It’s time for Strahan to step it up

By Andy Targovnik  |   Thursday, September 28, 2006  |  Comments( 3 )

New York Giants
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Let's face it. The New York Giants have looked like a pee-wee team playing against the big kids from down the block. Something needs to be done - and now.

Big Blue's offense, at least at times, has resembled a professional football team. Their defense, on the other hand, has looked like a herd of deer in headlights. In the last two games, the Philadelphia Eagles and Seattle Seahawks moved the ball at will - running and passing like the Giants' defense wasn't even there.

Not only has the run defense and pass coverage been nonexistent, but there has been no pass rush to speak of, either. The entire Giants team only has two sacks in three games; but even more shocking is that Michael Strahan has none. And that is unacceptable.

True, Strahan is double-teamed on almost every play; but that never stopped Reggie White or Bruce Smith from giving opposing quarterbacks nightmares. Those two guys always found a way. And that's what Strahan has to do.

Nobody can argue with Strahan's career numbers. They speak for themselves. But over the years, his teammates and fans have questioned the 14-year veteran's leadership capability.

After the Seattle debacle last Sunday, Strahan was seen laughing it up with the Seahawks after the game. While there's nothing wrong with shaking hands and patting your opponent on the back after a game, showing happiness is ridiculous. What kind of example is that setting for the rest of the team?

The fact that the defensive unit has been awful and Strahan doesn't have a sack should make him sick to his stomach. In New York, leadership often outweighs statistics. Just ask Alex Rodriguez.

The good news is there's still time for Strahan to change this negative perception. When the Redskins visit Giants Stadium a week from Sunday, the early part of the game could determine which way the Giants' season swings. If the 'Skins roll right through the defense, Big Blue may just fold up their tents. But if the D can get to Mark Brunell and fire the crowd up, it may be all the Giants need to get their confidence back.

At 35 years of age, the time is now for Strahan. If he truly wants to be considered a team leader and win the heart of the fans in '06, he can. But the future Hall of Famer just has to will himself to perform at a high level when the going gets tough, which incidentally, is right now.

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