Panthers-Giants Storyline

[JeffreyBoswell]

Note: Quotes are fictional.

Carolina @ NY Giants (-3)

In the NFC's battle for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the streaking Panthers head to the Meadowlands to face the Giants, who have lost two straight. New York's troubles began with Plaxico Burress' inadvertent shooting, and with the passing game devoid of its most dynamic weapon, the G-Men have sputtered on offense, and failed to score a touchdown in last week's 20-8 loss to the Cowboys.

"Sure, we miss Plaxico," says Eli Manning, "but it's no reason to go ballistic. The foundation of this offense is still solid. Everyone, including our offensive linemen, as well as Plaxico's gun, is guilty of a false start every now and then. We all must learn from our mistakes. That goes for Plaxico, as well. Personally, I'd want to forget the time I nearly blew off the family jewels, but not Plaxico. He's going to wear his bullet wound like a badge of honor. And, in true thug fashion, he's having the words 'Slug Life' tattooed across his abdomen."

The Panthers are hitting on all cylinders, with their running game clicking and Steve Smith showing why he is arguably the most dynamic wide receiver in the game. In three weeks, Carolina has gone from a team unsure of its playoff future to a team on the verge of clinching home-field advantage.

"I think we've provided the blueprint for a successful year," says Jake Delhomme. "What's the secret? I'll tell you. Go ahead and get your 'loose cannon' incident out of the way early in the year. Steve Smith made his mistake by punching Ken Lucas at the beginning of the year. I think Ken would be the first to tell you that he'd sacrifice his face if the only other option for Steve to take out his frustration was shooting himself in the leg. Unlike the Giants, we can't do without our Steve Smith."

"We realize the magnitude of this game. If we win, we're 'number one without a bullet."

Smith catches eight passes for 95 yards and a touchdown, and John Kasay kicks the game-winner in the fourth quarter. Carolina wins, 22-20.

[Jaxel]

I think it's funny how ESPN and such is justifying NY Giants losses with the contreversy of Plaxico Burress. I'm not football expert, but if they were really the unbeatable team the media has made them out to be, then plaxico wouldn't be a problem.

[JeffreyBoswell]

Jaxel,

You're right. Everyone said the Giants would be fine without Burress...until they started losing. The truth is, Burress wasn't doing that much anyway before he shot himself. I think Brandon Jacobs' injury is the biggest issue.

[Jaxel]

You are right, I think it's more Brandon Jacobs injury that has set the Giants back. With that being said, an injured Brandon Jacobs playing on the field Sunday night, might not be the difference maker that NY is looking for at this time.

[CharlotteBeer.com]

Always enjoy reading your work, Jeffrey. Funny stuff.

If anything, Plaxico can be effective simply because defenses have to account for him, much in the way that Steve Smith can draw coverage that will lead to other receivers or backs being open while he actually has a lesser day.

Of course, Plaxico is not the athlete that Steve is. I didn’t think losing Plaxico would have hurt them this much, but I think it has definitely been a part of it. Like you both say, however, you also have to note Jacob’s injury as another reason for their decline as of late.

[dksmith17]

Slug life

roflmao

[Pejorative Miscreant]

We have 11 guys... They have 11 guys...

Who wants it more.

The End

[Chaos]

Good stuff there Boswell. I don't know what you do for a living, but if you're not a journalist, then I can say you missed your calling. lol