WHITE PLAINS, NY – On the Chinese Calendar, 2016 was The Year of the Turd. But thankfully, we do have the mighty G-Men (New York Giants) and Bluehirts (New York Rangers) to get us through to the end. So we’ve got that going for us, which is nice. Omar Little from The Wire helps me take a look at these two contenders. Why? Because The Wire was a great show and Omar was bad ass. Before we start, enjoy some great moments from Omar.
“The game’s out there, and it’s play or get played.”
I love baseball and my Yankees (sorry Matts), but there’s something uniquely special about your football team making a playoff push. Sundays are an event. The Giant D has looked dominant, shutting down 2 straight division leaders. And the O looked more capable on Sunday with the return of Justin Pugh stabilizing the line. But as the again scintillating ODB put it, “there’s still meat on the bone.” Thank you, Odell Beckham, Jr.…
And I’m still hopeful that Eli and the offense can find their rhythm right at money-time. It looks like the Giants dodged a bullet, as early reports on Janoris “The Jackrabbit” Jenkins’ injury were encouraging. The loss of two defensive play-makers in successive weeks would have been tough to overcome. Jenkins had the reputation for a gambler when he came over, but we haven’t seen him take unnecessary risks and he has played at an All-Pro level. With Eli Apple emerging, the Giants have some depth in the secondary and can probably handle teams without much in the way of receiving threats – like Buddy Diaz’s Eagles this Thursday. Seriously, does anyone in the league run more 2-yard crossing patterns than Philly? But they’ll need Janoris if they’re gonna go anywhere in the playoffs.
“I got the shotgun, you got the briefcase. It’s all in the game though right?”
Giants fans were losing patience with top briefcase man Jerry Reese, but he’s had a damn good year. Sure, Ereck Flowers is nearing bust status, and they really should’ve addressed the O-Line this off-season. But Apple is quickly improving, Collins is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, ODB might be the most electric player in the league. Further, Shepard is making plays and the big-dollar free agent acquisitions have all been as-advertised. Credit is due, people.
“You come at the King, you best not miss.”
King Henrik squashed a regicide attempt from Antii Ranta and is again wearing the crown. Rumors of his demise were exaggerated as the red-hot monarch has pulled off three straight wins, including the last two in shootouts. Lundqvist (Swedish spelling) passed The Dominator, the great Dominik Hasek, with the most wins by a European goaltender. With Henrik holding it down, young players like JT Miller, Brady Skjei, and Jimmy Vecey emerging, and veterans like Rick Nash and Mark Stahl playing back to form, this team has got a real shot. I’d hate to see Henrik join the Mattingly/Ewing Posse of iconic NY athletes to never win a title.
That’s all for me. Come back tomorrow for the always-entertaining Angry Ward, a king in his own eyes. Also, follow us on Twitter at @benwhit8 & @MeetTheMatts, Instagram @MeetTheMatts and like our Facebook page, Meet The Matts.
