Last we saw the New York Giants, Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan were causing Tom Brady all kinds of trouble and David Tyree was making an absurd all-time great catch to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Minutes later, Eli Manning connected with Plaxico Burress to steal the Lombardi Trophy away from the undefeated New England Patriots.
It was one of the all-time greatest NFL games and upsets. That same Giants team does not return. Umenyiora is out for the year, Michael Strahan has retired comfortably with FOX NFL Sunday and David Tyree is out for several weeks with an injury.
I have no idea what to expect from New York. Certainly, a more comfortable Eli Manning and a very happy Plaxico Burress who just inked a five-year, $35 million deal this afternoon.
There are even more questions surrounding the Washington Redskins. They have a new coach in Jim Zorn, but come off a preseason where they looked terrible. Who allows 47 points in a preseason game? 200-plus rushing yards in one half? I know we're not supposed to take the exhibition games seriously, but the Redskins have serious flaws.
But hey, the best part about the NFL is that the competitive gap between the best and worst teams isn't all that large. Washington will keep this game close thanks to Clinton Portis' legs, but the Giants will win thanks to Eli Manning's arm.
82% are picking the Giants
The NFL Kickoff pre-game show is well underway. Feel free to discuss that, and more importantly the game right here.
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