EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The New York Giants aren't just the best team in the NFL right now; they're better than the team that won the Super Bowl eight months ago.
The evidence was there again Sunday, this time a 44-6 pulverizing of poor Seattle in a game that was over by halftime.
Surprised? Me, too. The Giants are notoriously bad after byes -- 5-15, to be exact. Plus, they were at home, where they had a losing record last year, and were without star wide receiver Plaxico Burress.
But that's why you can't help but like this team. Nothing fazes it.
No Burress? No problem. Special teams standout Domenik Hixon steps in and has four catches, 102 yards and a touchdown ... in the first half. Then he leaves with what was reported as a concussion, giving way to Sinorice Moss, and Moss catches two touchdown passes.
Home hardships? What home hardships? With the win the Giants are 3-0 at Giants Stadium, including resounding defeats of Washington and Seattle -- two of last season's playoff clubs.
What's more, they're riding an eight-game winning streak, dating back to last season's playoffs, which means six of their last eight wins have been against ... you guessed it ... playoff opponents.
"We're definitely a better team than we were before the bye," said defensive tackle Barry Cofield, "and, honestly, I think we're a better team than the one that finished the season last year."
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| Eli's rapid growth is helping the Giants move forward with success. (US Presswire) |
In four of Manning's last eight starts he achieved ratings of 117.1 or better, including two games that eclipsed 130 this season. But that's not what I like most about him. This is: Accuracy. The quarterback who completed 56 percent of his throws last season and threw a league-high 20 interceptions just isn't making mistakes.
Rewind the videotape to the first half Sunday, and you'll see what I mean. Manning wasn't just locked on to his receivers; he couldn't miss them. He completed his first seven passes and 15 of 18 overall. He had 224 first-half yards. He hit one bomb of 41 yards. He hit another of 32 and another of 29. He converted eight of nine third downs and did it while hitting eight different targets. Hey, in the first half, the Giants had nine gains of 15 or more yards and scored on their first five possessions.
"I thought Eli played well," said winning coach Tom Coughlin. "Each time we play he plays a little bit better."
This time he was the MVP from Super Bowl XLII all over again, and get used to it. Manning has been uncommonly unflappable this season, never looking more confident or more poised than in his latest appearance.
