Everything depends on relative good health going forward (Eli, OBJ God forbid) and other key areas.
But, if we can hold up health wise, I think this is going to be somewhat rare strong finish for a TC coached team. I strongly believe we are looking at a minimum of 4-2.
A few reasons why...
The quarterback position. Eli is playing some of the best football of his career. He's already gone toe to toe with the likes of Brees, Brady and Romo. On the flipside, as we look towards the next few weeks we face a mostly underwhelming bunch with the exception of Newton (who is not your traditional pocket passer anyway) and perhaps a still very much inexperienced Teddy Bridgewater (who I like). We've seen the recent pattern with Giant defenses against elite/non-elite QBs, which I'm sure is the case for many defenses across the league, and this is a HUGE advantage for us.
The defense is finally healthy and the arrow is pointing up since New Orleans. I think our personnel is finally getting up to speed with the Spagnuolo defense. Also, Sunday will be the first time all season that our 2 best defensive players will be on the field at the same time. If you don't count Beason (which I don't) considering he's not had any impact on this team, then you're only looking at the loss of Hankins.
You are starting to see the lesser OR bottom half of the roster type players contribute. Pay attention to names like Darkwa, Tye, Jasper Brinkley, Trumaine McBride, Myles White, Craig Dahl and perhaps even Hakeem Nicks over the next few weeks. I think you will see contributions along the lines of those made by names like Hixon, Blackburn, Ballard, Boss and Michael Johnson in 07 and 11 respectively.
Finally, I think that the takeaway from this loss to New England will be very similar to the games against the Pats in 07 and Packers in 11. There is something to be said for the fact that no one gave us a chance to stay on the field with NE a couple of weeks ago. Once again, we saw how close we are to the best.
What I remember of the 2011 season was that as it was unfolding, I kept saying to myself, this looks and feels alot like 2007. Though there is alot of football left to be played, I have found myself at different points already this year saying, this looks and feels alot like 2007/2011.
As for the schedule, I feel like it changes every week. The Jets and Dolphins looked good earlier in the year, and now those look like two game we have to have. Honestly, I'm not worried about Carolina at all. I think we match up with them well, but if we take care of business in the next three games, that game literally means nothing.
I see the Vikings coming back down to Earth.
Win the next three games and We're in real good shape going forward. The NFC is not that good and a team can ride a hot QB through the playoffs.
And this is coming from a half-full always kind of guy. There is a big chance this team can hop up to 2 full games up on the next closest team come Monday.
Most improvement on defense with return of Prince, Ayers and JPP and Brinkley stepping up.
I hope the Giants don't lose anyone (Pugh?, Richburg?) for long and that Nicks can make at least some contribution.
Prince and DRC staying healthy are vital to this team making any noise.
With any luck we'll get consistent contributions from Richburg, Pugh and Thomas as well down the stretch.
If these parameters are met I agree we're going 4-2 and beating Philly week 17 to win the NFC East.
As for the schedule, I feel like it changes every week. The Jets and Dolphins looked good earlier in the year, and now those look like two game we have to have. Honestly, I'm not worried about Carolina at all. I think we match up with them well, but if we take care of business in the next three games, that game literally means nothing.
I see the Vikings coming back down to Earth.
Win the next three games and We're in real good shape going forward. The NFC is not that good and a team can ride a hot QB through the playoffs.
Quote:
I think the formula is the same though. First and foremost, we need to protect the ball. Eli is on fire. Hopefully that continues.
As for the schedule, I feel like it changes every week. The Jets and Dolphins looked good earlier in the year, and now those look like two game we have to have. Honestly, I'm not worried about Carolina at all. I think we match up with them well, but if we take care of business in the next three games, that game literally means nothing.
I see the Vikings coming back down to Earth.
Win the next three games and We're in real good shape going forward. The NFC is not that good and a team can ride a hot QB through the playoffs.
You will never see Eli flounder.
Yes I will.
That can be huge.... so far so good there.
Quote:
In comment 12642324 Giants in 07 said:
Quote:
I think the formula is the same though. First and foremost, we need to protect the ball. Eli is on fire. Hopefully that continues.
As for the schedule, I feel like it changes every week. The Jets and Dolphins looked good earlier in the year, and now those look like two game we have to have. Honestly, I'm not worried about Carolina at all. I think we match up with them well, but if we take care of business in the next three games, that game literally means nothing.
I see the Vikings coming back down to Earth.
Win the next three games and We're in real good shape going forward. The NFC is not that good and a team can ride a hot QB through the playoffs.
You will never see Eli flounder.
Yes I will.
Not "You will never see Eli, Flounder."
Quote:
In comment 12642688 Randy in CT said:
Quote:
In comment 12642324 Giants in 07 said:
Quote:
I think the formula is the same though. First and foremost, we need to protect the ball. Eli is on fire. Hopefully that continues.
As for the schedule, I feel like it changes every week. The Jets and Dolphins looked good earlier in the year, and now those look like two game we have to have. Honestly, I'm not worried about Carolina at all. I think we match up with them well, but if we take care of business in the next three games, that game literally means nothing.
I see the Vikings coming back down to Earth.
Win the next three games and We're in real good shape going forward. The NFC is not that good and a team can ride a hot QB through the playoffs.
You will never see Eli flounder.
Yes I will.
No, no. You will never see Eli flounder.
Not "You will never see Eli, Flounder."
#wordplay