CAN WE PROVE OURSELVES?
We have not won a Playoff game with Eli Manning, we have not had back-to-back outstanding performance games with Eli Manning, and we’re facing one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.
Of course we’re looking to get at least past the first round. It has been a curse to us to get a hit in the Playoffs, but not to be able to reach the bowl. We are going to need a lot from Eli Manning since the Buccaneers have some of the best defenders in the NFL. It is very obvious that we’ll run the ball more, but I’m hoping this will open up the passing game. Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Plaxico Burress and even Kevin Boss are tough threats that their defense won’t be able to ignore. Hoping we can piggy back on the beast (Jacobs) we will finish strong against Tampa.
On the defense side, Jeff Garcia has done so much damage to us throughout the years that we should be lookin to shut him down. I have more faith on our defense than ever and believe this will be the toughest obstacle for the Bucs. First of all, Garcia is mobile and he’ll need that talent very much since our defensive line plays with a lot of inspiration. Our Linebackers should not have a problem reading Garcia since he’ll probably have to focus on short passing like he always does. My only problem would be the deep pass if Garcia decides to throw it long. We won’t have Sam Madison but we’ll have Corey Webster and Aaron Ross who will need to prove themselves the most out of the Giants defensive starters.
I feel very strong about this Giants team and hope the drive that gave New England Patriots a hard time is still there for us. We will need to show superb play execution and excellent play calling to show the remaining teams we have what it takes to get to the Superbowl. Being realistic, we are a tough team to beat but being recognized as the challengers it’s going to be difficult to get out of that state of mind. Unbalanced performance has been positive for us but we have not beat the teams we were supposed to beat to gain a stronger recognition. This Sunday will hopefully change my beliefs about my favorite team and gain the inspiration that drives us in those spectacular games.
