Giants (1 Viewer)

[MCguidance]

I find it funny that everyone was saying how Coughlin was a lame duck and now has the team moving in the right direction and on all cylinders. I also believe that the wheels could come off the bus, just see the last half of last year. But in a conference with no real clear cut Patriots or Colts-like team, do you think they have a legitimate shot at being the best of the NFC? Or do you think they are pretenders?

 

[Koya]

Contenders for the playoffs and MAYBE an appearance in the superbowl - but only because they are in the NFC.

Pretenders for the crown. No way they could keep up with the AFC winning team.

In the east, if they don't choke again or get hurt by injuries, then they have everything needed to get enough wins to at least attempt a run. They can run the ball and have depth at RB, Manning is playing very well, Plax is unstoppable unless you leave Toomer wide open and their defense has caused havoc in recent weeks - it is as if they werent utilizing their athleticsm on defense in the past.

But I dont see them winning more than one playoff game.

 

[ack34]

If they stay healthy, the front 4 on defense is the best in the game. Don't forget, this was a .500 team last year with Osi, Strahan, and Tuck out for most of the year.

The OL has played extremely well, too.

I'd consider this team a contender.

 

[awesomeness]

with Eli at quarterback, its a gimmee that he throws 1-2 picks per game. The farthest i see them possibly going is the NFC championship game, which still makes them a CONTENDER.

 

[Newslang]

Week 10- rematch with Dallas, with Defense now clicking. This will answer your question, truthfully we dont know. They have been stomping the easy teams like they should be, so thats a good sign, the giants usually lose these or just squak by. This year they are winning convincingly.

 

[wilked]

Contenders due to the play of the OL

edit to add: OL ranked 3rd in this metric

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol.php

DL ranked 4th

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/dl.php

ST are horrendous

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamst.php

 

[Construction Man Jim]

I love that this is even a thread. Especially since almost the entire staff here had written off the Giants before the season...

 

[RC94]

Definitely a contender, but I am biased.

 

[thayman]

The Giants always seem like a team that is two losses away from totally imploding.

 

[Newslang]

The Giants always seem like a team that is two losses away from totally imploding.

But back to back loses wont happen this season, I think they already overcame what they had to the first 2 weeks.

 

[eom]

I think they are just as much contenders as they were from week 1.

they had plenty of talent last year, and were on a little roll, but got derailed w/a lot of injuries.

injuries can be tough, but even worse when you're good but not great, or are inconsistent at other positions.

they have basically the same talent this year, and they got their guys back, so I'd expect them to contend w/the likes of the rest of the nfc.

that said, while their defense might stay healthy this year, they're skating on a brittle jacobs and burress on the offense.

I don't think they're as good as they've looked recently, running it up on atlanta, but I don't think they're as bad as everybody wanted to believe earlier this year -- they just have too much talent.

 

[Bri]

ST are horrendous

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamst.php

Tyree's been out and didn't return too long ago. He's one of the best so I'd expect improvement here

 

[Newslang]

ST are horrendous

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamst.php

Tyree's been out and didn't return too long ago. He's one of the best so I'd expect improvement here

Hes the Devin Hester of KickOFFS and punts.

 

[Bri]

Contenders for the playoffs and MAYBE an appearance in the superbowl - but only because they are in the NFC.

Pretenders for the crown. No way they could keep up with the AFC winning team.

In the east, if they don't choke again or get hurt by injuries, then they have everything needed to get enough wins to at least attempt a run. They can run the ball and have depth at RB, Manning is playing very well, Plax is unstoppable unless you leave Toomer wide open and their defense has caused havoc in recent weeks - it is as if they werent utilizing their athleticsm on defense in the past.

But I dont see them winning more than one playoff game.

or as if their defensive line players were hurt.I don't disagree that they don't stand much chance against the Pats or Colts but at this moment, I don't see any OL standing up to the Kiwi, Tuck, Strahan, Osi DL set they use. Hurried QBs have been known to make silly mistakes and ...I'd give them a miniscule chance of beating the Pats or Colts.

Dallas is a very good team and I'm not sure the G-men beat them in the playoffs either.

 

[Construction Man Jim]

Simply put, the Giants are as well rounded a team as there is in the NFC right now.

But the point about special teams is a fair one. They have been awful in all facets so far. Tynes blows on kick offs, field goals beyond 35 yards and extra points... The kick off coverage has not been up to snuff. Part of that is Tynes inability to kick it deeper than the 20, and part of that is poor tackling/ guys not maintaining their lanes/ dumb penalties (Reggie Torbor!). The return game has also been below average. Neither McQuarters on punt returns nor Droughns on kick offs seem capable of breaking anything big at this point. Both in there because they are the safe options in terms of catching/ not fumbling the ball. Hopefully as the season wears on Bradshaw and Hixon (who was brought in specifically for specials) will get shots and bring something more dynamic to the table.

 

[Koya]

Contenders for the playoffs and MAYBE an appearance in the superbowl - but only because they are in the NFC.

Pretenders for the crown. No way they could keep up with the AFC winning team.

In the east, if they don't choke again or get hurt by injuries, then they have everything needed to get enough wins to at least attempt a run. They can run the ball and have depth at RB, Manning is playing very well, Plax is unstoppable unless you leave Toomer wide open and their defense has caused havoc in recent weeks - it is as if they werent utilizing their athleticsm on defense in the past.

But I dont see them winning more than one playoff game.

or as if their defensive line players were hurt.I don't disagree that they don't stand much chance against the Pats or Colts but at this moment, I don't see any OL standing up to the Kiwi, Tuck, Strahan, Osi DL set they use. Hurried QBs have been known to make silly mistakes and ...I'd give them a miniscule chance of beating the Pats or Colts.

Dallas is a very good team and I'm not sure the G-men beat them in the playoffs either.

While I have to say Dallas is the better team, it really is only because of QB play. Giants have a more destructive defense at this point, running game is a push (in the Giants favor the more Jones plays over Barber) receivers are a push and coaching if anything is in the Giants favor. If Manning outplays Romo, they have more than just a good chance. But Manning will likely have to outplay Romo - of course the Giants' D line makes that certainly in the realm of possibility.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I love that this is even a thread. Especially since almost the entire staff here had written off the Giants before the season...

What does that have to do with the price of cheese? Every year, teams surprise. This year, the Giants are one of those teams that is doing better than many thought they would. So, what is the problem?

 

[Avery]

I love that this is even a thread. Especially since almost the entire staff here had written off the Giants before the season...

What does that have to do with the price of cheese? Every year, teams surprise. This year, the Giants are one of those teams that is doing better than many thought they would. So, what is the problem?

I'm guessing he's just a Giants fan who believed in his team and is happy that others, especial experts, underestimated them.As a fellow Giants fan, it feels good to puff out your chest a little, even if I'm quite cautious about it.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Contenders for playoffs

Contenders for anything past that

I see another one-and-done in the playoffs.

 

[MCguidance]

I love that this is even a thread. Especially since almost the entire staff here had written off the Giants before the season...

Basically why I started the thread. Plus I figured it was a good time seeing as there is STILL no clear cut favorite in the NFC (same as AFC but at least its about two teams).

 

[H.K.]

I find it funny that everyone was saying how Coughlin was a lame duck and now has the team moving in the right direction and on all cylinders. I also believe that the wheels could come off the bus, just see the last half of last year. But in a conference with no real clear cut Patriots or Colts-like team, do you think they have a legitimate shot at being the best of the NFC? Or do you think they are pretenders?

You are aware that Coughlin has started every season with the Giants at 5-2, right?Let's look at how he has done:

2004 6-10 (lost 8 in a row, but won the last to finish strong)

2005 11-5 (lost 23-0 to Carolina in first round of playoffs)

2006 8-8 (Actually started 6-2, but turned it around to go 2-6 in the second half. Lost first round of playoffs to Eagles)

He is a lame duck for a reason. The team will implode, it always does. Coughlin will be fired after their last loss.

 

[fatness]

You are aware that Coughlin has started every season with the Giants at 5-2, right?Let's look at how he has done:2004 6-10 (lost 8 in a row, but won the last to finish strong)2005 11-5 (lost 23-0 to Carolina in first round of playoffs)2006 8-8 (Actually started 6-2, but turned it around to go 2-6 in the second half. Lost first round of playoffs to Eagles)He is a lame duck for a reason. The team will implode, it always does. Coughlin will be fired after their last loss.

I was going to post something similar. You can count on the Giants to fade near the end.

 

[MCguidance]

You are aware that Coughlin has started every season with the Giants at 5-2, right?Let's look at how he has done:2004 6-10 (lost 8 in a row, but won the last to finish strong)2005 11-5 (lost 23-0 to Carolina in first round of playoffs)2006 8-8 (Actually started 6-2, but turned it around to go 2-6 in the second half. Lost first round of playoffs to Eagles)He is a lame duck for a reason. The team will implode, it always does. Coughlin will be fired after their last loss.

I was going to post something similar. You can count on the Giants to fade near the end.

Care to wager?

 

[The Man with the Plan]

In 2004 the Giants went from Kurt Warner to a rookie qb in Eli Manning in the second half of the season.

In 2006 the Giants had a ton of injuries in the second half of the season.

In 2005 the team was solid and won 6 of their last 9 games and won the division.

Unless you see someone getting injured or Eli getting benched it's highly unlikely that they'll play that poorly in the second half of 2007 like the did in 2004 and 2006. It doesn't make sense to say a team will play poorly just because they did so in the past.

 

[Bri]

I love that this is even a thread. Especially since almost the entire staff here had written off the Giants before the season...

What does that have to do with the price of cheese? Every year, teams surprise. This year, the Giants are one of those teams that is doing better than many thought they would. So, what is the problem?

I'm guessing he's just a Giants fan who believed in his team and is happy that others, especial experts, underestimated them.As a fellow Giants fan, it feels good to puff out your chest a little, even if I'm quite cautious about it.

CMJ sure is a Giants fan

 

[Angry Beavers]

As a dieHard NYG fan, I will be honest with myself here. I think they make the playoffs, maybe even win a game or two. HOWEVER, who ever comes out of the NFC is going to be little more than a sacrificial lamb in the Superbowl for the AFC champion (likely NE or INDY). So while the NYG are contenders for the NFC championship, like the rest of the NFC, they are pretenders relative to the Superbowl.

 

[Bri]

In 2004 the Giants went from Kurt Warner to a rookie qb in Eli Manning in the second half of the season.

In 2006 the Giants had a ton of injuries in the second half of the season.

In 2005 the team was solid and won 6 of their last 9 games and won the division.

Unless you see someone getting injured or Eli getting benched it's highly unlikely that they'll play that poorly in the second half of 2007 like the did in 2004 and 2006. It doesn't make sense to say a team will play poorly just because they did so in the past.

Not sure about 04 05, I think you mixed em' up but then again think ya got it right. Regardless, I just wanted to add that there were two injuries the Giants couldn't overcome those years-Strahan and Toomer.Toomer, for me, was very unexpected but I suppose he really was the glue holding that O together last year.

Strahan, of not too long ago, cuts the field in half for the D as teams completely gameplan away from him. D is relatively easy when the field is cut in half. The week after Strahan got injured Eli came in and looking back I see a few Coughlin quotes where he all but said "well that's it for this season". Totally missed it at the time.

04 (I think) Is the year they had some horrendous LBers. Some were rated fairly well when drafted and all but 4 of those 5(key backup) aren't even in football anymore and Dhani Jones is nothing to write home about. Again everyone had those players rated wrong. Pierce's signing was enormous for the Gmen.

 

[The Man with the Plan]

In 2004 the Giants went from Kurt Warner to a rookie qb in Eli Manning in the second half of the season.

In 2006 the Giants had a ton of injuries in the second half of the season.

In 2005 the team was solid and won 6 of their last 9 games and won the division.

Unless you see someone getting injured or Eli getting benched it's highly unlikely that they'll play that poorly in the second half of 2007 like the did in 2004 and 2006. It doesn't make sense to say a team will play poorly just because they did so in the past.

Not sure about 04 05, I think you mixed em' up but then again think ya got it right. Regardless, I just wanted to add that there were two injuries the Giants couldn't overcome those years-Strahan and Toomer.Toomer, for me, was very unexpected but I suppose he really was the glue holding that O together last year.

Strahan, of not too long ago, cuts the field in half for the D as teams completely gameplan away from him. D is relatively easy when the field is cut in half. The week after Strahan got injured Eli came in and looking back I see a few Coughlin quotes where he all but said "well that's it for this season". Totally missed it at the time.

04 (I think) Is the year they had some horrendous LBers. Some were rated fairly well when drafted and all but 4 of those 5(key backup) aren't even in football anymore and Dhani Jones is nothing to write home about. Again everyone had those players rated wrong. Pierce's signing was enormous for the Gmen.

Strahan was hurt in 04 and 06(along with nearly everybody else). When he was last healthy the Giants won the division. ESPN used to show some stat that when Strahan played the Giants won an incredible amount of the time and vice versa when he was hurt. So long as he's healthy it looks like the Giants will be alright.

 

[Yenrub]

As long as they can stay healthy they are contenders in the NFC.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I wagered $50 on them to win the SB at 22-1 just yesterday.

The Cowboys were at 8-1.

Tremendous value on the NYG, imo.

I will look to hedge the bet with New England or Indy

if they come out of the AFC.

 

[Bermuda_Chub]

The team is riding high at the moment, and improving every week. Ever since the 2nd half of the Redskins game, they have always seemed in control of the game, even when behind on the scoreboard. They have problems at K, KR, and safety, but at least two of these problems are correctible. I would like to see the Giants sign Grady Jackson, as he would be a great 1st down and goalline complement to their pass rush line. They can run the ball, stop the run, pressure the passer. Their QB is evolving into a superior game manager and a top tier play action passer. They have an uncoverable WR in Burress and excellent secondary weapons in Toomer and Shockey. The locker room boasts a surplus of playoff experienced vets on both sides of the ball. They also have a well-positioned bye in Week 9 to rest up for the stretch run. They get the Patriots in Week 17 when the Pats may be resting their players (or may be playing for 16-0 ).

If this team stays reasonably healthy, it's more than capable of beating the Cowboys and the Packers, and I see no reason why they shouldn't represent the NFC in the Super Bowl and proceed to get trounced by the Colts/Pats by at least 3 TD's.

 

[simmonjm]

While I will agree that the Giants have looked impressive as of late they have not exactly had tough competition. In the last 4 games they have beaten the Jets, 49ers, Falcons and Eagles; playing these 4 teams would make an average defense look great. The Giants are contenders based on thier conference but as stated before I would be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. If the Giants win against the Cowboys and their defense locks Romo down I would feel alot more confident in their abilities. Looking at the schedule though its hard not to see the Giants go 10-6.

@ MIA

Bye

vs DAL

@ DET

vs MIN

@ CHI

@ PHI

vs WSH

@ BUF

vs NE

 

[thayman]

While I will agree that the Giants have looked impressive as of late they have not exactly had tough competition. In the last 4 games they have beaten the Jets, 49ers, Falcons and Eagles; playing these 4 teams would make an average defense look great. The Giants are contenders based on thier conference but as stated before I would be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. If the Giants win against the Cowboys and their defense locks Romo down I would feel alot more confident in their abilities. Looking at the schedule though its hard not to see the Giants go 10-6.@ MIA Byevs DAL @ DET vs MIN @ CHI @ PHI vs WSH @ BUFvs NE

It's also not hard to see them finish at 7-9

 

[nyftbl_giants]

While I will agree that the Giants have looked impressive as of late they have not exactly had tough competition. In the last 4 games they have beaten the Jets, 49ers, Falcons and Eagles; playing these 4 teams would make an average defense look great. The Giants are contenders based on thier conference but as stated before I would be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. If the Giants win against the Cowboys and their defense locks Romo down I would feel alot more confident in their abilities. Looking at the schedule though its hard not to see the Giants go 10-6.@ MIA Byevs DAL @ DET vs MIN @ CHI @ PHI vs WSH @ BUFvs NE

It's also not hard to see them finish at 7-9

my thoughts as well. I think the stretch run this year could be different as we're looking healthy on D and it will hopefully get us through the inevitable eli blunders. That being said thoough i'm hoping NE has nothing to play for in week 17.

 

[thayman]

While I will agree that the Giants have looked impressive as of late they have not exactly had tough competition. In the last 4 games they have beaten the Jets, 49ers, Falcons and Eagles; playing these 4 teams would make an average defense look great. The Giants are contenders based on thier conference but as stated before I would be hesitant to jump on the bandwagon. If the Giants win against the Cowboys and their defense locks Romo down I would feel alot more confident in their abilities. Looking at the schedule though its hard not to see the Giants go 10-6.@ MIA Byevs DAL @ DET vs MIN @ CHI @ PHI vs WSH @ BUFvs NE

It's also not hard to see them finish at 7-9

my thoughts as well. I think the stretch run this year could be different as we're looking healthy on D and it will hopefully get us through the inevitable eli blunders. That being said thoough i'm hoping NE has nothing to play for in week 17.

That last game against NE could be huge for the NFC playoff picture, and the NFC East in particular.