I'm back to see that things don't really change. The headlines today: Plax says the Eagles can't stop him... Antonio Pierce jabs at Jeremiah Trotter... And a few more benign comments from everyone else.
Now, honestly, my first reaction was the same as some of you had: We're blowing these comments out of proportion. I'm sure if Burress were asked every week if a team could stop him, he'd say no. The guy, as evidenced by a few hundred times before, answers the questions when he's asked.
Same with Pierce. I saw in one of the Philly papers that Pierce's comments -- almost exactly the same as directed toward Brian Urlacher before the Bears game (basically, that the Bears and Eagles have defensive systems that funnel plays directly to the MLB and the Giants don't, which makes stars out of their MLBs and leaves Pierce with a chip on his shoulder) -- were magnified to war-of-words status.
These aren't news flashes. Burress wants the ball and thinks no one can stop him? Pierce has a chip on his shoulder the size of Bear Mountain? Stop the presses!!
This is why I took a little break this week... Aside from the meager injury info, I had nothing to offer you. I think we're all just ready for the teams to play the biggest game of the year.
Anyway, on to the fine comments...
-- I think Shaun O'Hara's status will be determined today, Coach. He has to be able to do something today to be physically ready for Sunday. Then again, O'Hara's backup, Rich Seubert, did fire off this crack the other day: "He's the center. Just tape it up and go out there." Against the Philly defense, though, a banged-up O'Hara could be exploited.
-- Not sure what one can say about Strahan's injury, other than wait and see. He's done some stuff the past two days, maybe he'll do more next week and maybe the foot won't swell up again. Who knows?
-- Yes, Sid, the O-line has been solid, even in mix-n-match mode. This will be their toughest test, because if Trotter hits Tiki as hard as he did in the Week 2 meeting, Barber's broken thumb may cause some trouble.
-- I assume, Patches, that you meant Hostetler was the last mobile QB the Giants had. You're right. Eli can use his feet too, as you've seen, but it's not his first choice. And really, a QB who thinks he can run isn't exactly harmonious to the offense. The occasional scramble is nice and effective, but I don't see any of the run-and-throw guys leading their teams to division titles.