The Giants defense was fantabulous. They sacked 49er quarterback, Trent Dilfer six times, and forced four turnovers. Michael Strahan, who was credited with 2.5 sacks had his best game of the season. It was Strahan’s 207th game as Giant, which tied him with Howard Cross for the most games played in Giants uniform.
“I’m going to talk about this as long as I’m with the Giants”
After the game, Chief Osi said:
“I talk so much trash about how fast I am, I was thinking they better not catch me, or I’ll never hear the end of it.”
“I’m going to talk about this as long as I’m with the Giants.”
It’s Deja Vu All Over Again
This is the second year in a row, that the Giants have had a five game winning streak. Unfortunately, the Giants finished last season in third place, with an 8–8 record. The Giants have finished the past two seasons, by losing the wild–card playoff game.
Although this season, seems much different, anything can happen. The Giants defense, which surrendered 80 points in the first two games, has only given up 59 points during this five game winning streak, and seems to improve every week.
The defense was particularly impressive during the second quarter, when they scored on back—to—back plays.
And for the first time since 1985, the Giants offense has scored over 30 points for three consecutive games.
Strahan Watch
To me, the most notable change in the Giants, is reflected in Michael Strahan’s attitude. Strahan and Umenyiora were briefly interviewed on TV after the game, and Strahan seemed positively buoyant. When Strahan’s happy, the Giants win.
London’s Calling
The revitalized Giants play the winless Dolphins in London, next Sunday, in the NFL’s first regular season game in Europe. The Dolphins just announced that running back Ronnie Brown, and safety Renaldo Hill will be out for the rest of the season.
The Dolphins had previously lost quarterback Trent Green to a concussion and they have missed the NFL trading deadline to try to replace these key players.
The Giants are now nine–point–favorites to win on Sunday. Will they match last year’s six game winning streak?
Additional Incentive
The NY Daily News reported, that the Giants are also motivated by a betting pool where each player contributes a sum based on their salary. Although Umenyiora, with his eight sacks, and two fumble recoveries, is the leader, Strahan said:
“He is not that far out there, trust me.”
“I wake up later in the season.”
For Strahan, who had to pay a $15.3 million divorce settlement in January, and now pays $18,000 a month in child support, it might just motivate him, at age 34, to have his best season ever.