Going into last night’s game, my New York Football Giants were 4-0, leading the NFL in a whole bunch of statistical categories. SteelyKid watched at least part of every one of those games with me.
Last night, just before kick-off, Kate took SteelyKid upstairs for a late-evening feeding. After eating, she dropped off to sleep fast enough that Kate just set her down in the crib, where she slept for a good four hours. And the Giants got thumped by the 1-3 Cleveland Browns, with Eli Manning throwing three interceptions, one run back for a touchdown.
I think the lesson here is clear…
… namely that the Giants’ defensive secondary is ordinary at best, and if you can keep their defensive line off the QB, they can be picked apart pretty easily. Also, that Manning is at his best when he feels free to spread the ball around to whoever is open– two of last night’s INT’s were thrown in the direction of Plaxico Burress, the Giants’ version of Terrell Owens, who was suspended last weekend, and looked to be getting the ball thrown his way a lot to soothe his ego.
You’re a better man than me. I would have immediately blamed it on some karmic realignment and been burning offerings to the football gods. Then again, I’m a Bills fan…
The media also plays a role. Whenever a team is anointed the winner so ceremoniously prior to playing the game, players on both sides read their press clippings. Bottom line: Coughlin’s Giants are more disciplined and better coached. They’ll figure out any deficiencies and correct them. That’s the true sign of a great team, emphasis on “organization”.
As a Browns fan, I was happy to see them win a game by a strong margin. Coming against a 4-0 team that won last years Super Bowl adds to the fun. Living, as I do, in southern Ohio means getting told over and over that those same Giants barely got by the hapless Bengals. The season still has a long way to go!
Speaking of SteelyKid: More pictures, please!