These have been tough times for the avid New York sports fan such as myself. The Mets folded like a lawn chair down the stretch, turning the entire city of Philadelphia into baseball fans for one glorious September. As I watched the white towels furiously waving in Philadelphia as a gutsy Phillies team overcame a 7 game deficit in the final 17 games to win the NL East I felt unprecedented pain and anger. A combination of the hatred Shawn Marion feels everytime he sees Amare Stoudamire lacing up his sneakers before a game mixed with Shawn Kemp's anguish when filling out his minion of child support payments each month. The demise of the Mets coupled with the demoralizing state of the New York Knicks franchise has made this a truly trying time. But I'm glad to say I have been vindicated friends as on Sunday, September 30th I put my faith in the upstart 2007 New York Giants! 

Leaving Shea Stadium that Sunday with the final nail emphatically placed in the Mets 2007 season by the Marlins, I was thoroughly demoralized. After my life was saved due to the advent of suicide windows in my 18th floor apartment and I gave up my search for rat poison, I sat down to watch the New York Giants. Twelve sacks later I was reborn! Five straight wins later I am a staunch believer in this team, even toying with the possibility of turning my cautious optimism into full-blown optimism for the first time in my Giants fanhood.

The biggest reasons for the Giants revival: the play of the defense (couldn't be any worse after the first 2 weeks) and the continued brilliance of the offensive line. The accomplishments of the defense have been well-documented - allowed 55 points in the last 5 games, lead the NFL in sacks, rivaling the rams offense in TDs - but this offensive line is doing things that are unheard of by Giants standards. If I told you two years ago that in 2007 the Giants offensive line would be in the top 5 in least penalties and sacks allowed what would you have said to me? Probably something unpleasant but yes these are the facts through 7 games! Chris Snee, Shaun O'Hara and Kareem Mc Kenzie are legitimate pro bowl candidates (especially Snee, he better make it), David Diehl has made a seemless transition to left tackle and Rich Seubert is just a nasty man in the trenches.

The sparkling offensive line play has improved all phases of the offense from Eli Manning's production (where are the idiots who were calling for Lorenzen now), Plax's ascent to a top 5 WR and Brandon Jacobs development  into one of the better young running backs in the NFL. This guy has unique size and a load of talent, it will be fun to watch as he establishes himself this year.

Beyond on-field performance, the biggest difference between this team and Giants teams of the past 5-6 years is the positive attitude that flows from these guys and the continuity in the locker room. This is a tight knit group that legitamately has each others back and Tom Coughlin deserves a lot of credit for this. In developing the player council and softening his controlling demeanor he has helped build an understanding with his players, making them willingly buy in to his philosophies. 

Finally, a bulk of the credit must also be given to Tiki Barber for a) retiring, removing a lot of tension and negativity from the locker room b) bashing the Giants in an effort to build his on-air persona resulting in the team becoming closer as a group and c) providing such transparent analysis on Football Night in America that the well-groomed Jerome Bettis looks like Bill Bellichick by comparison. Thanks again Tiki, I will never forget those magical wild card round losses you lead us to during your prime.