Grizzly Bear grabs woman, heads for NYC

A good buddy of mine had a nice take on the flavor of this season's post season run that sort of mirrors my thoughts above.  At times, the 12 and 13-win home field advantage Eagle squads were tough to enjoy because of the elevated expectations that came with the record and were amplified because of past NFC Championship failures.  Reprieve and enjoyment was always one game away.  This season, the Giants are the highly pressurized team with no direction to go but down.  

Here's to hoping they crumble under such high expectations.    

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Some interesting numbers comparing the current team to the 2004 Super Bowl squad.  These numbers were pulled from Pro Football Reference.  

By the numbers, the 2008 teams looks to be a more impressive foe.  However, we all know looks can be deceiving.  For example, the 2004 squad went on cruise control after Week 15, losing their final two games.  However, the numbers are still interesting to note as I believe the majority of people undersell this current squad.  

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The Birds defense was flat out dominating in the 2nd half of the game yesterday.  A list of the Vikings seven 2nd half drives:

Net yards gained:  29, 9, 5, 16, 0, 32, 7

Result: Punt, Punt, Punt, Punt, Punt, Fumble, Game Over

Not bad. 

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The Football Outsiders defensive efficiency ratings at the end of the 2008 season offer a good indicator that defense is the key to a championship team.  Four of the top five teams (weighed for late season performance) remain in the playoffs.

1.  Pittsburgh 

2.  Philadelphia

3.  Baltimore

4.  Minnesota

5.  Tennessee 

8.  New York

13. Carolina

21. San Diego 

23. Arizona

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Opening Sunday Line:  Giants -4.5