Giant Step?

Caterpillars crawl around the ground struggling to find their adaptive environment (whether it be as a butterfly or a moth).

In a similar fashion, the Giants identity was in disarray during the first half of last year. But matters changed on the presence of two pro-bowl caliber players in Michael Strahan and Osi Uymenyora and three others (Kavicka Mitchell, Reggie Torbor, and Gebril Wilson). Offenses were slowed to a crawl during the last half of the season, including the playoffs.

This year there's new life to the Giants defensive environment...featuring Justin Tuck, Matthias Kiwanuka, and Jerome McDougle. Combine the efforts of those three with Fred Robbins and company and the Giants defense looked in prime gear against the Washington Redskins in Week one

Washington's Clinton Portis was unable to exploit and explode on the newly crafted Giants defense. The 'Skins ran for 83 yards but was unable to score in the last 30 minutes of the game. This is only the start of what could possibly be another magical run to the postseason for New York.

As for the offense, Eli Manning was effective enough to not give up the contest as he tossed for 200 yards with an interception on 19/35 passing. Brandon Jacobs earned another hundred yard gain while Derrick Ward replaced the graduate of Southern Illinois with solid bulldozing.

It is no doubt a solid victory by a club which not getting he respect it deserves after winning the Super Bowl.

But let me explain the format:

If players execute actions to perfection, teams can separate themselves even further. The Giants' first drive was fantastic; but looking at the rear view mirror after the game the G-Men scored three field goals the remainder of the game.

All in all: if the Giants want to repeat as champions, take charge and throw teams down when they allow it. Mental mistakes are inexcusable especially when the tougher teams arrive on Nw York's schedule.

Take a check of my football blog after the Jets play Sunday afternoon.