Giants vs. Jets. Jets vs. Giants. Big Blue vs. Gang Green. Fireman Ed vs. License Plate guy? Forget all that. Forget all the talk says Mike Lupica of the Daily News, its time to play some football! Mike Vaccaro says despite Rex Ryan not wanting to be big brother to ANYBODY, he says this is still a Giants town. Bob Glauber of Newsday wonders aloud if Mark Sanchez is progressing like Eli Manning? Ben Shipgel of the New York Times looks at both QB’s and wonders where the differences are.
Look. Throw out all the hyperbole. Going into last week’s game, both teams were in a pretty good way. This game was destined to be just a novelty act. Both teams wouldn’t absolutely need this game but it would just be a matter of pride. But with two horribly deflating losses and the kind of defeats that can make teams lose their way during this time of year, the teams are now facing each other with huge playoff implications on the line. IF the Giants lose, the Cowboys could be playing for the division at 4:15 and by the time families gather for Christmas Eve dinner we could be talking about Tom Coughlin losing his job and the Giants out of the playoffs. If the Jets win, the blow wouldn’t be as severe, BUT they would lose a precious game and could allow others to sneak up on their playoff positioning which currently has them as the 6 seed.
I don’t need to say anymore about these two teams. I think the New York area newspapers have said enough but let me leave you with this one note: No matter what happens today, one team will go home feeling the wrath of the New York tabloids. Every single newspaper will label the other as a disappointment and no matter what players tell you they DO read the newspapers and they DO hear about headlines. I think pride is a very huge motivating factor and can play a huge role. Who do I THINK is gonna win? You’re not gonna sucker me into that. All I will say is that the team with more pride wins this game. The team that understands the importance wins this game. For Rex’s mouth’s sake I HOPE its his team. For all the talking that he’s done, it would appear like its bigger for him.
The Mike Woodson signing could be the biggest one yet for this Knicks team who hope that they can change the perception that they are just a one dimensional basketball team incapable of playing defense says Frank Isola. Marc Berman says that before the Knicks have fancies of a Championship they should attempt to win the Atlantic Division, something they haven’t done since 1994. Anthony Reiber says that its FINALLY time for some real basketball! Bill Simmons gives you his prop bet suggestions. Howard Beck says the expectations are rising as the Knicks get acquainted with one another.
Look, I can’t begin to describe how great this is all looking for the Knicks. I can’t begin to describe the excitement about the Knicks. I can’t tell you how happy I am that this season is getting under way. I will say this: the Knicks have more expectations which is always a good thing. They aren’t a perennial joke and that’s to be expected with all the exterior changes they made. Here’s the rub: now its time to play. No more talking about defense. No more talking about playing well with two superstars. No more wondering aloud, its time to play and if the Knicks play as well as I think they can, I believe there’s alot of room and opportunity to make a very good and surprising run.
That’s IF everything goes according to plan.
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The Lazy Eye of Sports 