I'm starting to get a lot of co-workers coming up to me (as they did last year during the 0-6 start) asking, "What's wrong with your Giants?" or "Wow, your Giants look/looked really bad, what's going on?"
My answer usually starts with a discussion of injuries, fully acknowledging they are part of the game. The clustering of injuries in the secondary, the new OC and offensive system etc. continue the list of explanations / excuses. Feeling the effects of multiple poor drafts / lack of talent and a coaching staff that doesn't seem innovative and slow to adjust / adapt usually round out my conversation.
Being in the Southern California area with a lot of "transplants", I have a pretty wide range of "true fans" (i.e. guys rooting for their hometown teams), including 49ers, Bears, Lions, Chiefs, Seahawks, Steelers, Jets (poor guy), Patriots, Rams, Raiders, Cardinals and Colts. Also some bandwagon Cowboy fans of course. Some are nicer than others with their, "What's wrong ... " inquiries. If they get too aggressive, the Giants winning two Super Bowls in 2007 and 2011 usually shuts them up (i.e. "And how many Super Bowls has your team won recently?")
Anyone else dealing with the questions about the Giants? What are your replies?
So I usually respond, "they stink this year."
I've heard a lot of people tell me that the giants just can't catch a break. Now maybe that's because Cruz was gruesomely injured on a Nationally televised game, but i think most of the people who follow the game at my work are pretty knowledgable fans.
For instance, when they talk about the Panthers, they mention how much of their cap is spent on two old-ass RB's. The average fan wouldn't know that. Hell, the average Panthers fan probably doesn't even recognize it.
I've heard a lot of people tell me that the giants just can't catch a break. Now maybe that's because Cruz was gruesomely injured on a Nationally televised game, but i think most of the people who follow the game at my work are pretty knowledgable fans.
For instance, when they talk about the Panthers, they mention how much of their cap is spent on two old-ass RB's. The average fan wouldn't know that. Hell, the average Panthers fan probably doesn't even recognize it.
I don't believe you when you say there are such things as Panthers fans.
There are probably a few reports to HR about my stories, but at least people know to leave me along about the Giants :)
The losing is one thing, most fans know teams have up and down years, but it's the number and severity of the blowouts that has most folks curious.
This loyalty while in the short term hurting the team, in the long run is why the Giants stand out among most of the other teams root for in the NFL.
Short, to the point and the truth.
-also, why the hell does this thread have so many views?