Bill, on several occasions after Eli Manning was injured, you asked me
to give my thoughts about this years' Giants. I answered that I will,
but only after the state of Manning's health is known.

I have been a Giants' fan since 1953, a couple of years before my
Montreal Alouettes' Alex Webster joined the team from the Canadian
Football League. I have witnessed great, good, mediocre and bad (The
Good, The Bad & The Ugly :-) ) teams in 55 years. After two games, I
thought that the defense was so bad, that it didn't matter how many
points we scored, we would likely not make the playoffs and if Manning
lost any significant time, the season was over.

Tonight we beat a good Eagles' team without much offense. I doubt we
will have another game where we are this bad on offense. Shockey was not
there, and Manning did not have a good game. I believe that we will
score plenty of points in our remaining games. Burress, Toomer and
Shockey are, in my opinion, an excellent set of receivers. Ward is at
least adequate as a running back. With our excellent offensive line,
Manning will have time to throw and Ward will be effective.

As for our defense, we have been fantastic for six straight quarters,
including allowing only a 53 yard field goal to a high scoring Eagles'
team. The question is, which is the real Giants' defense? In my opinion,
it will be closer to tonight's edition than that of the first two games,
as long as we maintain reasonable health.

For me, the biggest change in the Giants besides our new defensive coach
is Eli Manning. Eli is playing with much more confidence. He is stepping
into the pocket and making strong throws. More importantly, he has no
been throwing off his back foot. Also, I am becoming convinced that
Plaxico Burress is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.

To sum up, I believe we will be in the playoffs along with Dallas and we
just might give them a battle for the division. :-)

zvika

Zvi Shilon,
Nahal Hayarkon 8/4,
Modiin, 71700,
Israel
972-8- 970-0381
972-544-879387
zvika6@...


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