We all know the story by now; the Ny Giants started out the 2009 season with a 5-0 record and have yet to win since crushing Crazy Al's Raiders five weeks ago. They now sit 5-4 and in third place in the NFC East which they had held for the past 24 weeks dating back to last season. For a change since winning the Super Bowl, the Giants are no longer front runners. Might this be a good thing?
It just might be. Don't get me wrong, I would much rather the Giants be sitting here at say 8-1 and cruising, but it is what it is. Certainly, being the NFC East Champions and top seed in the conference did not help them last year as they were one and done in the playoffs. Compare that to the prior season when they were the fifth seed and won three straight road games to reach the Super Bowl where they pulled off one of the games biggest upsets.
This team seems to thrive on being disregarded as they are currently (rightfully so based on recent performance). So perhaps this change in perspective can actually be a good thing?
I may be stretching it, I know (but what else can you do as a fan???). I know that just two weeks ago, prior to the Eagles game, I stated that should they lose they may very well have a difficult time just making the playoffs. Now after losing to the Eagles and Chargers I stand by that.
Yet, I cling to some measure of hope.
Why?
First off, they are still 5-4 which keeps them in the mix, but with very little margin for error. I figure the Giants must go 5-2 down the stretch to have a shot----not going to be easy, but possible. They are a veteran, talented team with a winning record that could still be dangerous with their backs to the wall (as they certainly are at the moment).
Second, the bye week came at the perfect time. If there was ever a football team in need of time off, it is the Giants. Coach Coughlin gave the players most of the bye week off as the coaches will be hard at work "self scouting", and there is plenty of work to be done there. If they make the necessary corrections, and the players manage to come back mentally and physically well rested, it could be a big difference.
Third, they are getting healthy. Michael Boley and Chris Canty were back for the Chargers game and the defense looked the best it has in some time. Also, Aaron Ross figures to play against the Falcons after the bye week.
Fourth, included in the "getting healthy" category is Eli Manning. His foot injury seems perfectly heeled and he looked as sharp as he has all season on Sunday.
Finally, while they lost, they got back to "Giants football" Sunday. It was a simple game plan, they did most things well and actually looked impressive during much of the game. If they can use the bye week to tighten things up and figure out how to eliminate mistakes, they could get on a roll.
Mind you, all of the above may well be the wishful thoughts of a delusional fan. However, I also remember this team getting it together against all odds not that long ago....
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