Sun December 11, 2005 - Pre Eagle Game

I didn't make any entries for two weeks - missing Seattle and Dallas - two huge games! Both games were great games for the Giants and, for different reasons, will help the Giants move forward into the playoffs this year. The Seattle game, while a loss, was a great confidence builder - to go into Seattle and basically win the game, well that says it all. Then last week - certainly one of the biggest games in recent Giants history - the big 'D was "lights out" fantastic - they played like it was 1984-85. Not only did they win the game but they played with a confidence that should help as them as they close out the season.

The offense last week? Horrible. However, this is on Eli and, as such, is correctible. Tiki had a good game (not great, but 115 yards is still a 100-yard game). The problem was the lack of a passing attack and that left the offense floundering - and 90 percent was due to lack of accuracy from Manning.

I'm still not sold on this team for this year. I am still not convinced this defense is a good as it has appeared these last few weeks - and suspect it may get exposed early into the playoffs. And the offense is too inconsistent - that's Manning - the talent is certainly there and it could all fall together, but that is unlikely this year. But it should be fun and the long term future is bright.

Today's game is going to be tough. In Philly. A team embarrassed in front of a national audience Mon night. There shouldn't be much trouble stopping Philly's offense - this game should be won if the Giants don't give up any turnovers. The key? Eli, with such a bad game last week, might feel he has to prove something - and that could be disaster. He needs to take the sack. Hand off. Dump off. Take the sack again. Philly can't score against the Giants big D the way they are playing, so Eli needs to not get frustrated when the Giants offense sputters - wait for the opportunity and it will come. If there are zero Giant turnovers, Giants over Eagles, 20-0.

Ok, so where does that leave me with the rest of the season? I pegged the loss to Seattle but, happily, G-men downed the Cowboys. Still going with a W over the Eagles followed by a W over KC at home. It is the Redskins game that now has me wondering - I picked Giants to win in Wash, now not so sure. I still pick them to defeat Raiders in last game. Let's say 3-1 over final four games for a final record of 11-5, good enough to win the Division.