Underdogs

First thing's first lets look back on the greatest day of our lives, which also happens to be the last time we played the Patriots in a meaningful game:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64HksFibyMA&feature=related

Now that we've got that image really clearly in our minds, does our philosophy with beating this team change that much? Yes there have been several roster changes to both teams since that epic day but both teams still stand for the same thing they did on February 3rd, 2008.

The Giants are still underdogs and fighters. They traditionally have one of the best pass rushes in the league, and right now the Giants lead the league in sacks, not undifferent from our 07-08 magic carpet ride of a season. The Patriots are still favored to win almost every game they play. Everybody still bows down to the almighty Tom Brady and the legendary Bill Belichick. And while people still think they're the greatest team to walk the earth I think it's an important reminder that the Patriots have not won a super bowl since the 2005 season and haven't won a playoff game since the 2007 season. Do we really have to spell it out? They're overrated.

Now the Pats still got game. But the point I'm making is that they're not unbeatable. In fact the Giants match up quite well against New England. The Giants have an incredible amount of talented pass rushers. But it's tough to utilize all of them until the Giants aren't certain the opposing team is in a must-pass situation. If you think about the end of the Miami game where everyone in Giants stadium knew Matt Moore had limited time and had to throw to try and march down the field, it was over. The Giants just sent in all the hound dogs. Jason Pierre-Paul, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, Dave Tollefson, and Mathias Kiwanuka were all having a party. So if Brady's at a point where he has to pass no matter what the game will be over, but oh wait a minute, IT'S NEW ENGLAND. How often do they run in the first place? Maybe occasionally but right now Green-Ellis is hurt and they're starting Kevin Faulk. So the game plan approach is almost exactly like that incredible day almost 4 years ago, find the minimum amount of pass rushers to gain consistent pressure on Brady. If you can go with 4, go with 4.

Brady recently said in an interview that he doesn't even think about the super bowl as a grudge against the Giants at all and it has nothing to do with this game. Let me tell you right now, that's a sack of shit. Teams don't forget. The Patriots have plenty of reasons to be motivated, and Super Bowl XLII is certainly one of them. Brady just said that to avoid controversy. Speaking of controversy, earlier this year everyone tried to make some fluff of what Eli said, when he mentioned he thought he was in the same category of play of Tom Brady. First off I'd like to point out that he is. And second off what the hell was he supposed to say? "Oh shucks Mr. Reporter man maybe one day I'll be as good as my hero Tom Brady," hell no, Eli's got balls. Reporters go to Eli begging and praying that he'll say something to create a story. The truth of the matter is he's a professional so he's not going to say anything, and so is Brady. Both quarterbacks without a doubt have multiple reasons to want to win this game. I expect incredible performances from both of them.

The Patriots have not lost a game when Tom Brady is quarterback at Foxborough since October 2006 against the New York Jets. But as Giants fans know, statistical improbables are just fuel to the fire. These Gmen come to play. They play at the level of their competition consistently and don't be surprised if this game on Sunday is a battle untill that clock hits zero. For me personally, I haven't been this psyched for a game since we played Philly early this year.

Bradshaws status is uncertain with a broken bone in his foot, and Hakeem Nicks is questionable with a hamstring injury. They are two terrific players but let me tell you the Giants are going to come to play no matter who's on the field. Super Mario and Victor Cruz will bring their game and the running game may be hurting but lets face it it's already non-existant. I would be all for giving the rookie Da'rell Scott a chance. Why not when you're ranked thirtieth in the league with running the football? On the Pats side Wes Welker has a neck injury. Antrel Rolle has already made it clear that he is up for the challenge of covering Wesley. I am psyched to see that matchup.

Sunday at 4:15. It will be a battle to remember. Eli Manning and Tom Brady, two of the best quarterbacks in the league going at it. JPP will be joining the "Sack-Brady party" since he unfortunately couldn't be with us for that historic day in Glendale, Arizona. The Giants are fighters, scrappers, underdogs and are going to give these Pats hell. Statistics are against them, but that doesn't matter. Football is about creating your own destiny as a team and accomplishing great things.

Upset city baby, the Gmen are rolling out to Foxborough. Lets get that Road Warrior swagger back. This Sunday will be a game to remember.