by The GM on February 5 at 6:29PM
Now that the New York Giants have won the Super Bowl, they can reflect on the season that was. They can look back at how they started 0-2, how they won the next 6 games, how they won 10 road games in a row, and then how they shocked the world by beating the New England Patriots.
The victories on the field are satisfying. But, are they more satisfying knowing that two of the most popular players in recent Giants' history had nothing to do with the win?
Subtraction Number 1:
Tiki Barber blasted Eli Manning at the beginning of the year and claimed that he did not have the intestinal fortitude to lead the Giants into the playoffs, let alone to be a successful team. This came after Barber criticized coach Tom Coughlin for his coaching methods and blamed him for making Barber want to retire. Barber finished last season with 1662 rushing yards, part of the 2156 yards and 14 touchdowns the Giants racked up on the ground. This season, the Giants rushed for 2148 yards and 15 touchdowns, led by Brandon Jacobs' 1009 yards.
Subtraction Number 2:
Jeremy Shockey is seen as the bad boy of the team. With his "flair" for the game and his constantly running mouth, I think he is a detriment to this team. He is constantly in Manning's ear complaining when he doesn't get the ball and even when he does get it, he isn't satisfied. When Shockey went down with a broken leg in Week 15, Manning was forced to start looking down the field for his receivers. Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer became the focal points of the passing game and Manning's confidence started to rise. As evidenced in the playoffs, Manning became more comfortable with looking down the field and not worrying about dumping short passes over the middle to Shockey. Maybe New York should look to get rid of Shockey this off season?
Revenge is sweet, victory is sweeter, but shutting your critics up has to be the sweetest of all.
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