, (remember when kids could just get on a train and go?) and yelled over to a peanut vender. When he turned around I was amazed to see my counselor. For you old timers out there, it was Bruce Freedman.When he saw it was me, he started throwing bags of peanuts at us.I still don't remember if I ever paid him. Just another Makowsky moment.
The Big Blue Wrecking Crew are ready for their date with destiny. Was it only a few months ago we were all calling for the Coach's head and for Eli to be traded?
With all that pressure look how the G-Men responded. I more than anyone thought they were insane to try to win against the Patriots instead of resting their players. Shows you what I know?
If you want a turning point in the season that was it. The team came together after nearly defeating the mighty Pats. That was the biggest confidence booster for what appeared to be a mediocre Giant team.
In all three playoff games, on the road no less, the G-MEN outplayed all of their opponents.
No one can claim any lucky breaks as Big Blue took no prisoners. At the end of the game the oppossing QB was battered and bruised.
Championships are won with DEFENSE. Nothing else matters. The Giant secondary, at best, is average.
But when you have a Defensive line causing all types of havoc with blitzing Linebackers thrown in, all of sudden, those flying ducks will be floating out there as big as beach balls begging the DB's to pick them off.
And for the Giants to win next Sunday they have to believe in themselves. Forget the critics as the highly paid FOX experts are a combined 1 for 20 in picking the Giants with the points, let alone staight up to win.
And if you are a Giant fan you have to believe that we can do it again for a 4th straight time. It doesn't matter if we get beaten 55-10 as we must believe that WE CAN win.
As far as I'm concerned, the Giants are playing fast and loose with House Money. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
As for the mighty Pats they are the one's with the pressure trying for the most improbable perfect season at 19 - 0. Lose and they go down as the biggest chokers ever. Win and it was expected of them.
Does anyone here think Strahan & Toomer are afraid? If so, I have a bridge I want to sell you.
These are savvy old vets who will leave it all on the field. And they will inspire the younger players to follow along.
My prediction is when the final whistle blows it will be the Giants 31, the unbeatable Pats 17.
And when the Giants celebrate, with Don Shula and the Miami Dolphins, my little turkey, Stevie Kiv, he of the Redskin Potato's and JETS (Just End The Season) will be crying in his beer.
Stevie, I told you long ago that Joe Willie White Shoes sold his soul to the Devil in 1969. Eat your heart out.
OK, with a week to go I think it is time for me to give you my slant on how the Giants will have to play to actually win this game against the "unbeaten" New England Patriots.
Here is my blueprint for success:
When the Giants have the ball...
They must control the clock ( 40 minutes would be terrific ) That is the way the Giants beat the Buffalo Bills in 1990 who also had a dynamic offense. How do we accomplish that? RUN! RUN! RUN THE BALL! Jacobs & Bradshaw must shorten the game by ball control. Eli Manning must exploit the "older linebackers" like Seau & Bruschi by throwing quick slants to Burress, Toomer & Smith. I also believe that Bradshaw is the Giants' secret weapon, as he did not play in the first game between the 2 teams that the Giants lost 38-35 to the Pats. I think the Giants will attempt to get Bradshaw out in "space" by using him on screen passes and quick pitches to the edges. Eli must also hit the 12-15 yard seam pass to Kevin Boss consistantly. Eli also must take an occasional shot downfield to stretch the Pat's defense and keep them honest. He must also utilize Plaxico Burress's jumping ability where only he and his 6'5" frame can catch the ball. But most importantly the Giants must not turn the ball over.
When the Patriots have the ball...
The Giants of course must stop the run. But more importantly, they MUST, I MEAN MUST punish Wes Welker when he comes across the middle. That is the same philosophy the Giants' used in their victory over Buffalo in 1990 when Myron Guyton kept hitting Andre Reed till he kept looking over his shoulder. It will be very tough to pressure Brady but the Giants must find a way to do that. The DC Spagnuolo must devise "zone blitzes" to accomplish this. You cannot allow Tom Brady to sit back there and pick apart the Giants secondary. That is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, the GMen have had the best pass rush in the NFL this season, so this can be accomplished.
Special teams, not withstanding are important as well. In the first game against New England Hixon ran back a kickoff for a touchdown. I don't expect that to happen again, but good field position starting at the 30 yard line will be fine. Jeff Feagles punting to the coffin corner and not allowing returns shuld be a plus as well.
That's how it can be done. The bigger question is will they be able to do it?
I am waiting for the naysayers like Steve Kiviat to shoot holes in my analysis, and that is fine. I am not stupid enough to believe that the Giants could consistantly do this.
If the Giants played the Patriots 10 times, I'm sure that the Pats would win 8 or 9 of those contests. But for one shining moment this could be done and the Giants have the ability to do this.
"They have one game to either make history or prevent history"
We had a bar in New City called Maximus and of course, they had Maximus beer. That stuff was vile. A fave of the Accord crowd was Genny beer. That stuff was vile too. The Cream Ale was not bad and we would buy it at Maltz's or Barley's for 99c a six. It did the job. Utica Club is slug bait for tomato gardens. Rock was cheap once too. That was the 2.00 six. Now they call it a premium beer! For the Molson lovers, try the XXX. It has enough alcohol to kill off a few dendrites in the brain. Another vile cheapo beer is Carling Black Label. You were guranteed to boke with that one. For those who remember the Polo Grounds...You would love to see it today. High rise housing projects where one can be killed at any moment. Why is it that old stadiums become decrepit housing complexes? For those who like the cheap buzz, try Fred Sanford's favorite...RIPPLE! Mix it with soda and you have Champipple! A frat house fave was Blatz. They made it in a plastic ball that we made the pledges play crab soccer with after we polished it off. Cheap, effective. Two words of all collegiates spoken on any given Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
Well, the Big Day is finally here. And for all my fellow Makowskyite's who are rooting for our Big Blue Wrecking Crew - may The Force be with us!
Little did any of you know that there was something magic about Milton's Chicken Coop. You remember, the place we raided for our supplies to make up our floats for Color War. Somehow Phyllis' floats always looked as if they came out the Rose Bowl Parade.
I, Dr. Frankenstein, was always assisted by Igor, AKA, Stevie Kiviat. Well, it now can be told that one day back at the "magical chicken coop" where Milton stored his first kitchen sink, and nickel, that he also had an old time machine.
The fact that it was signed by Jules Verne was a pretty good clue and a dead give away. What you really thought JV could really predict the future back in 1850? I'm telling you it was his Time Machine. Anyway as legend has it, back in 1969 Stevie K sold his and all JET fans souls to the Devil. You see, Steve went back to the Chicken Coop turned on the Time Machine and used it to turn an ordinary Joe Namath into Slinging Sammy Baugh. And the rest, as they say, is now history.
Well I called Stevie up in Boston to go back with me just to raid Milton's Chicken Coop just once more. I said Stevie you used it for the Jets how about helping us Giant fans use Jules Verne's Time Machine today? But when Igor heard it was for the G-Men he said in his NY accent, "Bobby Fuhgedaboutit." Stevie you "Spoil sport". So I guess we will be on our own tonight.
This Big Blue Defensive Line is as good as any unit that the G-men have ever had. And I'm going back 50 years in saying that. If Igor had just turned on the switch to that Time Machine, I would change just one unit for today's game. All I want is to bring back Carl "Killer" Banks, Harry Carson & the original LT himself, Lawrence Taylor. All in their prime.
Can you imagine that? I don't think in the history of all football that there ever was a Linebacking Unit that has ever matched these three guys all playing together alongside one another at the same time. Oh yes, there have been other great linebackers, but never a unit to match these or a linebacker who could wreck havoc all by himself in LT. And Harry, he just refused to LOSE and was the brains of this magnificent group.
Can you imagine the G-Men of today playing defense, backed up by LT and friends in their prime? The under/over on Tom Brady's life in surviving the first half would be fifteen minutes. Let's see Strahan, Osi, Tuck, Killer, Carson and LT. I don't think any team could even score on them - let alone lose! Hell we could play Stevie Igor Kiviat in the secondary and he would lead the league in interceptions as the G-men wouldn't even need a secondary.
Well, as you can plainly tell I have a lot of free time on my hands as I get ready for the Big Game. Make no doubt about it Billy B is an absolute genius as a HC formerly of the JETS for about 1 minute before he resigned.
And the fact that he's seen the Giants once this season works to his advantage. I'm certain he'll try to take advantage of the G-men's aggressiveness by calling screen plays and short passes over the middle early on in the game. It will be up to Antonio Pierce and the linebackers to stop this strategy. If not, the pass rush will become ineffective and sooner or later it will be bombs away to Randy Moss and the route will be on.
But if we can survive the first wave from Brady to Moss & crew, we have more than a puncher's chance of a knockout. And remember there is no one better in the game of making half time adjustments than that old "Hoodie" Billy B. Stevie Spags please bring your "A" game defense to the party. Good Luck To Us All!
I'm still feeling the 'rush' (no pun intended)of the Game.
Not only have the Giants validated themselves today , but history will be written with the Giants as spoilers for the Pats perfect season. Don't you just love it.
22 Comments:
At 1/24/2008 7:12 AM ,
Mitch said...
Ok Steve, we have an official Giants Blog!
Here is the question for today.
If the GMen can win SB LXII then how will it rank in history with the greatest sports upsets of all time?
Greater than...
1964 Ali vs. Liston
1969 SB III Jets vs Colts
1980 Miracle on Ice
1985 Villanova vs Georgetown
1990 Tyson vs Douglas
2004 Red Sox vs Yankees
At 1/24/2008 7:47 AM ,
Mitch said...
I think it is similar to Villanova vs Georgetown because Villanova had to play the perfect game to beat Georgetown led by Patrick Ewing. And I believe that will be the case for the Giants.
It will not be as great as the Miracle on Ice, or SB III, or Tyson vs Douglas.
At 1/24/2008 9:28 AM ,
David said...
Mitch,
Nice of you not to interfere with Susie's birthday wishes as you deliriously celebrate dancing around in your living room in your Blue and red underwear (visions of Tom Cruise). Who would have thought the Jints would have made it this far--I don't know what the Vegas line was on that one preseason but I am sure it was high--especially given everyone calling for Tommy C's head---and with everything Tiki was saying.
Although I am long out of New York (or NJ), I still root for the Giants as my 2d team (behind the Skins--I am sure Kiv will have something to say about that).
If they do win, I think it will be similar to the miracle on ice--the upstart Yanks vs. the Soviet machine--they were almost as dominating as the Pats have been this season--"Eleven seconds, you've got ten seconds, the countdown going on right now! Morrow, up to Silk...five seconds left in the game...Do you believe in miracles? YES!!!
I think the same will be said at the end of SB LXII (just replace Morrow and Silk with Manning and Bradshaw).
Have you bought your NFC 2007 Champs gear or are you waiting for the SB LXII gear to go on sale?
But the real question is........
WHY AREN"T YOU GOING TO PHOENIX??
At 1/24/2008 11:18 AM ,
Storch said...
As the Giants are enjoying their place as the headline of the NFL playoffs and trip to the big dance, it may be worth recalling that not long ago, there was another Giants team cast in the same light and hopefully not in the shadow. Like this season’s team, the 2000 Giants were quite a story. They were a team given up for carrion in November with a mediocre coach that many expected to be expurgated. Instead, the Giants charged into the playoffs and the Super Bowl. This Bowl finds the Giants meeting up with a team with a QB larger than life who seems to be un-stoppable. Well; you cannot win them all. Hopefully this adage applies to NE. The Giants shall be the slayers of the mighty dragon known as The Patriots. As a footnote to those who like to wager..I learned one thing from my Dad and that is NEVER BET THE JETS(to those who like the green in team and dollars)! I will take the Giants on this game. Another great story worthy of notation is the 1994 Rangers.
In summation....GO GIANTS GO!
At 1/24/2008 11:50 AM ,
glenn said...
Greetings all, I was at the game at Lambeau Sunday night. Without question, one of the great sporting events I have ever attended, ranking right up there with game 5 of the 1969 Mets/Orioles world Series (yes, I did run on the field as a wild 12 year old). Nothing in G-d's good earth can prepare you for the mind altering cold that defined Green Bay that night. I find myself reliving the entire night over and over again. One thing is certain, WE had the right guy at the helm....at least for that night!!
At 1/24/2008 1:00 PM ,
Mitch said...
David...
I'm very supertitious regarding my teams. I do not purchase any new gear for myself until after the run is over. However, my daughter Jamie is attending school in Maryland and asked me to buy her a locker room shirt and send it to her because she cannot purchase one living in the heart of Ravens' country and wants to wear her colors at a Super Bowl Party.
As to why I'm not going to Glendale, Arizona...that is to be determined. My son Jason has been calling "Mike & the Mad Dog" for 3 days straight trying to win a trip for two. He has a cheat sheet he made with all the questions they ask answered completely. The problem is we can never get through. (That is the truth) I am truly comfortable being at home watching the game in HD and being in close proximity to the kitchen & bathroom. (Boy, I'm getting old!)
Glenn...
Wow! That must have been exciting attending Lambeau. I don't know whether to be envious or sympathetic. How long did it take to thaw out? Regardless, you saw an epic game that I believe was one of the top 5 sporting events of all time!
I know this is a football blog... but Glenn I'm glad to see you back on the blog and I see that tommorrow is your birhtday. Let me be the first to wish you a happy birthday.
At 1/24/2008 3:49 PM ,
David said...
Good luck getting the tix!! HD is great (so is proximity to the bathroom and kitchen) but being there live would be unbelievable--especially when you celebrate a win
And don't you know it. It appears that the Skins first choice for new coach is none other than Jim Fassel--
Where is Jamie in school?
At 1/24/2008 4:38 PM ,
Mitch said...
Jamie is a senior majoring in Speech Pathology @ Towson University.
I heard that Fassel is the front runner for the job as well. I really thought Greg Williams would be the next Head Coach. But with an owner like Snyder he could fire either one in a year anyway. There is not much job security there. (at least he pays big bucks) The rumor in New York is that Snyder will wait till after the Super Bowl to hire the Giants' D.C. Steve Spagnuolo. I hope he does not move in that direction.
At 1/24/2008 4:42 PM ,
steve kiv said...
You guys are all NUTS!
(David, in the AFC I'm still a J E T S fan and have been since the Titan days. Rob Shilling might not remember but our fathers took us to a Titans game at the old Polo Ground when we were kids and my brother and Rob were CUB SCOUTS!
In the NFC I've been a die hard Redskins fan since I was at Maryland and the Over tThe Hill Gang with George Allen was my favorite team)
That being said: OH MY GOD.......OH MY GOD!
A Giants win would be the greatest sporting upset since.............................are you ready for this??.................
THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE
At 1/24/2008 8:14 PM ,
nona said...
Although not a tremendous football fan myself, growing up as I did insures you have "big blue" in your veins----I must say this to Mitchell & Jason - I hope & pray that your Giants win - I really do know how much it means to you....any chance you two will watch the game in the same room together??? LOL!
Trust me, the rest of you on this blog have no idea the depths of their passion for their beloved Giants!
The Giants have absolutely dug deep and are still building momentum and they really can win this game - but if they don't, you can still celebrate.
GO BIG BLUE!!!!
Steve - I love you, but your all wet on this one - win or lose the Giants are true champions this season!!!!
At 1/24/2008 11:26 PM ,
jackie said...
Nothing in sports will ever compare to the Miracle on Ice. Boys against men. Amateurs against "pros". Let's not forget, our boys had to beat the Soviets before they could even play for the gold.For me, Super Bowl Sunday is hot wings, ribs, sausage and peppers, slaw and ice cold Molsons.What am I saying. That's every Sunday.
At 1/25/2008 1:10 PM ,
steve kiv said...
Come on Jackie,
You're so slim I bet you don't go near that stuff any more......BUT I DO!!!
Maybe add some pizza, share some Chinese appetizers and put myself into a food coma. What Super Bowl? Is the game over already? Who won?
At 1/25/2008 5:02 PM ,
Storch said...
I second the Molson's! Good old cold Canadians, frosty mug, the comfort of one's sofa, the TV and the cleanliness and comfort and closeness of one's bathroom is a plus. More beer, soda, chips and cold cuts are sold around Bowl time than any other time of the year. Although it would be nice to be there in person, being home with all the amenities at hand cannot be beat either! Maybe it will be warm enough to toss a few on the 'cue and pretend to tailgate. I'll take the Giants and the points. After the SB it is hockey season all the way! Brian Leetch is the man!
At 1/26/2008 11:03 AM ,
Rob said...
Before Molsons , Coors and the other Mega beer companies there was and still is my favorite...Rolling Rock. AKA 'Rocks'
The original beer made from 'spring water' . No fancy labels , ads or marketing budget like the others. Just plain ole good brew. Still the best in my opinion. Give me an icy one.
BTW , does anyone remember Maximus Super? Made by utica club of NY , contains twice the alcohol content of all beers and a favorite of upstate college students , HA. After a six pack of this brew , you'll be feeling NO PAIN , actually you'll be numb , LOL
Yes , Steve , I do recall that game in the Polo grounds. Definitely the best peanuts and hot dogs I ever had as well as my premier indoctrination to NY football.
GO GIANTS
At 1/27/2008 5:59 AM ,
jackie said...
Speaking of the Polo Grounds, a bunch of us went to a Met game, (remember when kids could just get on a train and go?) and yelled over to a peanut vender. When he turned around I was amazed to see my counselor. For you old timers out there, it was Bruce Freedman.When he saw it was me, he started throwing bags of peanuts at us.I still don't remember if I ever paid him. Just another Makowsky moment.
At 1/27/2008 3:30 PM ,
steve kiv said...
Jackie, I used to do that too!
I think we sat in the bleachers for 50 cents with a GO card.
There was nobody in the stands but the bleachers were separated from the stadium by a gate with a guard by it.
By the fifth inning the guard dissppeared from the gate and the kids disappeared into the stands.
At 1/27/2008 6:35 PM ,
Bob Hutt said...
The Big Blue Wrecking Crew are ready for their date with destiny. Was it only a few months ago we were all calling for the Coach's head and for Eli to be traded?
With all that pressure look how the G-Men responded. I more than anyone thought they were insane to try to win against the Patriots instead of resting their players. Shows you what I know?
If you want a turning point in the season that was it. The team came together after nearly defeating the mighty Pats. That was the biggest confidence booster for what appeared to be a mediocre Giant team.
In all three playoff games, on the road no less, the G-MEN outplayed all of their opponents.
No one can claim any lucky breaks as Big Blue took no prisoners. At the end of the game the oppossing QB was battered and bruised.
Championships are won with DEFENSE. Nothing else matters. The Giant secondary, at best, is average.
But when you have a Defensive line causing all types of havoc with blitzing Linebackers thrown in, all of sudden, those flying ducks will be floating out there as big as beach balls begging the DB's to pick them off.
And for the Giants to win next Sunday they have to believe in themselves. Forget the critics as the highly paid FOX experts are a combined 1 for 20 in picking the Giants with the points, let alone staight up to win.
And if you are a Giant fan you have to believe that we can do it again for a 4th straight time. It doesn't matter if we get beaten 55-10 as we must believe that WE CAN win.
As far as I'm concerned, the Giants are playing fast and loose with House Money. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
As for the mighty Pats they are the one's with the pressure trying for the most improbable perfect season at 19 - 0. Lose and they go down as the biggest chokers ever. Win and it was expected of them.
Does anyone here think Strahan & Toomer are afraid? If so, I have a bridge I want to sell you.
These are savvy old vets who will leave it all on the field. And they will inspire the younger players to follow along.
My prediction is when the final whistle blows it will be the Giants 31, the unbeatable Pats 17.
And when the Giants celebrate, with Don Shula and the Miami Dolphins, my little turkey, Stevie Kiv, he of the Redskin Potato's and JETS (Just End The Season) will be crying in his beer.
Stevie, I told you long ago that Joe Willie White Shoes sold his soul to the Devil in 1969. Eat your heart out.
LOL
Bobby
Gooooooooo Giants!
At 1/27/2008 8:16 PM ,
Mitch said...
OK, with a week to go I think it is time for me to give you my slant on how the Giants will have to play to actually win this game against the "unbeaten" New England Patriots.
Here is my blueprint for success:
When the Giants have the ball...
They must control the clock ( 40 minutes would be terrific ) That is the way the Giants beat the Buffalo Bills in 1990 who also had a dynamic offense. How do we accomplish that? RUN! RUN! RUN THE BALL! Jacobs & Bradshaw must shorten the game by ball control. Eli Manning must exploit the "older linebackers" like Seau & Bruschi by throwing quick slants to Burress, Toomer & Smith. I also believe that Bradshaw is the Giants' secret weapon, as he did not play in the first game between the 2 teams that the Giants lost 38-35 to the Pats. I think the Giants will attempt to get Bradshaw out in "space" by using him on screen passes and quick pitches to the edges. Eli must also hit the 12-15 yard seam pass to Kevin Boss consistantly. Eli also must take an occasional shot downfield to stretch the Pat's defense and keep them honest. He must also utilize Plaxico Burress's jumping ability where only he and his 6'5" frame can catch the ball. But most importantly the Giants must not turn the ball over.
When the Patriots have the ball...
The Giants of course must stop the run. But more importantly, they MUST, I MEAN MUST punish Wes Welker when he comes across the middle. That is the same philosophy the Giants' used in their victory over Buffalo in 1990 when Myron Guyton kept hitting Andre Reed till he kept looking over his shoulder. It will be very tough to pressure Brady but the Giants must find a way to do that. The DC Spagnuolo must devise "zone blitzes" to accomplish this. You cannot allow Tom Brady to sit back there and pick apart the Giants secondary. That is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, the GMen have had the best pass rush in the NFL this season, so this can be accomplished.
Special teams, not withstanding are important as well. In the first game against New England Hixon ran back a kickoff for a touchdown. I don't expect that to happen again, but good field position starting at the 30 yard line will be fine. Jeff Feagles punting to the coffin corner and not allowing returns shuld be a plus as well.
That's how it can be done. The bigger question is will they be able to do it?
I am waiting for the naysayers like Steve Kiviat to shoot holes in my analysis, and that is fine. I am not stupid enough to believe that the Giants could consistantly do this.
If the Giants played the Patriots 10 times, I'm sure that the Pats would win 8 or 9 of those contests. But for one shining moment this could be done and the Giants have the ability to do this.
"They have one game to either make history or prevent history"
GO BIG BLUE!
At 1/28/2008 10:50 AM ,
Storch said...
We had a bar in New City called Maximus and of course, they had Maximus beer. That stuff was vile. A fave of the Accord crowd was Genny beer. That stuff was vile too. The Cream Ale was not bad and we would buy it at Maltz's or Barley's for 99c a six. It did the job. Utica Club is slug bait for tomato gardens. Rock was cheap once too. That was the 2.00 six. Now they call it a premium beer! For the Molson lovers, try the XXX. It has enough alcohol to kill off a few dendrites in the brain. Another vile cheapo beer is Carling Black Label. You were guranteed to boke with that one. For those who remember the Polo Grounds...You would love to see it today. High rise housing projects where one can be killed at any moment. Why is it that old stadiums become decrepit housing complexes? For those who like the cheap buzz, try Fred Sanford's favorite...RIPPLE! Mix it with soda and you have Champipple! A frat house fave was Blatz. They made it in a plastic ball that we made the pledges play crab soccer with after we polished it off. Cheap, effective. Two words of all collegiates spoken on any given Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
Go Giants Go!
At 2/03/2008 1:51 PM ,
Bob Hutt said...
Well, the Big Day is finally here. And for all my fellow Makowskyite's who are rooting for our Big Blue Wrecking Crew - may The Force be with us!
Little did any of you know that there was something magic about Milton's Chicken Coop. You remember, the place we raided for our supplies to make up our floats for Color War. Somehow Phyllis' floats always looked as if they came out the Rose Bowl Parade.
I, Dr. Frankenstein, was always assisted by Igor, AKA, Stevie Kiviat. Well, it now can be told that one day back at the "magical chicken coop" where Milton stored his first kitchen sink, and nickel, that he also had an old time machine.
The fact that it was signed by Jules Verne was a pretty good clue and a dead give away. What you really thought JV could really predict the future back in 1850? I'm telling you it was his Time Machine. Anyway as legend has it, back in 1969 Stevie K sold his and all JET fans souls to the Devil. You see, Steve went back to the Chicken Coop turned on the Time Machine and used it to turn an ordinary Joe Namath into Slinging Sammy Baugh. And the rest, as they say, is now history.
Well I called Stevie up in Boston to go back with me just to raid Milton's Chicken Coop just once more. I said Stevie you used it for the Jets how about helping us Giant fans use Jules Verne's Time Machine today? But when Igor heard it was for the G-Men he said in his NY accent, "Bobby Fuhgedaboutit." Stevie you "Spoil sport". So I guess we will be on our own tonight.
This Big Blue Defensive Line is as good as any unit that the G-men have ever had. And I'm going back 50 years in saying that. If Igor had just turned on the switch to that Time Machine, I would change just one unit for today's game. All I want is to bring back Carl "Killer" Banks, Harry Carson & the original LT himself, Lawrence Taylor. All in their prime.
Can you imagine that? I don't think in the history of all football that there ever was a Linebacking Unit that has ever matched these three guys all playing together alongside one another at the same time. Oh yes, there have been other great linebackers, but never a unit to match these or a linebacker who could wreck havoc all by himself in LT. And Harry, he just refused to LOSE and was the brains of this magnificent group.
Can you imagine the G-Men of today playing defense, backed up by LT and friends in their prime? The under/over on Tom Brady's life in surviving the first half would be fifteen minutes. Let's see Strahan, Osi, Tuck, Killer, Carson and LT. I don't think any team could even score on them - let alone lose! Hell we could play Stevie Igor Kiviat in the secondary and he would lead the league in interceptions as the G-men wouldn't even need a secondary.
Well, as you can plainly tell I have a lot of free time on my hands as I get ready for the Big Game. Make no doubt about it Billy B is an absolute genius as a HC formerly of the JETS for about 1 minute before he resigned.
And the fact that he's seen the Giants once this season works to his advantage. I'm certain he'll try to take advantage of the G-men's aggressiveness by calling screen plays and short passes over the middle early on in the game. It will be up to Antonio Pierce and the linebackers to stop this strategy. If not, the pass rush will become ineffective and sooner or later it will be bombs away to Randy Moss and the route will be on.
But if we can survive the first wave from Brady to Moss & crew, we have more than a puncher's chance of a knockout. And remember there is no one better in the game of making half time adjustments than that old "Hoodie" Billy B. Stevie Spags please bring your "A" game defense to the party. Good Luck To Us All!
Gooooooooo Giants!
At 2/03/2008 11:27 PM ,
Rob said...
I'm still feeling the 'rush' (no pun intended)of the Game.
Not only have the Giants validated themselves today , but history will be written with the Giants as spoilers for the Pats perfect season. Don't you just love it.
At 2/04/2008 8:43 AM ,
Jodi said...
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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