I knew I'd get a rise out of Giants' fans after writing in today's column for the newspaper that I was reminded of the Bears' 85 defense for a few fleeting moments in Monday's game in Atlanta.
Especially with a headline that read "Giants' hostile defense recalls '85 Bears."
Sometimes in the newspaper business, we play a subtle game of "made you look." And I knew the mere mention of '85 Bears in the headline would make you look. So believe me, I thought long and hard about invoking memories of that defense before diving into the subject. Quite frankly, I hold that defense in the highest regard possible. As I write in the article, I was a rookie NFL writer when I first saw that team in person (I covered the Bears' 21-0 annihilation of the Giants in the playoffs), and that team was simply awesome.
As I write in the column: "Not that this group can be compared with the '85 Bears, because no defense this side of the Steel Curtain Steelers - not even the 2000 Ravens - was as formidable."
The point I was trying to make is that the schemes the Giants are using this year are in many ways similar to the ones the Bears used back in the day. Eight, nine men on the line of scrimmage. Overwhelming blitzes with too many for an offense to block, a swarming, buzzing type defense that, to me, is as exciting to watch as a long pass play.
So, to anyone who has ever watched that '85 Bears team in person, on television, or on tape, and to anyone who has ever played or coached that defense, I repeat: They are No. 1, no questions asked. Not even close for second. And before you react with the thought, "Glauber, you're an idiot," just know that the Bears' legacy will not be affected one iota by what this year's Giants defense does for the rest of the season.
And to any Giants' fan enjoying this year's version after so many years of boring read-and-react schemes, then you should enjoy the ride. There's no telling how long defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will be around. If this keeps up, he'll be shooting up the list of head coaching candidates before long.
Comments (2)
Bob use all the teasers you want, but don't let the players read the paper. The Giant defenses of the new century buy into the hype a little too easily.
Jellyfish:
I have just advised the Giants that they should prohibit any copies of Newsday into the locker room today. I also suggested that they cut off Internet access until February.
:)