Here Come the Giant Killers

Three years ago, the New York Football Giants began a humble season. They were good, yes, but they were nothing in comparison to the dynasty of the New England Patriots, who marched through the 2008 regular season unscathed. Meanwhile the Giants were quietly climbing in the standings and before everyone had a second to blink, my beloved team had made it to the Superbowl.

Led by quarterback Eli Manning, the Giants bravely took the field in Glendale, Arizona. It looked like a classic David vs Goliath matchup. The unbeaten Patriots were in search of the perfect season, the first one since the famed '72 Dolphins. New England was supposed to have no problem beating the Giants and Don Shula was shaking in his boat shoes. Of course, it didn't end so happily for the Patriots. Manning famously connected with WR Plaxico Burress in the Patriots' endzone, giving the Giants the prized Lombardi Trophy and Shula a little peace of mind.

So what the hell has happened to the Giants since then?

The glory of winning Superbowl XLII quickly dissipated as the Giants sunk back into the abyss. It seems like several key factors contributed to the Giants' fall from grace. Plaxico Burress famously Cheddar Bob'd himself and landed in prison for a 2 year stint. Defensive coordiantor/mastermind Steve Spagnuolo left New York to coach the ailing St. Louis Rams. Brandon Jacbos seemingly forgot how to run like an big NFL running back. Instead of looking like a freight train barreling through defensive lines, Jacobs now looks like Thomas the Tank Engine running with absolutely no authority.

Week 3's loss against the Tennessee Titans solidified the fact that there are some major issues with the Giants that extend beyond the talent level on the field or actual football mechanics. The Giants had FIVE personal foul flags thrown against them. Late hits and thrown punches cost the Giants yards and yards as Chris Johnson ran through their defense and scored two touchdowns on his own. Two other opportunties in the Red Zone for the Giants to score ended in absolutely nothing. They even missed a field goal. Yes, a field goal. Lineman Kareem McKenzie was booed coming off the field after he backhanded a Titans player. What are you doing trying to hit a player who's wearing full pads and a helmet, genius?

Giants fans looked to be in absolute dismay at the conclusion of the Titans game. What had happened to the gritty hard nosed Giants who took that Lombardi Trophy back to New York? These new-look Giants, with their prima donna attitudes (shout out to Brandon Jacobs) and an extreme lack of effort, have a 1-2 record going into week 4 versus a hyped up Bears squad who just came off a huge win against Green Bay.

Fee, fi, foe, fum. The fear of the Big Blue has come and gone.

Copyright Marisa Ross
Follow me on Twitter @TheDivineMsRoss