Sporty says...

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday!

                I knew this was going to be a thriller.  I was thinking it would be a very close game, but in the end my Gmen would win, and we would be in! Totally forgetting that we never take the “easier” road! No, if there’s a more difficult, stomach wrenching road to take, that’s the way we’ll go!

Let’s get straight to the point,"BALL SECURITY", where in the world was it yesterday?  Recap the debacle with me:

·         Manning intercepted FOUR times! This was the sloppiest I have seen Eli, and he was consistently sloppy. Green Bay’s defense actually dropped a few passes that would have been more interceptions! C’mon Eli! He’s having the "best", worst season of his career! 

Sporty says...

“Twas a Day of Debacle…”

Taken somewhat from “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Twas’ the first game to kick off and all through the house this Sportychic was excited, who cares about a mouse?  My Gmen hat sat on my head with care, as I donned my Manning jersey cause I bELIeved without fear, that my Gmen would show up strong on this day and make those meddling Eagles pay!

The first few quarters had me shouting with glee! My defense showed up for business, this could surely be seen. Vick contained and DeSean shutdown, there’s no way this G-Girl could wear a frown. Then I heard the most wonderful sound to my ears, Manning to Manningham! Hip- hip and more cheers! But it didn’t stop there, oh no it went on! Kenny decided to present the offense a gift and brought back a fumble, sat it right at their door. And take it from here our merry leader did do, he hit Manningham for 6, then came the PAT too!

Sporty throws a flag on the play...

WOWZERS

That comment isn't even coming from a reaction to that debacle, at least for the last 8 min., that was suppose to be a OUR win yesterday. It's for the fans reactions that I have been reading all morning. This is coming from someone who woke up still in shock this morning! 54% of fans polled (on giants.com) believe that we won't make it to the playoffs? Really people?

Sporty Says:

"All I Want For Christmas..."

Week 14 was crazy! Starting with the Gmen being stuck in KC because of weather in Minnesota. Then Sunday morning waking up to footage of the Metrodome’s roof collapsing, thank God no one was in the building, which led to a search for a new venue.  Finally when the dust settled, or in this case, the snow cleared…kind of, the game was set for Monday night in Detroit.

I was more than ready to see my Gmen take on the Vikings. I was elated to see that Favre was among the inactives, mainly because I feared my defense would have him taken out on a stretcher!  I also had to lay aside my affections for Adrian Peterson, my NFL crush, for four quarters. I knew Big Blue would have to contain AD throughout this game. He was our major threat, and contain him my defense did to only 26 yards! Now that was a major blow to my fantasy team, but my motto is, “reality trumps fantasy”!

Gobbling Game picks for Week 12 Part II

Well Turkey Day has come and gone but football is still on the horizon!  I’m still working this turkey out of my system. Here are the rest of my picks for Week 12:

Jags v/s Giants:  This is going to be a great match up! Jags are on a rise after three wins in a row and my G-men need to make a comeback after losing two in a row.  Ball security has been a huge issue in games, along with injuries now plaguing our wide receiving core. We need our defense hyped up and in attack mode in this game. Jones-Drew has to be stopped and Garrard has got to be sacked, multiple times. Make your presence felt Big Blue.  We need the running game to get off the ground, so the offensive line has got to open up holes! I believe Jacobs will show up determined to do his part. He doesn’t have Bradshaw’s speed, but he definitely has the power to drag a few defenders w/him for needed yards. Manning has got to make pass completions and move offense down the field for TOUCHDOWNS, not field goals! Defense has to contain and offense has to execute! Three words for this match up, GO BIG BLUE!

Packers v/s Falcons: I’m picking the Packers to come out on top in this match up.

Steelers v/s Bills:   I don’t believe that the Bills defense can contain the Steelers offense.  I pick the Steelers in this match up.

Panthers v/s Browns:  Okay, so here’s my Browns pick that I wanted to call on Thursday.  Panthers are still struggling offensively and defensively, so I’m going with the Browns.

Titans v/s Texans:  I’m picking the Titans in this match up.

Vikings v/s Skins: The Vikings have gone through changes at the helm. This match up with Favre v/s McNabb should be interesting. I see Adrian Peterson having a big game, which would be major for my fantasy football team. I’m picking the Vikings in this match up against our NFC East rival.

Dolphins v/s Raiders:  I’m picking the Raiders in this match up.

Chiefs v/s Seahawks:  I’m picking the Chiefs in this match up.

Bucs v/s Ravens:  I still like Coach Morris’ moxie!  He has me convinced, the question is, is his squad buying in yet? So far so good, I pick the Bucs in this match up. They will definitely have their hands full going against the Ravens at home.

Eagles v/s Bears: I’m picking the Bears in this match up against our other NFC East rival. This should be another great match up! Can’t wait to see if the Bears defense will be able to contain Vick!

Rams v/s Broncos:   I’m going with the Rams in this match up.

Chargers v/s Colts:  I’m picking the Colts in this match up.

49ers v/s Cardinals:  So Monday Night Football is basically the “Bottom Feeder Bowl”…a/k/a the battle of the 3-7.  I’m picking the 49ers in this match up, they seem to have an edge on offense and defense …stats wise ;-)

Sporty's Gobbling Game Picks for Week 12 Part I...

As game day approaches with three healthy servings of the NFL on Turkey Day my excitement mounts! Time to make my Thursday picks for week 12:

Tom Curtis

Patriots v/s Lions: I am in no way a Patriots supporter but this game would seem an easy win for them especially after handing the Colts a loss last week. Still this is the NFL and anything  can happen, and I hope it does. So I’m going with the Lions in this game. Hopefully Ndamukong  Suh will be able to get to Tom Brady, repeatedly. (evil grin)

Saints v/s Cowboys: Let me try not to tear up my keyboard with this pick! The Cowboys have won two in a row, one against my Gmen ….GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR…..That’s still a pill I find hard to swallow, but I digress and attempt to move on! Now all of a sudden the talk of a comeback to take the NFC East has crept back up. Are you serious? Come back to what, their senses? May the Saints be the first game in a string of many others,  to help them achieve this goal. I’m all Saints in this game! Who Dat?  Side note: Blah, that didn’t taste right!

self-correct
Bengals v/s Jets:  I hate the Jets, so the Bengals get my pick by default.  I don’t get paid for this, so I don’t need  logic, heavy stats, or sound  methods to my madness!  

Wishing everyone has an awesome Thanksgiving and spends time reflecting on all the things in your life you give thanks for. Remember, Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday one day out the year, it’s a way of living 365. Food, family, friends, and football thanks to the goodness of God. For that I am always thankful.  Enjoy all your NFL servings on game day along with everything else! Gobble-Gobble…

Correction: Don't know how I mixed up Browns w/ Bengals earlier, guess that shows how insignificant this game was to me! Happy T-Day! Lol

Sporty says....

We’ll Be Back!

After suffering a loss to the Cowboys, I still cringe at the thought of that!  I was looking forward to the “Battle for the NFC East” against the Eagles. I was concerned which Gmen team would show up. Would it be the quarterback wrecking defense that seemed to take down everything in sight or its lethargic alter ego? On offense, would our wide receiver core be able to step up to the challenge still missing a very important linkà Steve Smith? There were so many questions…let’s just get to the answers!

Starting with the positive, I was very proud of the Gmen defense that stepped up against the Eagles. They were able to “contain” Mike Vick and save our pride! Remember the ‘Skins…yeah, if you have to go down it shouldn’t be in flames!  Big shout out to our Big Blue defense! Tuck ended with three sacks, one which resulted in Vick’s first turnover of the season! DEEEEEEEEEEFENSE! There were a few plays where the Gmen got duped and the Eagles got major yardage, but the defense never gave up! They played hard all four quarters! For that I am proud!

Now for the other side of the ball *deep sigh*, we could not get it together on offense. We never found our “groove”. Eli seemed tense to me all game, but I guess you would be after throwing an interception.  He seems to forget his bad throws easier in some games than others.  He ended with three interceptions for the night. And what in the world was he thinking with that 4^th down play in the fourth with 3:13 on the clock? He slides and the ball comes out with NOBODY near him! Now I almost lost it on that play! I honestly could have vomited! Makes my stomach queasy just thinking about it!

Moving on, our running game couldn’t get off the ground, which drives me crazy, but the offensive line just couldn’t open up any holes. We did pull in two touchdowns and the game was actually up for grabs, well until the above play. Ball security was another big issue of the night and our wide receivers did NOT look like themselves…I miss Steve! Please get healthy and back quick, fast, and in a hurry! We need as many weapons on the field, spread out, as we can get!

Then, we have special teams, which did an excellent job on the blocked field goal…and then I digress.

 I love me Gmen but they were scratching and pecking on offensive plays like chickens in a barnyard. Going through the motions but never getting off the ground, because of that, Eagles took flight and took round one along with first place in the NFC East...for now.  That game was not 100% New York Giants Football; I know in December my Gmen will be ready to ground the Eagles!  In the words of the Terminator, “(We’ll)be back! “ Go Big Blue!  

Sporty picks...

WEEK 8

Disclaimer: It's the Gmen's bye, but in the end, they are the only pick that truly matters in Sporty's world!

　

Now with that being said, let's see if I can beat my percentage from last week's picks...

Broncos v/s 49ers: Both of these squads got my support last week and one got pulverized, they other couldn't pull through. So for this week I'm going with the Broncos.

　Jags v/s Cowboys: *devilish grin* Even with Romo out, Cowboys still have serious weapons. Cringing at the thought of that 93 yard punt return by Dez Bryant. I pick...the Cowboys, *spits* that left a horrible taste in my mouth. Moving on..

　Dolphins v/s Bengals: I'm picking the Dolphins against Batman, Robin, and the super friends. Smh

　Bills v/s Chiefs: I'm picking the Chiefs, their play has been consistent.

　Redskins/Lions: I'm picking the Lions this week to edge out the Redskins. We need more breathing room in the NFC East.

　Panthers v/s Rams: I picked against the "home" team last week and they won, I dare them to do it again. I'm picking the Rams in this match up.

　Packers v/s Jets: As much as I don't want Clay Matthews to far ahead in sacks of Osi Umenyiora, I want the Packers defense to punish the Jets. Go Packers.

　Titans v/s Chargers: I pick the Chargers over the Titans.

　Vikings v/s Patriots: I cannot stand the Patriots and I don't pick against the Vikings (read week 7 for the reason). With that being said Go Vikings.

　Bucs v/s Cardinals: I like coach Morris' intrepid attitude about his team. He doesn't need to convince the masses, he just needs to convince his squad. As a man "thinketh", he will "playeth". For that reason, I pick the Bucs in this match up. You go coach!

　Seahawks v/s Raiders: The Raiders shocked me last week. Impressive stuff, but I'm going with the Seahawks in this match up.

　Steelers v/s Saints: Hmmmm...this match up is interesting. My head says go with the Steelers but then something else, cause it can't be my heart, says go with the Saints. The idea that the last two SB champs are matched up on Sunday night, throws all kinds of other factors into this game equation. I believe the Saints will step up in this showdown. So I pick the Saints. Alright New Orleans fool me once, fool me twice, you won't get thrice!

　Texans v/s Colts: Baby brother Manning fired up the grill and served that beef well done! Big brother Manning about to toast it to a crisp! I pick the Colts. Go big brother Manning.

All picks are my "gut checks". If stats truly told the whole story Vegas would be null and void. You just got a taste of Sporty picks...enjoy week 8!

Sporty Says...

"The Leaders of the Pack"

The match up against the Cowboys is always exhilarating regardless what the standings are for either squad. Last night was no different! My heart raced as kick off finally drew near for week 7. Then my jaw dropped when Eli's passes where intercepted and converted to a touchdown and later another converted to a field goal. This was not the way I envisioned this game starting out. After calming myself and screaming for my Gmen to wake up, things started smoothing out and the New York Football Giants started playing Giants football, which is always a beautiful thing! Eli ended with 306 yards passing, while Bradshaw had 126 yards rushing and Jacobs brought in 75 rushing yards making it 201 yards rushing for the night. Now that's what I call a running game.

Eli spread the ball around the field in this game also, sharing yards among Boss, Manningham, Smith and even Ramses Barden being the recipient of a 22 yard catch. I almost totally forget about Ramses! It was good to see him on the field. But the man of the hour whom I deem "Mr. Incredible" was Nicks, whom we all know as "Hakeem the Dream". He ended the night with 9 receptions for 108 yards and 2 touchdowns. Smith and Mannigham also pulled in a touchdown each.

You Go Steve Can I pause here for a moment and shout out Smith's 32 yard catch that he pulled in sandwiched in between two defenders! *wiping a tear of joy* That's a beautiful thing! Go Steve! That's my boy!

There was some good offense but there was some even better defensive playing going on. Yes it did get a little lax in the fourth quarter, but the Gmen looked primed and ready to take on the 'boys and take them on they did! Wrecking yet another quarterback in their path. I don't do Halloween but this year I'm wearing my Big Blue jersey and going through the streets as the Giants DEEEEEEEFENSE! If that isn't enough to scare you nothing will.

I did have a few "drop to my knees" screaming fests. One in particular was the Dez Bryant punt return for 93 yards. The Cowboys have weapons and so do we! I love how our wide receiver core is now starting to get the respect they deserved since last season. Eli has choices and he's slowing breaking in each one. Should you attempt to hinder the pass, we'll just hit you with the "Mack Trucks" and the run. There is still some tweaking that needs to be done, working on turnovers, playing hard all four quarters even if your opponent seems to be in a "lethargic" state... let's be honest, the Cowboys almost came back and snatched the win in the fourth. I was so happy when we fell on that onside kick and ended the game! *wipes brow*

Needless to say the Gmen got the job done for yet another game. With the NFL #1 rushing leader (Ahmad Bradshaw), the #7 receiving leader (Hakeem Nicks), and the #3 sack leader (Osi Umenyiora) along with sitting on top of the NFC East and being at the top of the NFC at 5-2, we are the leaders of the pack! Vrooooooom! Go Big Blue!

Sporty recaps week 7 picks...



Not to bad I suppose. I went 8/14 in my week 7 picks. The Falcons, Steelers, Ravens, Chiefs, Redskins, Titans, and Seahawks made me look good. The Saints disappointed me, the Panthers shocked me *side eyes 49ers*, and the Rams left me hanging! The Chargers couldn't get that extra jolt, the Vikings had a good game but Green Bay refused to be pillaged, and the Raiders just rode the Broncos all day long! The most important game of the week I called head on and that was my Gmen against the Cowboys. GEEEEEEEMEN! In the end that's the only pick that truly matters in Sporty's world, but let's see if week 8 get's better...

Sporty picks...

WEEK 7

I normally call games in private not public, but I'm going to take a chance with week 7 and see how well I pick them. Shall we proceed...

Bengals v/s Falcons:  Even though they disappointed me last week I'm picking the Falcons. I believe they're playing with a chip on their shoulders from last week's game and are ready to show that they can dominate and carry the NFC South. I believe the Falcons that played the Saints will show up and out at this game.

Steelers v/s Dolphins: I'm going with the Steelers. Stats wise it looks like the Dolphins have the offensive edge except with rushing. I still think the Steelers are going to come with more heart, fired up and ready to play!


Bills v/s Ravens: I'm going with the Ravens. They have the edge on offense and defense.

Jaguars v/s Chiefs: I'm going with the Chiefs. They've been very impressive...surreal this season.

Browns v/s Saints:  I'm going with the Saints.

'Skins v/s Bears: I'm going with the Redskins. I'm very impressed with the defense that met the Colts and the turn around of the offense under the leadership of Donovan McNabb. They almost look like my grandaddy's 'Skins...emphasis on almost!

49ers v/s Panthers: Now the Panthers are my "home" team, keeping in mind they came to the Carolinas years after I was a bonafide New York Giants fan. I was bleeding blue to long to cross over. This season I'm grateful for that ! I pick the 49ers in this match up.

Rams v/s Bucs: I remember when the Rams were in LA and a force to go against on defense. Back in the days...I pick the Rams in this match up they edge out the Bucs on offense and defense.

Eagles v/s Titans: Hmmmm, the NFC East rivalry that is stirring within me prays the Titans take this game! The Eagles offense is rolling along but I hope that Chris Johnson is able to release and beast on the Eagles! I pick the Titans! Grrrrrr...

Cardinals at Seahawks: I pick the Seahawks in this match up.

Patriots v/s Chargers:  The Chargers are in a hole but I pick them in this match up. I can't stand the Patriots moving on...

Raiders v/s Broncos: Defense matches up close with both squads but the Broncos have the edge on offense. I pick the Broncos in this match up.

Vikings v/s Packers: A little 411 on me, I love Adrian Peterson and would never ever pick against him...unless it's against my Gmen. The Vikings took care of the Cowboys for me last week and I hope their winning streak continues! Go AD, I pick the Vikings in this game.

Giants v/s Cowboys: Three words for this pick, GO BIG BLUE! They can have the house, just snatch the deed and title! Ownership Gmen own-er-ship!

Some people analyze stats, read info, watch replays and then pick winners for the week. I look at stats, watch a few highlights, and then go with my gut! Truth be told if analyzing/research was the only way to pick, most analysts wouldn't be eating crow on Mondays! You just got a taste of Sporty's picks...have a great week 7 :-)

Sporty Says...

“Lions, and Texans, and Bears…Oh My”

What can I say about week 6? It was a nail biter, especially with my live streaming link fighting me, but an all and all good game. Congrats to Eli Manning on being the second player in New York Giants history to surpass 20,000 passing yards!  Right behind Phil Simms the all time passing leader with Big Blue with 33,462 yards. What an accomplishment and Eli celebrated with no interceptions in the game!  Our running games was up and going strong in this game. Bradshaw had 19 carries for 133 yard …that’s what I’m talking about! Jacobs had 9 carries for 35 yards and two touchdowns, Go Brandon! The passing game wasn’t as strong as pass games, but not only did Manning have no interceptions, he also spread the ball around on offense with  Manningham and Beckem both pulling in a touchdown apiece and Smith being his chosen target this game with 6 receptions for 70 yards.  Defense had two sacks by Umenyiora and players who forced a total of four fumbles. Two of them forced and recovered by both Grant and Tuck setting the stage for touchdowns.  Rolle also made a crucial interception to end the nail biter and stamp the win! This was a close game, but the Gmen came out on top. One of the negative points was the dropped snap by Dodge but he later redeemed himself with a 56 yard punt at the Lions four! There is always room for improvement on all sides of the ball, but after this week all I can say is…

Lions (wk6 (Win)), and Texans (wk5 (Win)), and Bears (wk4 (Win)) ...OH MY! The Gmen are on a roll, now it’s time to focus on the Cowboys for week 7.  Go Big Blue!

Sporty Says...

“Fire Up the Grill”

My G-men had their eyes on the Lone Star state and going heads up with the Houston Texans. From kick off my heart was pounding out of my chest because the noise level was unbelievable! The 12^th man definitely showed up and was ready for a showdown!  The crowd had to be taken out of the game quick, fast, and in a hurry! Little did they know that the G-men had “Numerology” on their side, the date being 10-10-10 -àtotal  Manning domination! I’m totally lying the G-men had a good offensive game and a great defensive game on their side and was able to dominant the game and win 34-10! Let’s recap week 5:

                                                             

The SAME defense against the Bears showed up and showed out!  They held Foster to only 25 rushing yards and did an excellent job on pass rushing. Webster was able to get an early interception. Osi (2) and Tuck (1) combined for a total of 3 sacks, with Osi stripping Schaub and Tuck scooping up the fumble and giving the offense good field position.  Once again can I get a DEEEEEEEFENSE! Brings tears of joy to my eyes!  Not only did defense come ready, offense came out looking ready to play also. Now at first Eli looked a little unnerved when he called an early time out, but then the show began starring Manning to Nicks!  Then it was Manning to Nicks… and did I mention Manning to Nicks! I still say Hakeem’s hands are amazing! Hakeem “The Dream”, whom I’ve deemed  Mr. Incredible, had 12 receptions for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns. Excuse me for a minute; my eyes are welling up with tears of joy!  Manning attacked and kept on attacking! Now our running game didn’t have a huge impact on this game yardage wise, but Bradshaw was able to get some crucial first downs and Jacobs went in for a touchdown. I’m an old school Giants fan, I love a good passing game but I crave a strong running game. I want it all…yeah I’m greedy! Manning also spread the ball around the field and delivered it to my personal favorite receiver Steve Smith for a touchdown.  Now Manning‘s game wasn’t as rounded as the numbers representing the date. He did have two interceptions, but it was “his day”, so let’s just say he’s forgiven.  One thing this game showed me, well actually two: 1. The New York Giants defense is finally hungry! Beast and feast boys J and 2. We have dangerous weapons at the (WR ) position.  I’m waiting for Manning to start hitting each one, one right after the other.  Congrats to my G-men who went into the Lone Star state fired up the grill and had a good old fashioned bbq!  Served it up on both sides just like I like it …well done!  Go Big Blue!

Sporty Says...

“Just Grin and Bear It”

Giants v/s Bears was a pivotal game for the New York Football Giants. The question was could a struggling Gmen squad host the “undefeated” Bears in the new Meadowlands stadium without an embarrassing exhibition? Hold up, wasn’t it only week 4? So, why are we throwing around words like “undefeated” as though it really carries weight at this point?  I mean I remember last season when my Gmen went 5-0…and then suffered 4 straight losses back to back! *shudders* Any who, that was the question and my Gmen showed up with the answer. On Twitter I tweeted this message before the game: “Dear Defense, Please be sure to give the Bears a thorough tour of the new stadium. Starting w/Cutler meeting the turf! Thanks...” 8:22 PM Oct 3rd via ÜberTwitter    and meet the turf he did! Cutler spent as much time on his back as he did on his feet and Collins didn’t fare much better! Let’s recap the highlights of game 4, shall we, New York’s defense held the Bears to six first downs, forced three turnovers, and accumulated ten sacks , nine of them in the first half! Did you hear that TEN SACKS! Excuse me for a second…DEEEEEEEEFENSE! What a beautiful thing!  On the other side of the ball Bradshaw rushed for 129 yards and Jacobs rushed for 62 yards both bringing in a much needed touchdown a piece. The running game is emerging slowly, but surely!  Now truth be told , even with the running game opening up, offense still in my eyes hasn’t hit their groove, but the second half of Sunday night’s game looked like they were starting to warm up.  Manning connected with a few players including Nicks for some very nice catches! I deem Nicks “Mr. Incredible”, because his hands are amazing!!!! Now there were some punt issues and a missed field goal that occurred, but honestly, this was the closest game so far that looked like New York Giants football to me.  Defense seems to have found their identity; they’re just waiting for the other sides of the ball to get the memo. Things are turning around and with the score being 17-3 I proudly declare G’s up, Bears down! Now I am in no way declaring “Hakuna Matata”, but sometimes you just have to grin and BEAR it! Go Big Blue!

Sporty Says...

“NO ALIBI”

Leadership has been heavily questioned for the Giants along with the lack of discipline and focus of the squad. After the exhibition against the Titans even I was dazed! The game didn’t truly escape us until we went into the end of the 3rd quarter. Yes, even with the early turnovers and the penalties mounting my Giants still had an opportunity to pull through…but didn’t.  Manning had early interceptions in the first quater, but we were still able to make key plays and enter the half tied 10-10. I send kudos to our defense for containing Chris Johnson in the first half! It was invigorating to see the sea of blue jerseys zoning in on him! Then we started the second half and couldn’t get the rhythm we needed offensively and our hold defensively started slipping resulting in a 10-29 loss.

So let’s recap,  at the end of four quarters we had 11 penalties totaling 85 yards,  2 missed field goals, horrible plays by special teams, three turnovers,  a “rhythmless “offense, and  were 25% efficient in the red zone!   The word after the game and locker room interviews is that players are taking ownership in the locker room for the shortcomings. I am so glad to hear that! But like I tell the 9year olds I teach, taking ownership for falling short means nothing until you step up and do better.  Our weaknesses are being exposed so plainly even a blind man could see it! Now that we’ve stopped complaining to the media, let’s stop SAYING all the right things, and start DOING all the right things to improve it!  Truth be told defense looked better, offense has yet to impress me, there are some sparks, but no lasting impression! We make key plays but aren’t converting them to needed points! I need the offense of last season to pair up with the developing defense of this season and show up at the same game ready to play.  As for special teams…what can I say?  I’m speechless; I have no speech, ab-so-lute-ly speechless! One thing I’ve learned in life is if you accept the praise in times of victory, you have got to accept the criticism in times of defeat.  To be defeated by a better opponent is one thing but to aid in your own downfall is totally something else!  Regardless of the score, I still BLEED BLUE but I’m very interested in what the organization is going to do.  Right now insanity is occurring, we’re doing the same things and expecting different results, and for this G-men there is NO ALIBI!!!

Sporty Says...

“Toasted …and served”

                Four years ago Peyton and Eli matched up for the NFL’s version of a civil war. Manning v/s Manning, a family divided for one night in a good old fashioned NFL showdown! Even though back then the Colts came out on top 26-21, I was excited for the Manning Bowl to kick off Sunday night! I knew this would be the game to truly test our offense and defense.  When the Colts marched down the field 84 yards in the first quarter and Brown walked in, yes walked in untouched, for a touchdown, I knew it was going to be a long night.

Now, no way in the world did I think this game against the four time league MVP would be a walk in the park. I was just looking forward to some hard hitting football on both sides of the field. The Colts showed up ready to play, my Giants…*deep sigh* did not.  We couldn’t get our running or passing game off the ground, but the Colts on the other hand had a great night running and passing against our defense. Our defense couldn’t get to Peyton, except on one play by Kiwanuka, but Eli was sacked a total of four times by Freeney and Mathis. He was also rushed and roughed up all night! Side note: Freeney is a “freakin” beast!  Not to mention two turnovers which resulted in touchdowns for Indy, matched along with their hurry up offense left my defense bewildered and lethargic! Let’s also not forget to add in some sloppy tackling on defense and on the other side of the ball our porous offensive line.

On a brighter note, We did have the Manning to Manningham touchdown in the beginning of the third quarter. Did I mention we got shut out in the first half, well we did. The only other touchdown was a connection from Manning to Nicks with 1:46 left on the clock. I had and will always have the upmost respect for Peyton Manning, so Sunday night’s lost I saw more as a lesson for my squad to see what areas needed to be improved…all!  Different versions of the G-men seem to show up for each opponent, CONSISTENCY is the key to life and to winning games. So I’ll admit we got toasted and served by the Colts. Big brother Peyton and his squad taught his little brother Eli and my G-men a lesson. The question is how well was it learned.  We will soon see in week 3.

Sporty Says...

“How Sweet It Is”

I try to live a life void of “pettiness” but sometimes I have a hard time letting some things go!  One of those things occurred week 16 last season, when my Gmen suffered an embarrassing 41 to 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers.  Not only did we lose but we were eliminated from a playoff hunt, and worst of all were thoroughly embarrassed in the last game to be played at Giants StadiumL . This Carolina girl, in habitation only, wanted revenge then and thirsted for it even more as week 1 approached. Needless to say I was eager for the Giants and Panthers to kick off at the new Meadowlands Stadium.

I wanted to see if my Gmen were truly up for the challenge. Over all there were nine turnovers in the game, four of them belonging to the Giants. Three were tipped balls by receivers that were intercepted and the other was a fumble. Overall Manning looked pretty good. The offensive line looked better than preseason,  giving Manning time in the pocket to throw. He seemed to depend a lot on Manningham and Nicks for yardage. He also connected with Nicks three times for touchdowns. The running game got off the ground better in the second half of the game with Bradshaw and Jacobs fighting for yards. The running game wasn’t as strong as fans would like, but hey, it could have been worse!  On the other side of the ball, defense showed they are on the path of making a complete 360! They held Carolina to only 89 rushing yards and good pass rushing caused multiple sacks by various defensive players like Kiwanuka, Cofield/Canty, and Umenyiora.  Phillips, Thomas, and Grant also intercepted passes in the redzone, actually in the endzone!  Along with that, defense didn’t give up an offensive touchdown in the second half O_O  This was not the defense of 2009, they almost looked like throwbacks from the late 80’s and I was loving it.

The down side of the game was losing tight end Kevin Boss to what was reported as a concussion/neck injury and linebacker Chase Blackburn to a knee sprain. Adding to that the fact that special teams left a little more to be desired,  okay a lot, but still not at all hopeless. Work still needs to be done on special teams. It also needs to be put in on offense to open up the running game. As any New York Giants fan knows Giants football is all about controlling the clock with the running game! Our wide receiving core has to return to the caliber they ended the 2009 season with and CATCH the ball! Defense has made some excellent changes and needs to continue strengthening our secondary and tightening up in the redzone. 

My Giants proved they were up for the challenge. Are we where we need to be? No. Are we where we use to be? Definitely not! What I saw in week one’s game was a New York Giants team determined to earn respect.  Kicking off week one with a 31-18 win against the Panthers, says a lot. Revenge, how sweet it is J