New York Giants - 2008 NFC Champions

Congratulations Eli Manning and the Giants - 2008 NFC Champions and possible Superbowl contenders (But lets try to keep calm about it).

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! (Okay, I'm done).

Its been a long, long time since any sporting team I've supported with such passion has actually gone onto win big. The fact they face Tom Brady and the cold, ruthless New England Patriot killing machine two weeks from now in a superbowl showdown bears no relevance. Nobody expected the Giants make it this far. Nobody. The folks over at Fox Sports routinely picked opposition teams over the Giants & criticized Eli Manning at every given opportunity, especially when early into the season the Giants got off to a horrendous start by losing to Dallas and Green Bay. But how well have they come back from that start and almost in a karmic sense finish off their playoff games by beating both Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay (under sub-zero conditions).

Credit to Eli Manning who displayed increasing level of maturity under fire, offensive coach, Kevin Gilbride, who showed aggressive intent and confidence in calling plays involving young guns including rookie wide receiver, Steve Smith and the diminutive yet dangerous Ahmad Bradshaw who established a solid running game for the Giants on key plays. It was crucial for such players, being unknown quantities, to come off the bench and show their mettle, given that lead play-maker Plaxico Burress was fighting a strained ankle almost the entire season, and the absence of veteran tight-end and emotional core of the New York Giants, Jeremy Shockey, due to a season ending injury.

But it was defensive coach,Steve Spagnoulo, and the incredible NY Giants defense which stepped up, and by more than a few notches (beginning that 3rd Quarter vs. Redskins) . The team never looked back. Time and time again, the NY Giants defense broke out tremendous plays and stopped opposition offense cold in their tracks which helped Eli & the boys get back on the field. Osi Umenyiora, Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, Antonio Pierce and Cornerback comback-kid Corey Webster, just to name a few among the many who played strong and hard and gave this fighting team a chance at every opportunity. Good show. God Bless.

Go Giants!

watch Buress highlights from NFC Championships - http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806219dd

Manning highlights from NFC Championships - http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80621d11

Game day highlights - http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d806235fe

Post game press conference highlights - http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d80622efa

Nav