The Eve of Battle

It's Christmas Eve right now as far as I'm concerned...

That's right baby NFL Sunday starts tomorrow, and the Gmen will start their season against their division rival the Washington Redskins on 9/11. There's no question emotions will be running high for both teams, for the countless lives lost ten years ago from both cities.

I would be lying if Giants fans didn't have a few reasons to worry going into this 2011 season. Terrel Thomas, Osi Umenyiora, Prince Amukumara, Jonathan Goff, and Clint Sintim are all currently injured and unable to perform. Osi and Prince will return to the club in good time, but the others are gone for the season.

And now, say it aint so, Justin Tuck isn't sure if he'll be able to play on Sunday due to severe stiffness in his neck. As insurance the Giants recently signed defensive end Justin Trattou off of the practice squad after putting Jonathan Goff on the injured reserve. Greg Jones the two time all American out of Michigan State that the Giants drafted will be starting at middle linebacker on Sunday. Lets face it, that's a little sketchy but this is the opportunity of a lifetime for the kid, and I have confidence in him.

But lets look at the facts. The Giants have beaten the Redskins six straight times. The Giants have also won the first game of their season for the past three years. Lets break it down with the good and the bad...

The Good: Corey Webster without a doubt completely owns Santana Moss. Look for that trend to continue.
-Jacobs and Bradshaw usually pound the rock no problem against this team. Look for the Giants to continue their formula of establishing the run on offense and stopping it on defense.
-Hakeem Nicks is dirty. I expect him and Eli to be doing their thing. Back shoulder fades all day, I have yet to see a team that can defend it.
-Giants passing game may have looked mediocre in pre-season, but supposedly Gilbride has been keeping plays under the radar. Hopefully that's true, I personally have never been a huge fan of Gilbrides offense but Eli's not worried about the passing game, (despite losing Boss and he who must not be named to free agency), so neither am I.
-Mathias Kiwanuka. No one is talking about the fact that he's back in action, and I am excited to see this guy play.

The Bad: Tim Hightower has looked good in pre-season. Knowing Shanahan he will really want to get his teams running game going especially after last year. I expect Hightower to be getting the rock early.
-Expect little dinky passes aimed to exploit the linebackers. Especially if Greg Jones is paired up man to man with a running back like Hightower or Torrain. I think Fewell will be able to overcome our weakness at linebacker, since he pretty much did last year.
-Tuck might not play! I'm hoping the captain will be able to make it on the field because that would certainly fire up the troops, but if he can't expect runs to Tucks would-be side right away.
-Laron Landry. The dudes a beast. But I think Hakeem can show him up, especially if we get that running game going early.

I'd like to end this blog with a message to Giants fans who are doubtful and pessimistic going into this season: Believe. A couple months ago we weren't even sure there would be football. Yet here we are. There may be injuries to certain individuals but this is a TEAM game. If the Giants show they can overcome these injuries it shows a great deal of confidence in the depth of the team. Since Couglins been here they've had plenty of injuries EVERY YEAR, and I would much rather have them earlier than later.

Long story short, be happy. Cause footballs back baby. Lets go GGGGGGGGMMMENNNNNNNNN (Chris Berman style).