[EmpireWF]

The Giants kick off the 2007 season on Sunday night (next week) on NBC in Dallas against the Cowboys. What better a way to start the season then with a heated division rival?

The Cowboys have a lot of hype w/ the new coach while the Giants have been hurt by injuries and controversy surrounding their best defensive player.

Does anyone think the Giants will win? I do

I'm looking forward to seeing how Eli Manning has improved and Brandon Jacobs as a starter.

[EmpireWF]

Injury report as of Tuesday for the Giants...

Those who did not practice included CB Sam Madison (hamstring), FB Robert Douglas (knee),WR David Tyree (wrist), OT Guy Whimper (ankle), and LB Gerris Wilkinson (knee).

Those who DID practice include WR Plaxico Burress (back), OC Grey Ruegamer (ankle), LB Reggie Torbor (calf), LB Kawika Mitchell (groin), CB Kevin Dockery (hamstring), DE Adrian Awasom (hip), and S Michael Johnson (hamstring).

[Lefty Noob]

How's it looking for Burress? If he's practicing, I'm assuming he should be good to play against Dallas?

[EmpireWF]

Haven't seen an update on way or another on Burress. He's not listed on the injury report as late as Wednesday so right now, I'm assuming he'll play.

Sam Madison said he wants to play and has practiced a little this week. Coughlin said he'll see how Madison feels late in the week. If Madison can't go, Corey Webster will start.

And how about this, Brandon Jacobs quoted as saying, "I think we're going to go to Dallas this Sunday and whup their asses."

The guy has moxy if nothing else.

[ap215]

I'm ready for the cowgirls bring em on. Go Giants.

[bears9]

I don't like the Giants I think the Cowboys should kill them but i will watch becuase hey man its football

[Bette]

Eli is without doubt one of my favorites to bash. He must be so overshadowed by big brother that I am starting to think I should have a little empathy for him. He has talent. He needs to forget all about big brother and dad and concentrate on being the best Eli he can be.
Just not this Sunday.

[bears9]

I would not be suprised to see Ware, Spears, and Spencer put Eli on his butt 7 times

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by bears9

I would not be suprised to see Ware, Spears, and Spencer put Eli on his butt 7 times

Likewise, I wouldn't be shocked to see Romo sit down plenty of times. The Giants have shown a history of being able to get to Romo in the pocket since he's played.

[Lefty Noob]

Sounds like you guys are predicting lots of defense. So what's your over/under on total combined sacks for the game?

[bears9]

I got 7 for the over/under on sacks

[EmpireWF]

Over/under on total sacks....over 6.

[EmpireWF]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Sounds like you guys are predicting lots of defense.

Well this game will be the unveiling/debut for the new Giants defense. Steve Spagnuolo is the new coordinator and he's a proponent of aggressive defense. I'm excited to see what he can draw up for the Giants. As always, they'll need to keep the pressure on Romo to alleviate any on their own secondary (which it looks like Corey Webster may get the start if Sam Madison can't go).

The only player who really scares me on Dallas' offense is Marion Barber. That guys is a great back.

[Nuke]

Believe it or not I think this is going to be one of the more interesting games of the day!

[Lefty Noob]

What a shootout - the Giants mount a comeback effort but fall short, 45-35.

Eli threw for 312 yds and four touchdowns, three of them to Burress, before leaving the game with a bruised shoulder. So did he show flashes of actually becoming a leader at the quarterback position, especially on that 9-play, 80-yard drive near the end of the game?