Can New York Giants defend their Super Bowl title in the 2012 season? (Part II)
Continued from Part I...
However, Giants shattered Green Bay Packers’ plans and handed them a defeat to qualify for the National Football Conference (NFC) championship game to face the San Francisco 49ers, who had entered the playoffs as the second-seeded team.
The 49ers gave Giants a tough competition, but the latter still managed to emerge victorious.
Giants faced New England Patriots in the Super Bowl and after a close encounter they finally won the title.
The reason behind the success
Halfway through the regular season when the Giants underwent the slump to lose four straight games, it was expected that they might not even qualify for the playoffs. However, they proved their critics wrong and won the title.
One of the main reasons behind their success was an improved performance from the defence along with spectacular show by their wide receivers.
Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz were Eli Manning’s favourites and they did not let the quarterback down.
Meanwhile, Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Tuck kept the defence running well.
Can they win again?
Now that’s a tricky question. After reviewing their last season’s performance and reasons for success, one might not doubt Giants’ abilities.
Giants are going to come with a good defensive and offensive unit, but they have something to face this season that they did not face last year – a tougher competition from other teams in the division and conference.
Let’s just stick to the NFC at the moment.
Philadelphia Eagles had already displayed deadly intentions towards the end of the last season. Although they did not qualify for the postseason last year, it is expected that they will once again start their season’s campaign as strong contenders for the
NFC title.
The Giants also face a surprisingly tough challenge against the Washington Redskins who have acquired Robert Griffin III in this year’s draft as second overall pick. The rookie’s presence is expected to boost the team’s offence.
San Francisco 49ers will also give a serious threat to Giants as they have strengthened their offensive line this season.
The 49ers were brilliant on the defence last year and they needed some help from offence. They have got it now after adding a mix of young and veterans into the squad. Two of the Giants’ players are also going to play for the 49ers now.
So there is no denying the fact that Giants are capable of repeating the heroics, but other teams have seriously restructured themselves, which certainly is going to cause difficulties for the defending champions.
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