Sleeping Giants?
December 18, 2008
Sunday night presents an excellent opportunity for the Carolina Panthers. They can proclaim on national television their football dominance in a convincing fashion. Sunday night also presents an opportunity for the New York Giants.
The sleeping Giants could send a wake up call to the rest of the NFL.
After losing the last two games, the Giants are no longer the darlings of the NFL. No longer heralded as the obvious NFC representative at the Superbowl. Without their star receiver, who for some odd reason enjoys hiding firearms in his sweat pants, the Giants are still searching for their new offensive identity.
Brandon Jacobs has said this week he will play, but with a lingering injury that could get much worse at any time on the field. The fact that he is even playing in this game speaks volumes to its importance and implications. It speaks to the heart of the matter, New York intends to make a statement.
I expect to see a playoff game on sunday night. The Giants know a thing or two about the playoffs obviously, having won the Superbowl less than a year ago. But this is not Carolina’s first playoff rodeo either. Eight players remain on the roster from the Panthers 2003 superbowl appearence, and many others were on board during their 2005 NFC Championship run.
In the end these are two veteran teams, one on the rise, and one thought to be in free fall.
Can the Panthers keep the Giants in a slumber for one more week? I can’t wait to find out.
