Back in the New York Groove

On September 13, 2011, I recapped the Giants' Week 1 loss to the Washington Redskins, noting how disappointed I was in the way the Giants played. My conclusion read as follows:

While the eventual returns of star defensive ends Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora should ignite the D, this performance from Big Blue making it very difficult for us Giants fans to be optimistic. Here's to hoping they'll prove me wrong!

Here we are, January 16, 2012, heading into Conference Championship week and the New York Football Giants are alive and better than ever.  The eventual returns of Tuck and Osi DID ignite the defense, though I never could have predicted back in September the kind of impact that youngsters Jason Pierre-Paul and Victor Cruz would have on this season. Both of them are so energetic with a unique ability and drive to make big plays, Cruz on the offensive side and JPP on the defensive side. And let's not forget about Eli Manning, who's having a career year and set an NFL record for touchdowns in the 4th Quarter, constantly rising to the challenge when the game is on the line.

With two big wins against crosstown rival Jets and division rival Cowboys to end the season, the Giants earned their first playoff berth since 2008. And with an impressive Wild Card week win at home against the Falcons (where the Giants defense allowed ZERO points), Big Blue steamrolled into Green Bay in an incredible upset where they flat-out dominated the 15-1 Packers, the reigning Super Bowl Champs.

So the red-hot Giants head to San Francisco next Sunday for a rematch at Candlestick against the 49ers. It will not be easy to beat the 49ers phenomenal defense that's coming off a big win against the New Orleans Saints. But I can't be anything but confident in this Giants team that has come together when it counts the most and is playing their best football since the 2008 Super Bowl.

After Week 1, I hoped the Giants would prove me wrong. Regardless of what happens next, the G-men have certainly exceeded all expectations and have made me proud to be a Giants fan.

LET'S GO BIG BLUE!