At last, the long-awaited day is upon us. On Sunday, the New York Giants will face the New England Patriots in Superbowl XLVI...
The New York Giants will have everybody ready for the biggest game of the season, including RB Ahmad Bradshaw, LB Mark Herzlich and TE Jake Ballard. The Patriots only question mark is TE Rob Gronkowski, and everyone expects him to play, including myself.
The Giants offense has stood the test of time. QB Eli Manning and RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs provide stability and balance between the running and passing game, so the issue here will be which style of play will be more effective against the Patriots.
Their defense, meanwhile, has been the most remarkable turnaround of the season. With the Core Four of Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Matthias Kiwanuka playing extraordinarily well, and the offensive line as healthy as ever, facing the Patriots, whose defense has been terrible all year, and has forced the offense to make them come back in many games.
The only thing the Pats have going for them is that their offense, led by Tom "Terrific" Brady, Wes Welker, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Rob Gronkowski, albeit injured. Their defense has been bad all year, even with DE Shaun Ellis, one of my favorite players, playing okay.
The Giants also have an edge in special teams, as weird as that may seem. Patriots have a rookie LS in Danny Aiken, K Stephen Gostkowski, and P Zoltan Mesko led the special teams for New England. The Giants have an exceptional punter (one of the best in the league) in Steve Weatherford, the best long snapper in football in Zak DeOssie, (who can also double as a linebacker if absolutely necessary), and the most UNDERRATED kicker in football in Lawrence Tynes.
The Patriots are favored, they have a bad defense, and are facing (what is now) a great defense. Their offense may be bad, but the Giants are, all-in-all, the most complete, and therefore, I feel, the better team.
This analysis seems to suggest only one outcome:
I will be watching the Giants parade down the canyon of heroes on Tuesday.
Showing posts with label Game Previews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Game Previews. Show all posts
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Pro Bowl 2012!
On Sunday, the NFC and AFC will face off in the Pro Bowl. Besides having a number of talented personalities on their side, I will detail why I believe the AFC will come out on top...
The AFC squad is highlighted with QBs Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, and rookie sensation Andy Dalton in for Tom Brady. The running back crew includes Maurice Jones-Drew and Willis McGahee. With a LOADED receiving core, even without Welker, and a defense including Jets LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
The NFC is headlined by rookie sensation Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers. With wide receivers including Larry Fitzgerald, and future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez, as well as a defense that includes Clay Matthews.
Even though the NFC is coming off of a victory, I expect the AFC to come out on top in the long run.
AFC FULL ROSTER
QB: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Andy Dalton (Bengals), Philip Rivers (Chargers)
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars), Willis McGahee (Broncos), Ryan Matthews (Chargers)
FB: Vonta Leach (Ravens)
WR: A.J. Green (Bengals), Mike Wallace (Steelers), Brandon Marshall (Dolphins), Vincent Jackson (Chargers)
TE: Antonio Gates (Chargers), Jermaine Gresham (Bengals)
T: D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets), Joe Thomas (Browns), Ryan Clady (Broncos)
G: Ben Grubbs (Ravens), Marshal Yanda (Ravens), Brandon Moore (Jets)
C: Nick Mangold (Jets), Chris Myers (Texans)
DE: Elvis Dumerville (Broncos), Dwight Freeney (Colts), Antonio Smith (Texans)
IL: Richard Seymour (Raiders), Geno Atkins (Bengals), Paul Soliai (Dolphins)
OLB: Tamba Hall (Chiefs), Von Miller (Broncos), James Harrison (Steelers),
MLB/ILB: Ray Lewis (Ravens), Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)
CB: Champ Bailey (Broncos), Darrelle Revis (Jets), Jonathan Joseph (Texans)
FS: Eric Weddle (Chargers), Ryan Clark (Steelers)
SS: Brian Dawkins (Broncos)
P: Shane Lechler (Raiders)
K: Sebastian Janikowski (Raiders)
LS: Jon Condo (Raiders)
ST: Montell Owens (Jaguars)
KR: Antonio Brown (Steelers)
NFC FULL ROSTER
QB: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Drew Brees (Saints), Cam Newton (Panthers)
RB: LeSean McCoy (Eagles), Matt Forte (Bears), Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks)
FB: Michael Robinson (Seahawks)
WR: Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals), Steve Smith (Panthers), Greg Jennings (Packers), Roddy White (Falcons)
TE: Jimmy Graham (Saints), Tony Gonzalez (Falcons)
T: Jason Peters (Eagles), Joe Staley (49ers), Jermon Bushrod (Saints)
G: Jahri Evans (Saints), Carl Nicks (Saints), Davin Joseph (Buccaneers)
C: Ryan Kalil (Panthers), Scott Wells (Packers)
Defense
DE: Jared Allen (Vikings), Jason Babbin (Eagles), Julius Peppers (Bears)
IL: Jay Ratliff (Cowboys), Justin Smith (49ers), B.J. Rajj (Packers)
OLB: Clay Matthews, III (Packers), DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), Chad Greenway (Vikings)
ILB/MLB: Patrick Willis (49ers), London Fletcher (Redskins)
CB: Charles Woodson (Packers), Brandon Browner (Seahawks), Charles Tillman (Bears)
FS: Earl Thomas (Seahawks), Kam Chancellor (Seahawks)
SS: Adrian Wilson (Cardinals)
P: Andy Lee (49ers)
K: David Akers (49ers)
KR: Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)
ST: Corey Graham (Bears)
LS: Brian Jennings (49ers)
That means that the four members of the New York Jets will be New York's only representatives in the Pro Bowl, as the Giants will rest for the Super Bowl and the no Bills have been selected. That being said, as previously stated, I believe that the AFC will win this year.
The AFC squad is highlighted with QBs Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, and rookie sensation Andy Dalton in for Tom Brady. The running back crew includes Maurice Jones-Drew and Willis McGahee. With a LOADED receiving core, even without Welker, and a defense including Jets LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
The NFC is headlined by rookie sensation Cam Newton, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers. With wide receivers including Larry Fitzgerald, and future Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez, as well as a defense that includes Clay Matthews.
Even though the NFC is coming off of a victory, I expect the AFC to come out on top in the long run.
AFC FULL ROSTER
QB: Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers), Andy Dalton (Bengals), Philip Rivers (Chargers)
RB: Maurice Jones-Drew (Jaguars), Willis McGahee (Broncos), Ryan Matthews (Chargers)
FB: Vonta Leach (Ravens)
WR: A.J. Green (Bengals), Mike Wallace (Steelers), Brandon Marshall (Dolphins), Vincent Jackson (Chargers)
TE: Antonio Gates (Chargers), Jermaine Gresham (Bengals)
T: D'Brickashaw Ferguson (Jets), Joe Thomas (Browns), Ryan Clady (Broncos)
G: Ben Grubbs (Ravens), Marshal Yanda (Ravens), Brandon Moore (Jets)
C: Nick Mangold (Jets), Chris Myers (Texans)
DE: Elvis Dumerville (Broncos), Dwight Freeney (Colts), Antonio Smith (Texans)
IL: Richard Seymour (Raiders), Geno Atkins (Bengals), Paul Soliai (Dolphins)
OLB: Tamba Hall (Chiefs), Von Miller (Broncos), James Harrison (Steelers),
MLB/ILB: Ray Lewis (Ravens), Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)
CB: Champ Bailey (Broncos), Darrelle Revis (Jets), Jonathan Joseph (Texans)
FS: Eric Weddle (Chargers), Ryan Clark (Steelers)
SS: Brian Dawkins (Broncos)
P: Shane Lechler (Raiders)
K: Sebastian Janikowski (Raiders)
LS: Jon Condo (Raiders)
ST: Montell Owens (Jaguars)
KR: Antonio Brown (Steelers)
NFC FULL ROSTER
QB: Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Drew Brees (Saints), Cam Newton (Panthers)
RB: LeSean McCoy (Eagles), Matt Forte (Bears), Marshawn Lynch (Seahawks)
FB: Michael Robinson (Seahawks)
WR: Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals), Steve Smith (Panthers), Greg Jennings (Packers), Roddy White (Falcons)
TE: Jimmy Graham (Saints), Tony Gonzalez (Falcons)
T: Jason Peters (Eagles), Joe Staley (49ers), Jermon Bushrod (Saints)
G: Jahri Evans (Saints), Carl Nicks (Saints), Davin Joseph (Buccaneers)
C: Ryan Kalil (Panthers), Scott Wells (Packers)
Defense
DE: Jared Allen (Vikings), Jason Babbin (Eagles), Julius Peppers (Bears)
IL: Jay Ratliff (Cowboys), Justin Smith (49ers), B.J. Rajj (Packers)
OLB: Clay Matthews, III (Packers), DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), Chad Greenway (Vikings)
ILB/MLB: Patrick Willis (49ers), London Fletcher (Redskins)
CB: Charles Woodson (Packers), Brandon Browner (Seahawks), Charles Tillman (Bears)
FS: Earl Thomas (Seahawks), Kam Chancellor (Seahawks)
SS: Adrian Wilson (Cardinals)
P: Andy Lee (49ers)
K: David Akers (49ers)
KR: Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)
ST: Corey Graham (Bears)
LS: Brian Jennings (49ers)
That means that the four members of the New York Jets will be New York's only representatives in the Pro Bowl, as the Giants will rest for the Super Bowl and the no Bills have been selected. That being said, as previously stated, I believe that the AFC will win this year.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Super Bowl Bound
It was August, the Giants had lost their key free agents, cut veteran guys, and suffered through a plethora of injuries.
Every analyst thought they were doomed, as did many fans.
I myself stood apart from the crowd.
I thought, (and I swear on the Holy Bible that this is true), about writing an article on how the Giants would go to Super Bowl XVI.
I didn't, and I regret that.
After their 5 game slide, even I had my doubts, and when they lost to the Redskins for the second time, I felt that they had no chance of beating the Cowboys a second time.
I was wrong.
The New York Giants are Super Bowl bound.
The defense DID step up, and played as well as one laden with the likes of Osi, Tuck, Kiwi,
and JPP should have. The offense, (esspecially Brandon Jacobs, kudos to him!), played EXTEREMELY well. Eli Manning proved once again why he IS ELIte.
And Tom Coughlin never gave up.
Not on his oft-criticized defense.
Not on his coaches, mainly D-Coordinator Perry Fewell and O-Coordinator Kevin Gilbride, who take the majority of the criticism.
I admit that even I had my doubts, but the Giants ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL!
And they face the worst playoff defense.
I've seen this story before, and so have most, if not all, of you.
And we all know how it turns out...
Every analyst thought they were doomed, as did many fans.
I myself stood apart from the crowd.
I thought, (and I swear on the Holy Bible that this is true), about writing an article on how the Giants would go to Super Bowl XVI.
I didn't, and I regret that.
After their 5 game slide, even I had my doubts, and when they lost to the Redskins for the second time, I felt that they had no chance of beating the Cowboys a second time.
I was wrong.
The New York Giants are Super Bowl bound.
The defense DID step up, and played as well as one laden with the likes of Osi, Tuck, Kiwi,
and JPP should have. The offense, (esspecially Brandon Jacobs, kudos to him!), played EXTEREMELY well. Eli Manning proved once again why he IS ELIte.
And Tom Coughlin never gave up.
Not on his oft-criticized defense.
Not on his coaches, mainly D-Coordinator Perry Fewell and O-Coordinator Kevin Gilbride, who take the majority of the criticism.
I admit that even I had my doubts, but the Giants ARE IN THE SUPER BOWL!
And they face the worst playoff defense.
I've seen this story before, and so have most, if not all, of you.
And we all know how it turns out...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Championship Weekend: A Preview
In a few hours, we will begin the time known as Championship Sunday. I will now preview the games.
AFC
The Baltimore Ravens last won a Super Bowl when they defeated the Giants in 2001. Ray Lewis is the only remaining player from either team.
The New England Patriots last won a Super Bowl in 2004 when they defeated the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.
The Pats defense is a HALLOWED SHELL of what it was then, but their offense is much better. Brady constantly puts up 30 or 40+ points every week and therefore the Patriots are used to high-scoring games.
The Ravens defense is outstanding. Led by 36-year-old, former Super Bowl MVP and 13-time Pro Bowl LB Ray Lewis and 33-year-old, 8-time Pro Bowl FS Ed Reed, both future Hall of Famers, it has been nothing short of amazing.
Their offense, meanwhile, has some worried. 4th year QB Joe Flacco has come under fire by his own teammates. Many analysts feel that he has been given too much credit and that their defense has carried them this far.
Regardless of what happens, I feel that the Patriots will beat the Ravens in a close game, and will advance to Super Bowl XLVI.
NFC
The 49ers have seen a renaissance under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. Led by Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore and former first round draft bust Alex Smith, whom Harbaugh has given a second chance to revive his career, they narrowly defeated the Saints and now have a chance to advance to their first Super Bowl since 2002.
The Giants, meanwhile, overcame a rash of injuries during training camp as well as a mid-season collapse to finish 8-8 to win the NFC East in week 17 and clinth the last remaining playoff birth. They rolled past the Falcons in the Wild Card game and defeated the Packers in the divisional matchup last week. They are as healthy as they will be this season and everyone will play today.
The Giants defense has been the subject of my wrath all season. Now, with Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwinuka, and JPP, (whom I now refer to as the "Core Four" of the New York Giants defense), fully healthy, I feel that they are unstoppable when on the top of their game.
Their offense, however, is even better. Led by Pro Bowl QB Eli Manning, who really is elite. RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, who combine to form an all-together stellar offense, seems like it is now at its full potential. The Offensive Line is fully healthy and the entire team is as healthy as it has been all season. ALL IN!!
Combine this with the momentum the Giants have been riding ever since they defeated the Jets on Christmas Eve, and I can see only one ending.
The Giants will face the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.
AFC
The Baltimore Ravens last won a Super Bowl when they defeated the Giants in 2001. Ray Lewis is the only remaining player from either team.
The New England Patriots last won a Super Bowl in 2004 when they defeated the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.
The Pats defense is a HALLOWED SHELL of what it was then, but their offense is much better. Brady constantly puts up 30 or 40+ points every week and therefore the Patriots are used to high-scoring games.
The Ravens defense is outstanding. Led by 36-year-old, former Super Bowl MVP and 13-time Pro Bowl LB Ray Lewis and 33-year-old, 8-time Pro Bowl FS Ed Reed, both future Hall of Famers, it has been nothing short of amazing.
Their offense, meanwhile, has some worried. 4th year QB Joe Flacco has come under fire by his own teammates. Many analysts feel that he has been given too much credit and that their defense has carried them this far.
Regardless of what happens, I feel that the Patriots will beat the Ravens in a close game, and will advance to Super Bowl XLVI.
NFC
The 49ers have seen a renaissance under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh. Led by Pro Bowl RB Frank Gore and former first round draft bust Alex Smith, whom Harbaugh has given a second chance to revive his career, they narrowly defeated the Saints and now have a chance to advance to their first Super Bowl since 2002.
The Giants, meanwhile, overcame a rash of injuries during training camp as well as a mid-season collapse to finish 8-8 to win the NFC East in week 17 and clinth the last remaining playoff birth. They rolled past the Falcons in the Wild Card game and defeated the Packers in the divisional matchup last week. They are as healthy as they will be this season and everyone will play today.
The Giants defense has been the subject of my wrath all season. Now, with Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwinuka, and JPP, (whom I now refer to as the "Core Four" of the New York Giants defense), fully healthy, I feel that they are unstoppable when on the top of their game.
Their offense, however, is even better. Led by Pro Bowl QB Eli Manning, who really is elite. RBs Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs, who combine to form an all-together stellar offense, seems like it is now at its full potential. The Offensive Line is fully healthy and the entire team is as healthy as it has been all season. ALL IN!!
Combine this with the momentum the Giants have been riding ever since they defeated the Jets on Christmas Eve, and I can see only one ending.
The Giants will face the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Playoffs? Are You Kidding Me, Playoffs?!
Yes sir, the NFL playoffs are finally upon us.
On Sunday, the New York Giants will face the Atlanta Falcons in the Wild Card Weekend matchup at 1 P.M. The Giants will be without LB Mark Herzlich. Most of the others will play, only Justin Tuck is a toss up.
The Giants have the ability on offense, (as seen throughout this past season), to be able to overcome large lead defecits. I know that their offense can be a top one if it is at full strength on Sunday.
Now, the defense is laden with exteremely talented players and I feel it can be a top 10, even top 5 defense in the league when entirely healthy and playing at full strength. With Tuck, Osi, JPP, and Kiwi on the line, this defense can rush the pass and force the Falcons to abandon Matt Ryan and attempt to run the ball. If the Giants defense is at full strength, they will win on Sunday.
On Sunday, the New York Giants will face the Atlanta Falcons in the Wild Card Weekend matchup at 1 P.M. The Giants will be without LB Mark Herzlich. Most of the others will play, only Justin Tuck is a toss up.
The Giants have the ability on offense, (as seen throughout this past season), to be able to overcome large lead defecits. I know that their offense can be a top one if it is at full strength on Sunday.
Now, the defense is laden with exteremely talented players and I feel it can be a top 10, even top 5 defense in the league when entirely healthy and playing at full strength. With Tuck, Osi, JPP, and Kiwi on the line, this defense can rush the pass and force the Falcons to abandon Matt Ryan and attempt to run the ball. If the Giants defense is at full strength, they will win on Sunday.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Beating the 'Boys
On Sunday January 1st, the New York Giants will play Dallas again for the NFC East title.
Unlikely to play: Osi Umenyiora
It all comes down to this. If the Giants can beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night, they win the NFC East and make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
All this for a team discounted in August.
Unlikely to play: Osi Umenyiora
It all comes down to this. If the Giants can beat the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night, they win the NFC East and make the playoffs for the first time since 2007.
All this for a team discounted in August.
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