The harsh reality of free agency

The Giants lost another player to free agency this week, with cornerback Aaron Ross signing with the Jaguars. This after Mario Manningham headed to San Francisco last week, and the likelihood that Brandon Jacobs and Kareem McKenzie won't be back with the team.

It's not all bad, as Terrell Thomas is back, as is Steve Weatherford. But this is the nature of free agency, especially coming off of a championship. Guys are going to get big deals elsewhere, and you can't possibly keep them all. The disappointing part to me, is that the Giants don't get a chance to defend their title as the exact same group. But, of course, that's just not practical in the NFL, and it's understood going in that Super Bowl or not, your team isn't going to be the exact same one the next season.

So, to Ross, Manningham, and the inevitable others who won't be back with Big Blue, I say thank you. You'll always be remembered fondly for what you did as Giants, on such a special 2011 team - and in Ross's case, a special 2007 team as well. And I certainly can't begrudge them their massive free agency paydays.

However, these guys are all replaceable. Jerry Reese proved this last offseason, after Kevin Boss and Steve Smith left, and he'll again find players to step right in this year. For Manningham, it could be Domenik Hixon, Jerrel Jernigan, Ramses Barden, Devin Thomas, or none of the above. For Ross, it will be probably be Terrell Thomas or Prince Amukamara.

On a somewhat related Giants note, after struggling with worries of 5-11 last season, I have learned to never have that fear again. No matter who gets injured, or who leaves in free agency, between now and September. The reason is simple. As long as they have Eli Manning, they always have a chance. So many times during last season, I was thinking either, "Eventually this isn't going to work out," or at the very least, "Do they have to make it so difficult on themselves every time?" But what a joy it was to watch him lead the Giants to the game winning score, every single time they needed it.

NFL Free Agency, and the Peyton Manning chase

The Giants have been predictably quiet in free agency so far, and figure to continue to be. They did sign former Cowboys' TE Martellus Bennett this week, but otherwise it's been a matter of taking care of as many of their own as they have room for.

NJ.com has a nice Giants "Free Agent Tracker," it's nice to see all the info on one page there.

I've been pretty wishy-washy on Peyton Manning - I have no idea where he's going, and while it seems to be narrowed down to Denver and San Francisco right now, at this time last week it was looked like the Redskins, Cardinals, and Dolphins were the candidates. In a couple days, if he's not signed by then, who knows what other team(s) will emerge?

South Park did it

The Simpsons got around to doing an Inception parody in last night's episode. It's funny because the movie came out two years ago, and South Park did an Inception parody a year and a half ago. And in a podcast recorded two weeks ago, at about the four minute mark, I said this...

"They had an episode once, 'Simpsons Did It...' Since that episode, it's become 'South Park did it.' Even to the point where, the Simpsons are doing things South Park did a couple years prior."

(I promise I didn't know this Simpsons episode was coming. And even if you aren't buying that, hey, I've been noticing this for years.)

Anyway, the sad thing for me about last night's episode was, in spite of a strong start, it was the first time in 23 seasons that I completely lost interest in an episode. Sure, there have been plenty of times over the past three or so seasons when I've sat there and said, "Meh, this isn't very good." But I'd keep sitting there watching with undivided attention. Last night, I simply turned my back and starting putzing around on the PC.

Still, I hang on, out of obligation. In spite of being way, way over the TV/radio entertainment time salary cap, I keep a starting roster spot open for the Simpsons, which at this point would be like the Giants keeping Carl Banks at linebacker out of loyalty. And I don't mean Carl Banks when he was past his prime with the Redskins and Browns from 1993-95...I mean Carl Banks, right now.

Note: "Putzing around on the PC" is not a euphemism for viewing pornography.

Champions

Where to even begin?

The Giants have done it again. Four years after a run that appeared to be once in a lifetime.

24 hours later and I am still trying to fully digest what has happened, but here are a few thoughts.

Eli Manning now has a legacy. Beyond "super clutch" I don't know quite what it is, but I know he no longer deserves being compared to his brother, or anyone. He's his own man, and has his own special chapter in NFL history.

Tom Coughlin is a Hall of Fame coach. I say that for lack of a better term, because the Hall of Fame itself is so arbitrary and has Peter King voting on it. But needless to say, Coughlin isn't on the hot seat anymore. Nor can anyone question whether his players love playing for him, and can still be reached by his methods.

Like I said, for me it's still sinking in, but there is a strange feeling at this point. After being all-in for an entire season that was never short on drama, there is no game next Sunday. No heavily favored opponent. No confident yet nervous feelings leading up to the game. No superstitions. (I can now cut my hair, wash my Sunday t-shirt, and not insist certain people are seated next to me while watching the game.) It's really over. 32 teams, and the Giants were the ones left standing. Again.

Yes, there is no game next Sunday. No game for about six months, in fact. Somehow though, with the tape of this game that I'll probably watch a few times over again, I think I'll make it through the long spring and summer.

(Actually, I'll be able to enjoy it more the second time, after having been too on-edge to do so while it was happening.)

Finally, on another personal note, I couldn't have picked a better year to really immerse myself in a Giants season like never before. I tried to write almost every week, and by the 2nd half of the season, Drew and I had the podcast going almost every week. This all has been a blast, and thanks for coming along on the journey with me.

They got it right

I was quite critical of the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year when Curtis Martin, the NFL's 4th all-time leading rusher, was passed up for enshrinement. And while it's still a year late, they deserve a small amount of credit for doing the right thing and voting him in this year.

Curtis was remarkably consistent and durable, a great all-around back who could catch and block with the best of them, and according to just about anyone who knows him, is a great human being.

Congratulations to Curtis Martin for now being recognized as one of the greatest players who ever lived - a distinction that most of us who watched him play, knew all along.

Battle Tested

After being taken to the brink by a remarkably tough opponent, on the road, in terrible weather conditions, the Giants are Super Bowl bound.

It wasn't pretty, and I credit the 49ers for that, especially their defense. And it took some really heads-up special teams plays by Jacquain Williams and Devin Thomas, off of gaffes by 49ers' punt return man Kyle Williams. But championship teams find a way to win, and this team did exactly that, while minimizing their own mistakes.

I can still hardly believe it, but I've got plenty of time to come to grips with it now - as much as I wish this game could be played tomorrow, the Super Bowl is 13 days away. For now, I'll just say I like the Giants' chances. They open as 3 1/2 point underdogs, but I was more afraid of the 49ers than I am of the Patriots.

The Giants have faced so many challenges this year, and I believe those challenges have toughened them up to become what they have become, over the past 5 games.

What a season it's been...but there is still one more game to win.

Astounding

37-20 over the 15-1 Packers. That's not just a big road win, that's domination.

Watching this team make nothing look easy over their first 14 games, I still almost can't believe what I'm seeing.

In the 2nd quarter in Week 16 against the Jets, the Giants trailed 7-3, when Eli Manning hit Victor Cruz on a 3rd and 10 from the Giants' own 1 yard-line. Since Cruz sidestepped two Jets defenders and went the remaining 99 yards for the TD, the Giants have outscored the Jets, Cowboys, Falcons, and Packers, by a combined score of 118-43. It's as if they were sparked into becoming a completely different team.

Now, on to San Francisco for a rematch. The 49ers are awfully tough, and not to be overlooked. When watching their matchup with the Saints the day before, I was struck by how physical they are, and how well they tackle. I'll be shocked if the NFC Championship is a blowout for either side. But the way the Giants are playing, they can beat anyone.

And a last note - I don't usually get into the "bulletin board material" kind of stuff because at this point in the season, no player needs extra motivation. But I was amazed at what I heard from Vernon Davis when he was interviewed during halftime of Giants-Packers.

Davis was asked if he was rooting for the Packers or Giants. Every time I've previously heard an athlete asked this question, they have been diplomatic and not answered it. But Davis flat out said, he wanted the Giants to win. I understand he likes to play at home, but after what he saw done to the Packers yesterday, as the saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for."

The goal now? Finish it.

LOL HOF

If I may interrupt the awesomeness of a Giants playoff week...Barry Larkin was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame with 86% of the vote. Okay, fine, 86% seems super high for a guy who, while good, wasn't a superstar, but whatever, he's in...

And Bernie Williams received just 10% of the vote? And still no Don Mattingly? Really? I have vowed to no longer give Halls of Fame the time of day in the past, but this seems especially ridiculous and anti-Yankee. Larkin was pretty good with his career 116 OPS+, played good defense at an important position, and has a ring. But then to mostly ignore Williams with his career 125 OPS+, also good defense at an important position, and 4 rings? And if the voters think Larkin's 3 gold gloves are meaningful...Williams had 4.

But then I guess I'm sleeping on Larkin for his 1995 MVP award. Williams never won one. Larkin's MVP season: .319/394/492, 133 OPS+, gold glove. Williams' best year, 1998: .339/422/575, 160 OPS+, gold glove. He finished 7th in the MVP voting that year.

Also, while Larkin didn't have control over playing on teams as good as Williams did...not for nothing, just look at where Williams ranks in the following lists for all-time playoff numbers:

Runs - 2nd

Hits - 2nd

Total bases - 2nd

Doubles - 2nd

HR - 2nd

RBI - 1st

Walks - 3rd

Halls of Fame don't really matter, we know this. But come on baseball, if you're going to pretend your Hall of Fame is important, at least try to get it right.

Thrill ride continues

Like the motto they have seemed to adopt for 2011-12, I am "All In" with these Giants.

After a nightmare start with one injury after another to key players, they're the healthiest they've been all season.

The offense, after a hiccup against the Redskins and Jets (pre-Cruz 99 yard TD), is back to its explosive self, and now with finally a threat to run the ball well.

The defense is playing as well as it has all season, after Perry Fewell simplified things towards the end of the season after the secondardy had been leaving gaping holes all year. I'd ask, "Where have these adjustments been the first 14 games?" but that would just be nit-picking at this point. All that matters is the present.

I've been critical of Gilbride and Quinn, and super critical of Fewell, but that's in the past, and I'm 100% behind them for this game, and believe they'll each be prepared with a good scheme for their units. And above all, I believe Coughlin will have them ready, down to every detail, to play a competitive game against a Packers team with an almost unstoppable offense...but a defense that can be scored upon.

Will it be enough? We'll see. A playoff run can end suddenly, so I'm going to enjoy it for however long it lasts. But I'm about as confident as I can possibly be in a 9-7 team going on the road to face a 15-1 team as 9 point underdogs.

This team believes, and they have me believing too.

A New Season

It's been a sunny and warm start to January here in the Phoenix area, a symbol of the feeling I've had since the Giants defeated Dallas on Sunday night, punching their ticket to the playoffs and a matchup with Atlanta.

Before we look ahead, I'd like to look back at the season that was. Jerry Reese and Tom Coughlin have done a remarkable job this season in getting this team to the playoffs, considering Coughlin's ability to keep them fighting in spite of the injuries to key players pretty much from the start of camp, and the depth Reese gave this roster even though it seemed the Giants were sitting on their hands and not improving, while the Eagles were building a "dream team" in free agency. But there's something to be said for stability and continuity. Kevin Gilbride has been Eli Manning's coordinator for 4 years now, and was his QB coach before that. Their comfort with each other shows, and Eli has had a season for the ages. (This is somewhat overshadowed by three other quarterbacks, Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Aaron Rodgers, having even more amazing seasons. A lot of other years, Eli Manning would have been MVP, but I can't blame voters for placing Eli likely a distant fourth this year.)

On defense, I'm still not the biggest Perry Fewell fan, but it seems his unit is starting to peak at the right time, with the secondary finally clamping down after being gashed all season, and the pass rush firing on all cylinders.

If the oddsmakers are any indication, the Falcons and Giants are as evenly matched as it gets. The Giants are a 3 point favorite, and usually the standard in setting the line is to grant 3 points to the team playing at home.

I have no idea what's going to happen Sunday, but I can't wait to find out.