Only two weeks ago, the New York Giants were a New York Nightmare. After an embarrassing 19 point home loss to the Tennessee Titans, the coach had lost control, the players wanted the coach gone, the star running back wanted out, and the defense had reverted back to its late 2009 form.
Since then however, the team has pulled off back to back wins against the previously 3-0 Chicago Bears and 3-1 Houston Texans. In both games, the Giants were successful in all three phases, which led to double digit victories. The once defunct, fumbling prone running game has come alive with Ahmad Bradshaw currently being 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards. Hakeem Nicks is quickly becoming one of the games best wide receivers, having hauled in a league leading 6 touchdowns. The offense, which once relied solely on Eli Manning, has become one of the NFL's best. Most of these accomplishments have come without star center Shaun O'Hara, who has missed the past three games with an ankle injury.
Perhaps the greatest turnaround, however, has been the defense. After being shredded by Peyton Manning and Chris Johnson in weeks 2 and 3, new defensive coordinator Perry Fewell has led a comeback of Steve Spagnuolo like proportions. The defense is currently ranked 1st in the NFL against the pass and 9th against the run. Star pass rushers Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck, and Mathias Kiwanuka have combined for 14 sacks, applying overwhelming pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Are the Giants one of the NFL's elite? Certainly not right now. However, in the NFC there are no elite teams. Before the season, everyone pegged the Saints, Packers, Vikings, and Cowboys as the Super Bowl favorites, yet, those teams have a combined 8-10 record.
The NFC East is currently wide open as three teams sit atop the division at at 3-2. The Giants are in the best position to be alone in first place come Monday morning. This weekend the Giants have a home date with the 1-4 Detroit Lions (Calvin Johnson may miss the game), while the Michael Vick-less Eagles play host to the 4-1 Atlanta Falcons, and the Redskins welcome Peyton Manning and the Colts.
As always, it appears there was a bit of overreaction after the Giants 1-2 start. The NFL is a league of ups and downs and the Giants appear to have left their lowest lows in the past. Their resurgence has come as fast as a New York minute.
I will have to admit I am shocked at how well the Giants are playing right now. But I still have not gotten over the stench of their last 11 games at the end of last season (3-8) and the blowout loss to the Colts. I put myself in the cautiously optimistic category. They are playing like a different team on defense and Bradshaw has given them new life running the ball.
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