Sports Cheat Sheet: 2011 Giants the worst SB champs ever

the trophy is in the display case.

How that didn't end the whole "Eli needs a great team around him" myth, I'll never know.

The best team in the league wins the super bowl every year.

Maybe not the most talented group of individuals, but the best TEAM.

I mean, you're talking about a group of very good teams to being with. "Worst champs" does not equal "bad team". They were a mediocre team with a quarterback who played the season of his life and caught fire in the playoffs, playing their best ball in the postseason.

Bummer.

But once we demolished the Falcons, we all almost expected to beat the 15-1 Dominant Packers. We were a better team than those Patriots at that point in time as well. The 49ers were a tough tough squad, but Eli vs. Alex Smith was too much of an edge in terms of playmaking ability.

Sour grapes.

Fuck em.

We won, they didn't

We kicked the crap out of a 15-1 team and beat the best defensive team in the league in their backyard.Then, to top it off, Manning led a March downfield to ruin Belichick and Brady's day.

After that, I never ever miss an opportunity to walk around Boston with Giants gear on.

Suck it.

Beats being the "best runner up ever".

than the best regular season team ever who didn't win a SB (2007 Pats).

Such is life in a watered-down NFL.

Sports Cheat Sheet - nil

from beginning to end. That would make us a 13-7 team who played .650 ball for the ENTIRE campaign..

Just as there are 60 minutes to an entire game (sometimes more), there are 16 regular season games PLUS playoff games (if you're fortunate enough to get there) for a TOTAL season..

Just sayin'

And yes, if not for Eli during the 9-7 part of our season, we win 3-4 games imo

best franchise to never win a championship (hi Philly!)

that were better than the 2011 team but didn't win anything - 2008, 2005, 1993, 1989, 1985. Sometimes things just shake out that way.

In comment 13063735 Greg from LI said:

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that were better than the 2011 team but didn't win anything - 2008, 2005, 1993, 1989, 1985. Sometimes things just shake out that way.

Greg, that 2005 team, even at 11-5 were a flawed team, even more than our 9-7 regular season team imv..But your point is well taken

In comment 13063732 Big Blue '56 said:

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from beginning to end. That would make us a 13-7 team who played .650 ball for the ENTIRE campaign.. Just as there are 60 minutes to an entire game (sometimes more), there are 16 regular season games PLUS playoff games (if you're fortunate enough to get there) for a TOTAL season.. Just sayin' And yes, if not for Eli during the 9-7 part of our season, we win 3-4 games imo

Too, the 2011 Packers were a 15-2 team for the entire season..Imo

should then also be calling for Eli Manning as first ballot HOF, can't have it both ways.

He carried that team a title as much as any QB I've ever seen.

But of course, they want it both ways.

That isn't luck. Lots of SB champs have had far easier roads to the game or weaker opponents for the game or both. They beat the best out there that year. Not every SB champ can say that.

In comment 13063735 Greg from LI said:

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that were better than the 2011 team but didn't win anything - 2008, 2005, 1993, 1989, 1985. Sometimes things just shake out that way.

The 2008 team might be the greatest Giants team I've seen. Effing Plax!!

I think history is going to be kinder to Eli Manning than the ongoing perception was during his career.

worthless to post things like this as it doesn't matter..Giants won a championship end of story

good teams peak late. What happens in the first 8 games has little to do with how a team performs in the playoffs.

Think about the ass kicking they delivered at Green Bay. How could knowledgeable fan call that team the worst championship team in history?

2011 team was better down the stretch than the 2005 Steelers. I also think they might have been better than the 69 Jets who from what I gather, were no great shakes.

Doesn't really matter either.

No one is going to repo the ring, trophy, or any of the enjoyment we got out of that run if it's admitted.

Bahahaha
Hammer : 3:37 pm : link : reply
Sour grapes.

Fuck em.

We won, they didn't

We kicked the crap out of a 15-1 team and beat the best defensive team in the league in their backyard.Then, to top it off, Manning led a March downfield to ruin Belichick and Brady's day.

After that, I never ever miss an opportunity to walk around Boston with Giants gear on.

Suck it.

You think Eagles and Cowboys fans would be frustrated if we went 14-2 and won it? We barely were better than them but Eli led them to the SB (during the Eagles dream team year mind you).

I mean it would be better to have a dynasty and win at least 12 games every year. But as only the pats were able to pull that off in the NFL this is a nice alternative.

Eli doesn't need to have a good team to win a Super Bowl. As for the boys and Eagles? The Stars need to align with heaven and earth to win a damn playoff game.

the worst SB losing team ever? ;-)

In comment 13063704 bceagle05 said:

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How that didn't end the whole "Eli needs a great team around him" myth, I'll never know.

The defense came alive towards the end. No disrespect to Eli but the Giants defense won the SB in GB and SF. No one saw holding Rodgers and GB to late meaningless TDs. And the SF game was a defensive game won on STs.

I'll take that.

That's our template you're talking about there.

Take it easy will ya

In comment 13063696 Victor in CT said:

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the trophy is in the display case.

Exactly. And the Patriots were the best team to lose a SB; which means squat because they still went home the losers to an inferior team.

The defense played well in that game, but they hardly carried the team.

In comment 13063704 bceagle05 said:

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How that didn't end the whole "Eli needs a great team around him" myth, I'll never know.

Every QB does. Just look at what happened to Marino. Could not do it himself.

That was not a good football team until Christmas Eve. Negative point differential, horrific defense, no running game, worst record of any Super Bowl team.

None of this detracts from the joy of that win or the quality of work Eli (and others) put in. The effort in the NFCCG was spectacular.

what they call the worst team to win a championship?

Champions.

I have never seen a quarterback carry a team to a title like Eli did that year. The defense, running game, and offensive line were mediocre to outright poor.

Consider that Cruz and Ballard entered that season completely unproven it was an incredible performance from Eli.

How 'bout those Pats.

to assess whether they are correct or not.

Were the 2011 Giants one of the "worst"? I don't doubt it.

But a champion is still a champion. I'd rather be a champion at 9-7 than an also-ran who was 15-1 in the regular season or 18-0 leading to the Super Bowl.

and Sain and two days rain. Imperfect teams can win big. In playoffs of limited duration flawed teams can win if they are clutch. If you doubt this watch the Olympics, now on, there will be amazing underdogs, who, because there is often only a single chance, and because they are clutch, will go gold. In 1958, the Giants, clearly the best talent, had the NFL Championship stolen by Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts. As Yogi commented, you could look it up. Then, we, the stunned and shocked faithful, retreated to our time of mourning and waiting. Decades passed. We did, belatedly, win the SB, but in underdog fashion, and because we were the clutch team, that wanted, and therefore deserved, more, to win. And we had suffered, the suffering years. But the dream had come to life, the dream of a latter day Johnny U, who could conquer all obstacles, steal victory from favorites, refuse to lose, and lead imperfect teams to victory. And now we have him # 10, still, after 13 years, still the most clutch since Johnny U., still going strong. He will win the most SBs in his family. Too bad, so sad, NFL fans, Eli will come through in the clutch again, probably this year.

by win loss record. OK, not very deep analyst.

with BBV. We beat 15-1 GB at their home. Enough said. We have the Lombardi.

No? Then who gives a fuck?

en route to their trophy-TWICE?

reg season record.

the people who are calling them the worst SB champ ever are churning out click-bait based on some football stat website. I doubt they ever watched a game that season.

the jints gave some games away early with some inexplicable play calls, defensive brain-farts etc. That they pulled it together in the end did not surprise me at all.

....

Bills or the Vikings if they'd give up all those great years they had for ONE Super Bowl ring!!!

Who really gives a F$&K!! On the biggest stage our team showed up and won!! That's all that matters!

Going all out against the Patriots in the last game of the season made the Giants believe that they could play with that "perfect" Patriot team.

In comment 13063913 Steve in South Jersey said:

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Going all out against the Patriots in the last game of the season made the Giants believe that they could play with that "perfect" Patriot team.

One of the more underrated HC decisions of our time. Not necessarily on here, but nationwide..

In comment 13063746 Chris684 said:

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should then also be calling for Eli Manning as first ballot HOF, can't have it both ways. He carried that team a title as much as any QB I've ever seen. But of course, they want it both ways.

This. If the 2011 team was doggerel than Eli won a Superbowl by himself. Enshrine him now.

McCarthy's horrendous decision (imo) in 2011 was sitting Rodgers the last game of the 15-1 regular season FOLLOWED by the two weeks off, for a grand total of 3 weeks. Is it any wonder Rodgers was rusty as hell against us in the playoffs?

loved that Coughlin decision to contest against the Pats. He, for that single decision, deserves to be in the Hall. The game against Green Bay in 2011, also merited him being immortalized. And his cool taking down of NE in the final. The game against SF in 11, all time, should never be forgotten. But, let's be real, Green Bay got eviscerated in 11, by far the best record in the NFL, but they could not pass the Giant test, nor withstand the Eli onslaught. This is just more of the anti-giant, anti-Eli static that still is out there. Whine on.

and Browns fans would like to have the worst SB champ team ever.

.... basically corresponding to Boley's injury.

From Cruz's 99-yard TD to the final gun of SB 46, they were the best team in the League, and they proved it by beating #2, #3 and #4.

the regular season...we beat an undefeated team...the greatest of all time one year and beat a 15-1 team in route to another....one year all on the road.....we also beat the greatest coach in football history twice in the SB.

Any Eagles fan I know and hate would take that.

should add ..I think in 2007 we beat division champs in route,,,,no wildcards.

Teams have to hitting on all cylinders when entering the playoffs to keep it going. They have to be healthy too and be a TEAM.

Eli carried the 2011 Giants. The wins over Green Bay, San Francisco and the Patriots were 3 straight wins over the NFL's best that year. 9-7 was in large part due to health or lack thereof. Plus we could run worth a damn anymore.

had a defensive line, receivers, and a quarterback and not much else.

Finished 14-4 & beat both the #1 seed in both conferences. They also started 10-1 the next season before Plax shot himself & the wheels, along with injuries on the DL, fell off.

They got off to a terrible start, but they were very good after that. They are only considered this unbelievable Cinderella because of the team they beat. In a lot of other years, they wouldn't have been much of an underdog.

in the trophy case. Case closed.

...was the worst Super Bowl champion. Who knows what might've been had the Giants not blown their lead against the Niners that year.

Even more talented then the 2007 D, especially in the Safety spot (believe Webster and Ross started 07 and 11) Phillips and Rolle with GrantSprinkles were light years better then Butler and Wilson respectively

The running game in 2011 was Absolute trash, however Bjac and Bradshaw did have a certain toughness, leadership and willingness/ability to protect Eli in pass pro that can't be ignored. However oline combined and the 2007 giants running game is light years better.

The passing attack led by Eli, Nicks, and Cruz was absolutely an elite trio that carried that offense. This passing attack was insanely better then 07s IMO, especially with a Prime Eli who was at his best in 2011. (I don't think we ever see him play that well again especially under that pressure and taking the hits he took at SF in the NfCCG.

The special teams were rather equal but I give the edge to the 2011 team due to a prime weatherford season vs a past prime Feagles season. Pretty close tho, Tynes was better in 2011 and we trusted him more. The ST coverage Led by Rookie Jquain Williams was nice and improved in 2011 but 07 had Tank Daniels and Droughs lol pretty close call.


The teams were similar yet vastly different. The pass rush was arguably better in 2011 then 2007 as well led by prime Young JPP and Playoff FIre rejuvenated Justin Tuck

is really underrate the present teams and overrate the old teams.

The Chiefs of way back, the Dolphins, the Colts, heck even the Jets weren't great teams. The Raiders that beat the Eagles in '79 or the Vikings before that? They are basing this purely on the perception that the Giants snuck into the postseason, because their run in the playoffs and SB was as impressive as pretty much any team we perceive as being an all-time great.

The early '70s Dolphins went 26-2 over a two year span with a truly great defense and a dominant running game. The 1976 Raiders were 13-1 and mauled the dynasty era Steelers in the AFC title game. The Chiefs had a bunch of Canton guys - Dawson, Bell, Buchanan, Lanier, Thomas.

The Giants WERE lucky to make the playoffs that season. They were 7-7 coming off an embarrassing home loss to the sorryass Skins before they somehow flipped a switch and started playing much better football.

relative strength though. Listing the HOFers the Chiefs have make me even angrier that LT and Carson are the only 2 Giants from that era to make it in.

The AFC in the 70's was much like the NFC in the 80's/. Only a handful of teams competed at a high level.

The '79 Raiders were a Wild Card team who played an Eagle team that lost 3 of their last 4 regular season games. The Colts and Dolphin SB teams had impressive records, but I don't think of those teams as all-time greats, and that's what these columns focus on - they look at W-L records and characterize teams that way. I mean, do people think the '95 Cowboys were great?

It is just another way for people to shit on or lessen the magnitude of the Giants SB's - and the fact that they beat the supposed best team ever. If Namath and the Jets live off those accolades for eternity, the Giants should enjoy even greater spoils.

Bavaro would have if he were healthy. I guess you can make a case for Oates, although center is a tough position to make it from for some reason. Banks is a Hall of Very Good type player, although he played at a HOF level in the '86 playoffs. Marshall seems like another HOVG guy. There are comparable players who indeed made it - Dan Hampton springs to mind - but to me that doesn't make Marshall's case any stronger in the end.

should open the door for a bunch of people. Marshall and Banks are the most hall worthy from '86, but a guy who really should be in for his body of work before the Giants, who cemented it with a SB win is OJ Anderson.

It is odd to me that the Giants are looked at as having the best LB's in the 80's and yet LT and Carson are the only ones enshrined. No Van Pelt. No Banks.

I mean, Carson was a 9 time Pro Bowler. Hampton was a 4 time one and Harry had to pretty much petition to get in the Hall.

McMichael only made two Pro Bowls, but he was a two-time All Pro, which Hampton never was. Same teams, roughly the same career, but one makes it and the other doesn't.

The reluctance to vote Carson in was indeed baffling. The only justification I've ever seen was a few clowns who said that he was elevated by playing with LT, which of course conveniently ignores the Pro Bowls he made in 1978 and 1979 when LT was still in Chapel Hill.

O.J. Anderson was a great back for many years beforehe was ever a Giant..His performance in 1990 was extraordinary given the context of age..His SB speaks for itself..

As related on here many times, My daughter has been very Close to Leonard Marshall and his wife for many years, perhaps decades..I sat next to him at her wedding and naturally we talked for hours. He feels (rightfully so imo) for all the years he played for the Giants, he had no real peer as a two-way DE..If he did, it was quite close..

As an aside, he told me that LT was unquestionably the greatest D player that ever lived (nothing we all don't know), but he says the amount of time he and Carson had to cover up for his mistakes was rarely, if ever, talked about. Hewas not being critical. He related this with smiles and laughter, but it did force him to stay home a lot

he was 8th in rushing, had a SB MVP trophy and he is still the 27th all-time rusher.

He's crapped on for playing with the Cards, but he had a similar career progression as Bettis. Yet one guy was considered a lock for the Hall and the other is left out.

long lamented taking Simms over OJ in the '79 draft and did so for years after or at least until Phil finally started to put things together in '84

I also remember it was the first time I saw a team pick a kicker in the 1st round. I think Russell Exerblen went a few picks after Anderson.

I was only 10 at the time, but I remember my uncles laughing the next day when I asked them about the kicker. I'm not even sure people watched the draft back then - we'd see the results on the news or in the paper.