Game One - Giants v. Skins

So, I'm beginning to realize just how much people doubt the New York Giants. The spread for the game tonight was something like 3 1/2 points, which is ridiculous considering the game was the defending national champs against a team that got all but obliterated in every pre-season game this year. Seriously, only 3 1/2 points? In a way, I guess I'm pleased. The G-Men do a fantastic job as the "underdogs." We were discounted from play one last season, and each playoff game of 07 was just another one that we were going to lost. 11 straight on the road is certainly not something to laugh at.

All in all, I thought they did a fairly good job. It would have been nice to see another touchdown or two; the iffy red zone offense has me a little concerned for when we face teams like the Cowboys. Our defense looked fantastic, especially considering our key personnel losses in the off-season and during the preseason games (the former: Wilson, Strahan; the latter: Osi). I have some concerns about the secondary, but I think that should open up a little as everyone gets used to the job shifting that happened since we played the Jets (crossing my fingers here). More pressing to me right now is to see exactly what happened to Kiwi in the last play of the game...it looked like he twisted his ankle underneath a very large Redskin player (don't even get me started on that...) and I'm hoping it wasn't anything too, too serious (but then again the tape from Osi's injury didn't look all that bad either). The biggest concern is the special teams. R.W., at least to me, isn't the best choice on the team to be returning punts and kickoffs. Wasn't it Hixon who ran one back for a td in the preseason? Maybe I'm a little partial, but I really think he should have seen some more return work. Just like Kenny Philips should have been on the field more too (especially during those last few plays where it was almost certain we were going to win).

I'm definitely excited to see what the G-Men pull out of their hats as the season goes on (hopefully, I'll see quite a few games down here -- ESPN Gamecast just doesn't cut it). I'm hoping for a successful, injury-less (or as close as possible) regular season and a long jaunt through the playoffs. Oh, and beating the Cowboys a few times might be lovely too.