Andy and Howie had it right this year. They just missed by a hair.
2007 NFC Champions New York Giants (dammit!) 10-6
2008 NFC Champions Arizona Cardinals 9-7
2009 NFC Champions New Orleans Saints 13-3
2010 NFC Champions Green Bay Packers 10-6
2011 NFC Champions New York Giants (dammit!) 9-7
Andy and Howie (and even Juan) have mentioned at times in the past year the idea that they were more worried about finishing strong, than starting strong. They felt that they peaked too soon in some years - particularly 2009 and 2010. So part of the reason hiring Juan probably didn't seem too risky was the idea that they could overcome a slow start and still get into the playoffs when they were playing their best ball, just like the Giants, Cardinals and Packers did.
Ok it didn't work out. Way too many turnovers and some defensive gaffes cost them too many early season games. But let's not lose sight of the recent history here.
I, for one, hope that they keep this perspective and do not come blowing out of the chute next year in the hopes of wiping out the disappointment of 2011, only to run out of steam and disappoint in the postseason.
And I know its passe to talk about what if's, but happen to think this team was playing better than the Giants in the final weeks of the season. Its NOT unrealistic to say that had the Giants lost to the Jets that it would be the Eagles getting ready to play New England this week. This Eagles secondary was built to match up with GB and NO and Alex Smith played the only good game quarter of his life against the Saints.
2007 NFC Champions New York Giants (dammit!) 10-6
2008 NFC Champions Arizona Cardinals 9-7
2009 NFC Champions New Orleans Saints 13-3
2010 NFC Champions Green Bay Packers 10-6
2011 NFC Champions New York Giants (dammit!) 9-7
Andy and Howie (and even Juan) have mentioned at times in the past year the idea that they were more worried about finishing strong, than starting strong. They felt that they peaked too soon in some years - particularly 2009 and 2010. So part of the reason hiring Juan probably didn't seem too risky was the idea that they could overcome a slow start and still get into the playoffs when they were playing their best ball, just like the Giants, Cardinals and Packers did.
Ok it didn't work out. Way too many turnovers and some defensive gaffes cost them too many early season games. But let's not lose sight of the recent history here.
I, for one, hope that they keep this perspective and do not come blowing out of the chute next year in the hopes of wiping out the disappointment of 2011, only to run out of steam and disappoint in the postseason.
And I know its passe to talk about what if's, but happen to think this team was playing better than the Giants in the final weeks of the season. Its NOT unrealistic to say that had the Giants lost to the Jets that it would be the Eagles getting ready to play New England this week. This Eagles secondary was built to match up with GB and NO and Alex Smith played the only good game quarter of his life against the Saints.
Comment