It's about Mann Time

Gotta love the Manning Face

Prior to the teams miraculous run four years ago, many Giants fans were ready to run Eli Manning out of town.  He seemed to be just another example of a high profile college player with lofty expectations who just didn't seem to pan out.  It also didn't help that his last name personified greatness at the quarterback position.  It's tough to carry the weight of a a city, where every wrong move you make is exploited, on top of your shoulders, especially as a young kid.

But that young kid proved all his doubters wrong and won the Super Bowl in dramatic fourth quarter fashion, defeating one of the greatest teams in NFL history.

Even then, it wasn't enough.

The birds still chirped.  It was the defense that won that game not the quarterback who marched his team down the field in the final two minutes to score the winning touchdown.  Had Tyree not gotten lucky catching the ball against his helmet then we would be talking about the 19-0 Super Bowl Champion Patriots being the greatest team ever.  Tom Brady would have perhaps put himself at the top list of greatest quarterbacks of all time having won is fourth super bowl.

People often forget how well Eli played in that game but more importantly the poise and leadership he showed when his team needed him the most.  But still most eyes, he would never overshadow is older brother Peyton nor be considered one of the great quarterbacks in the league.

Last season he had a league high 25 interceptions, many of which were not his fault mind it, and failed to lead the Giants to the post season.

Then comes the infamous Michael Kay interview.

Let me pose this question: Why would any professional athlete in his right mind put himself down in any way rather than present and strong sense of confidence?  Are they not paid to compete?

Still people got on Manning for openly saying that he was in the same class as the NFL's elite such as Tom Brady.

All Manning did was go out for an entire season, and now post season and back his word up.  He has put together easily his best season as a pro and has taken a team that many were writing off in December to an highly anticipated rematch with the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.  He's gone on the road and put of the numbers against the leagues top teams and has created a sense of confidence amongst Giants fans that you saw in Niners fans back when Joe Montana was behind center.  Time and time again, Eli Manning has proven two things: he is gonna be on the field every week and that nothing can rattle him.

For so long, he has been put down by every writer, analyst known to man.  All that has changed.  This is Eli's city.

Mike Lupica brings up an interesting argument in todays NY Daily News, that he would rather have Eli Manning playing quarterback in the Super Bowl then the godly Tom Brady.  He believes that right now Manning is the better quarterback and it has showed through both their play.  I may be a biased Giants fan but I can't help but smile and agree and just think that it's about time the guy got the respect he deserved.

Maybe Mike and I are crazy but that's up for you to decide.


Check out the story here:
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/super-tom-brady-superior-eli-manning-article-1.1010747

In Davis We Trust (Or At Least Hope)

Knicks' point guard Baron Davis practiced with the team on Monday for the first time since being acquired in mid December. This was the first time Davis has seen the court in nine months as he has been recovering from a herniated disk in his back. Coach Mike D'Antoni and the Knicks are in desperate need of a spark at the point guard position. The Knicks' offense has struggled without a true point guard to run the D'Antoni offense. With great scorers like Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire on the team, many thought that defense, not offense, would be the side of the ball that was struggling. The offense has looked stagnant with Anthony playing the point-forward position after D'Antoni tried to run the offense through combo guards Toney Douglas and rookie Iman Shumpert. The Knicks lead the league in isolation plays so far this season, and fans have become restless and have even booed Carmelo Anthony when he runs the offense by holding the ball at the elbow for 10 seconds, as he shimmy and shakes followed by hoisting up a brick. In fairness Anthony has been bothered by injuries, particular to his non shooting hand and wrist but the lack of a true point guard is the main reason for his and his teammates struggles.

In Baron Davis coach D'Antoni, as well as Knicks' fans see a band-aid that can help patch up the offense and make this team into the championship contender that many deemed it would be at the start of the season. Their view is very optimistic and they hope they get the Baron Davis that is an all star point guard and not the one who has struggled in the past couple of years dealing with injuries. The Knicks' season and possibly coach D'Antoni's job will rely on how well Davis performs when he eventually gets into some game action. He is sure to struggle in his first couple of games, having to get acclimated with the Knicks' offense, as well as his teammates. Only time will tell if this glimmer of hope will provide a light at the end of the tunnel.

Link

Tension still strong with Yankees GM,Posada as catcher says his good-byes

Ever since the the outspoken owner of the New York Yankees, George Steinbrenner, started fading further and further away from the organization and then ultimately his death, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman has become the voice of the organization. The General Manager has been more open about the state of the team and more open about his thoughts on trade proposals and demands.

John Harper of the Daily News wrote yesterday that even after the emotional Jorge Posada retirement press conference, there is still a lingering tension between Cashman and Posada. Although Posada made it be known that he wanted to walk away as a Yankee, Harper believes he walked away because the demotion was hard on him and ultimately the Front Office knew this would be it for Posada as a  Yankee.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/tensions-linger-ny-yankees-jorge-posada-farewell-press-conference-article-1.1011445

In the past, the Yankees have been criticized for holding onto team icons and legends for too long and having to be responsible for overwhelming contracts for older players. Cashman and his staff have changed its image as a Front Office in building from within with their minor-league system and staying away from long contracts with players already starting the down-fall in their careers.

As a Yankee fan and idolizing players like Pettitte, Posada, Jeter, and Rivera growing up, it's tough to say good-bye to these players or prepare for their retirement press-conference because of how much they meant to us growing up.  It is re-assuring to know that the Yankee organization is now being smarter with their money and are utilizing their assets in the most logical places.

Yes, it's tough to cut the cords on our legends as fans, but it's gratifying to know that the organization we root for now has the mindset of, "Let them a walk a year too early, rather than a year too late." Nobody likes to be stuck with a player who simply cannot perform any longer and is holding a roster spot from a promising prospect. It's good to know that the organization is in good hands now and the baseball minds are making baseball moves.

Carmelo Single Point, Knicks Win?

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New York Knickerbocker Carmelo Anthony scored a career low one point in a Tuesday win against the Charlotte Bobcats. The win comes after a serious of loses which led to talks of turmoil within the New York Knick's locker room. It has been reported that the two superstars Stoudemire and Anthony had a talk about Anthony shooting less and getting the ball to Stoudemire a little bit more. After the game it appears that conversation might have actually taken place since Anthony only took seven shots and scored only one point. This might be a new trend for Knicks fans who might see the sometimes selfish play of Anthony toned down and allow his equally talented superstar teammate a chance to shoo the rock every once in a while.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/25/sports/basketball/nba-roundup.html?_r=1&ref=sports