The Giants defense, which had been plagued by poor concentration, played their best game in decades.
Jumping Off The George Washington Bridge
On May 8, 2007, Osi Umenyiora, star defensive end of the New York Football Giants , and Chief of the Nigerian village of Ogbunike, told reporters:
“I have officially declared myself, Chief Osi Umenyiora, the best defensive end in the NFL. To prove this fact, I will have one of the best seasons ever for a defensive end. If not, I will jump off the George Washington Bridge.
I do not want to jump off the George Washington Bridge because it will be detrimental to my health.”
Umenyiora proved it on Sunday, by sacking Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, six times, and also forcing two fumbles.
The Giants sacked McNabb twelve times during the game, which tied the NFL record for sacks in a game. This record had been shared by the Cowboys (1966 and 1985), Cardinals (1980), and the Bears (1984).
Vote for Chief Ositadinma Umenyiora
Please take a moment to give Osi credit for his stupendous performance. Vote for Osi Umenyiora as NFL defensive player of the week at:
Trying Harder
“It’s like playing a pick-up basketball game outside with your brother. Sometimes you try harder to beat them than in a real deal. I am looking forward to it.” —Steve Spagnuolo
Steve Spagnuolo is the team’s new offensive coordinator. Spagnuolo, who is called “Spags” by the players, came to the Giants this year, after spending the past eight seasons with the Eagles. Spags worked for the Eagles as an assistant to Jimmy Johnson , who has been Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator since 1999.
Spags clearly out coached his old boss.
The Giants kept the Eagles confused with different lineups, and with blitzes on almost every passing play.
Michael Strahan blamed Philly’s coaching for double–teaming him, and using Winston Justice, who was making his first career start, to cover (dead link removed) Chief Osi. Justice started in place of the injured William Thomas.
The Giants defense, which was ranked 32nd after the second game, is now ranked 16th after they played six quarters of inspired, and innovative, football.
Spags Has Improved the Giants
This is how Chief Osi described him:
“It’s not only the system, man, we believe in him as a person. We love him and we’d run through a brick wall for him. We’re just getting adjusted to his system now.”
“The important thing is that we won the football game.
We were just hungry. We have outstanding pass rushers on this football team. A lot of disrespect was going on, talking about how bad this defense was. Spags got us ready and we came out. We fed off of last week. We just need to keep getting better. It’s huge to be able to set records, especially in a game of this magnitude. We needed this game.”
Other Defensive Stars
Mathias Kiwanuka had three sacks, Kawika Mitchell scored a touchdown on a recovered fumble, and Justin Tuck continued to impress me.
Lawrence Taylor was on the sidelines, and Michael Strahan, impressed him when he broke LT’s team record for sacks. Strahan said:
“It felt great and to do it here in front of the home crowd in a big game like this against a very tough opponent. And with L.T. here it was special.”
Lawrence Taylor said this about Michael Strahan:
“Michael’s accomplishment speaks for itself. His career is a tribute to his unique ability and his longevity. It is a violent, physical, game and I have great respect for a man who continues to play the way he plays in his 15th year.
Where’s the Offense?
Plaxico Burress made a phenomenal catch in the end zone, which scored the Giants only offensive touchdown.
Derrick Ward was much less effective than last week, and Jeremy Shockey, who only has 16 catches all year, had his talents wasted again. Shockey should ask to be traded.
Parcells or Perkins?
I remember going to games with Jayne in 1983, when Bill Parcells replaced Ray Perkins and everything changed. Under Perkins, there were too many offensive plays, running the ball straight up the middle of the field. It reached the point where everybody knew the Giants were going to run the ball straight up the middle, twice, and then pass on third down.
Thankfully, after Parcells arrived, everyone ran in different directions, and nobody knew what to expect. The Giants also ran trick plays once in awhile, to further befuddle their opponents.
Now, the Giants have become like Perkins on offense, and Parcells on defense. When the Giants will take on the winless New York Jets next Sunday, will they remind us of Parcells, or Perkins?