TEAM: New York Giants
OFFENSE A-
DEFENSE A
SPEC. TEAMS B
COACHING A
FRONT OFFICE A
SCOUTING B+
OVERALL A
STRENGTH RB, QB, OG, OT, OC, DT, DE
WEAKNESS TE, DC,
OFF. MVP Chris Snee
DEF. MVP Justin Tuck
TOP ROOKIE Kenny Phillips
Comments: The defending Super Bowl Champions are 6 and 1 and have faced a great deal of adversity (defections, retirement and injuries), but have hung in there like champions that they have proven to be. Chris Mara, the son of the late Wellington Mara, the absolute greatest owner in professional sports, is the unsung hero of the front office and both Jerry Shay and Steve Verderosa are two of the best talent evaluators in the game. Depth is a problem, particularly at the QB position and along the defensive front. Rookie Kenny Phillips is not a starter at this stage, but is a future star in the league.
I have never been a big Eli Manning fan, seeing him as just an adequate passer, but I do admire his ability to handle adversity and not get flustered, particularly in big games.
The Giants three headed monster, at the running back position Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw has been so effective, that it has reduced veteran Reuben Droughens and promising Danny Ware to spectator roles.
Looking for a reason why the Giants are at the top of the heap in the NFC? It’s very simple; take a close look this Sunday at the people up front. The Giants are team to beat at this point of the season in the NFC.