sports betting players who watched the New York Giants four years ago will definitely see the similarities between this season’s team and the one that shocked the world to end New England’s run at an undefeated season. The Patriots aren’t unbeaten, but the Giants are still the underdogs in your best sportsbook.

Offense

Quarterback Eli Manning said before the season started that he was an elite quarterback, and it’s hard to argue with him after the season he had. It was even more impressive when you realize that the Giants were fifth in passing during the regular season, but dead last in the league against the run, which means Manning had to put the team on his back (or better yet, his arm) for most of the season. The ground game started to pick up steam late in the season, which was a major key in their surge to the playoffs, but they struggled in San Francisco and Manning had to attempt 58 passes. He may have the best group of young receivers in the league in Victor Cruz (25 years old), Mario Manningham (25) and Hakeem Nicks (24), although with tight end Jake Ballard (24). The line was up and down this year, but they’ve stabilized down the stretch.

Defense

The New York defense was god-awful for most of the season, and they ended the season in 27th spot in the rankings, including 19th against the run and 29th against the pass. The secondary suffered a few injuries during the regular season and it was tough for the unit to get some continuity. However, the front four completely took over down the stretch and it’s safe to say that end Jason Pierre-Paul is going to be an NFL betting candidate for Defensive Player of the Year with 16.5 sacks and a number of big plays. Along with Chris Canty, Osi Umenyiora, Justin Tuck and Pierre-Paul, the Giants may have the single most dominant unit in the Super Bowl up front and again, that is similar to four years ago. The back seven has managed to hold it together over the last month, but they’re aided by the power and speed of the front four.

Special Teams

Kicker Lawrence Tynes hit a 31-yarder in overtime in San Francisco to win the NFC title, and he also hit one in the NFC championship game four years ago, so it’s safe to say that he has ice water in his veins. The Giants are ranked in the bottom half of the league in both kick and punt returns, and right around the middle of the pack when it comes to covering returns, but the Patriots don’t really have any players that will scare you to that effect. Punter Steve Weatherford had a solid season, which is going to help in a battle of field position against a New England team that is potentially explosive.

Coaching

When it comes to respect, Tom Coughlin may receive the least of any head coach in the league. It seems like every year, Coughlin is on the hot seat, but a look at his numbers has to shut some of his critics up: a 74-54 record in New York, four seasons of 10 wins or more out of eight campaigns in the Big Apple, four trips to the postseason (and one 10-win season in which they missed out in 2010), one Super Bowl win and of course, this year’s appearance in the big game. He has seven career playoff wins on the road, tying him with Dallas legend Tom Landry, and throughout all the talk about his job, Coughlin never loses his cool (despite the perpetually red face) and his players respect that. At this point, you have to respect Coughlin’s resume and with another Super Bowl win, his critics wouldn’t have a leg to stand on.

Intangibles

While this Giants team has been inconsistent for most of the season, they’ve managed to peak when it counts and now they’re in the Super Bowl; in fact, based on momentum, you’d be hard-pressed to state why they’re an underdog and that gives them added motivation. The Giants also beat the Patriots 24-20 in New England during the regular season, so they have the respect of their opponents, if not the fans and linesmakers. This is a veteran team that knows what they’re doing, particularly on defense, but they key may be their young receivers; will they continue to play to their standards under the bright lights of the Super Bowl?

It’s going to be a very interesting matchup in Indianapolis, but this New York team isn’t afraid of anyone and had to win a pair of tough road games just to get here. That road could lead them to another Super Bowl win as the sports betting underdogs.

Posted on January 25th, 2012 by admin
Filed under: Sportsbook review