Giants Handle Cowboys-almost have clear shot at division title
By Dr. Bill Chachkes-Managing Partner Football Reporters Online

The New York Giants could have had the collapse of the decade. They could have fell apart. They could have played down to their competition as they did against the Browns, Bengals, and countless other teams over the years. Instead they came out and played “their game” against Dallas yesterday in the meadowlands. They established the run early, and although they had a few turnovers, and a few penalties more then normal, but in the end they finished the game up on the Cowboys by 21 points. They also moved to a 7-1 record, a half game ahead of all other challengers thus far in the NFC.

The Giants formula for success thus far has been a continuation of what they did late last season. Play solid defense, and establish the running game to open up the passing lanes. It doesn’t hurt that the kicking game has been so good over the last few years, with Jeff Feagles as the Punter and first Lawrence Tynes, and now John Carney placekicking. The Offense hasn’t been this good since the 60’s when Y.A. Tittle had Gifford, Shofner, Rote, and Morrison to throw to. While there are plenty of Current Giants to throw to, it’s the Earth (Brandon Jacobs) Wind ,(Derrick Ward), and Fire (Amahd Bradshaw) to run the ball that is the difference in this team since late last season.

But who is this 2008 Giants team really? Do they have what it takes to win the division, conference, and get back to the Super Bowl let alone win it for the second year in a row? Lots of obstacles stand in their way. First, there is the Eagles, who just refuse to die at 5-3, even though they are 0-2 in the division. Then, trailing close behind the Giants is Washington, who is 6-2, the only difference is the opening night loss to the Giants. Even Dallas, who just lost to NY yesterday, is still only 5-4 and coming up on their bye week. Carolina & Tampa in the South (6-2 & 6-3 respectively), Chicago in the North (at 5-3), and Arizona in the west,(also 5-3) are all competitive as well. Even Atlanta is 5-3, but like Dallas is 0-2 in their division.

If the Giants fall into a late season slump like they did in 2005’s playoffs or in the second half of the 2006 regular season, then you will hear the cry for Couglin’s head again. People are starting to claim that the Giants are the team to beat. I say I’m glad they aren’t letting the press clippings get to them. They almost blew it big time against The Bengals, and had a meltdown against the Browns. Now comes the big Sunday night match up with the Eagles. They will have to prove that they are the team to beat again.

BALANCE OF POWER: A SHIFT AT THE TOP By Danny Zyskind for Football Reporters Online

Before the season most would say the elite teams in the league are the Pats, Colts, Chargers, Jaguars and Cowboys. Ask someone now and you’ll probably hear Giants, Cowboys, possibly the Redskins, Titans & Panthers and maybe even the 2-3 Eagles. While it’s only been five games and certainly with a healthy Tom Brady the Pats would still be the premier team in the league, the shift is occurring and it’s landing mainly in the NFC East.

Watching the Colts, their problems go far deeper than a rusty Peyton Manning. They are unable to run the ball, can’t protect Manning and can’t stop anyone. They could easily be 0-4 if not for some terrible play calling by the Vikings and the unbelievable lack of judgment by Sage Rosenfelds. Age is starting to catch up to their offense. The Jaguars are not as imposing on defense as they’ve been in past years and are battling a host of injuries. The Chargers are the wild card. They are off to another slow start but without question have the talent to jump back to the top of the league if they get their act together.

The Giants have made the transition from a team that got on a great roll to a great team. They have an emerging quarterback, exceptional line play on both sides of the ball and what appears to be a never ending array of weapons. The emergence of Jason Campbell has vaulted the Redskins to the top of the conference, coming off road wins against the Cowboys and Eagles.

The NFC East has three emerging stars at quarterback and an elder statesman still playing at a high level. The recipe is there for this division to dominate the league over the next five years. Unfortunately for them, one will definitely not make the playoffs which will make the rest of their divisional games a must watch.

While the overall depth of quality teams in the conference still favors the AFC, the super bowl favorites now reside in the NFC. The AFC has won eight out of the last eleven super bowls. Look for those numbers to start changing.