2013 Season Preview: Bears vs. Giants 5 Questions with GMEN HQ
By Mike Praser
Sneakers. Who wears sneakers when playing football? Well, the year was 1934 and it was the Championship Game with the Chicago Bears and New York Giants battling in the frozen tundra of the Polo Grounds. The Bears took an early lead, but the Giants took control of the game when they switched to sneakers at half time. With better footing, the Giants went on to win the game 30 to 13.
But I like to remember more recent events, like Devin Hester’s missed Field Goal return in 2006.
This weeks edition of 5 Questions is with GMEN HQ lead editor Joe Tufaro.
What can you tell Bears fans about Tight End Martellus Bennett?
Dec 16, 2012; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Giants tight end Martellus Bennett (85) runs the ball as Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Akeem Dent (52) tries to make a tackle during the second half at The Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Giants 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
Martellus will make some of the greatest catches ever seen, and then miss the next two easy chances thrown his way. Martellus seems to take entire weeks off and blocks only when he feels like it. It is important for the Bears to get him involved early and often to keep his attention. Not sure Jay Cutler and he will mesh with that type of attitude.
What did you like and/or dislike about what the Giants did in free agency and the draft?
The draft, as always, was a solid one for the Giants. Picking an offensive lineman that has started at all 5 positions along the line is typical Jerry Reese. They drafted a few projects that will have time to develop because of our depth. Free Agency this year was spent mainly resigning our own players, and again we did a fine job of retaining who we could, and not overpaying for anyone.
What do you feel the Giants weakest link is?
December 3, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take a snap from Giants center David Baas (64) against the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
This question gets asked a lot, and the answer is obvious. They need to develop a new offensive line. The starters are Beatty, Boothe, Baas, Snee, And Diehl….but training camp and pre-season will see many combinations and the competition on the right side of the line will be a season long process.
Which rookie are you most looking forward to seeing this season?
Justin Pugh from Syracuse should be a long term addition to the team, and it will be interesting to see how quickly he can establish himself.
Do Giants fans really like the idea of a cold weather Super Bowl?
As Giants fans we have no say in where the Super Bowl is played, just that we want the team to play in it. To be home for that game would obviously be an historic occasion. I personally like the idea and plan to attend the week long celebration in New York. Being a Giants fan and season ticket holder guarantees us nothing but to get a slightly better chance at the lottery for tickets.
Bonus Question: Do you really need Eli to spell Elite?
January 25, 2013; Ko Olina, HI, USA; NFC quarterback Eli Manning of the New York Giants (10) sits before the team photo at NFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Yes…While many fans base their opinions of “Elite” players purely on stats, ESPN coverage, “Expert Opinion”, and fantasy value. Giants fans know that when the names Rodgers, Brees, Peyton, Cutler, and Romo are thrown about as better QB’s than Eli, we know he has the most championships of the group. The fact that he has beaten Tom Brady twice to gaining those Championship wins makes the argument even stronger. There is no doubt that other QB’s have better skills, or appear to play the position better, but the fact remains that we have Two Super Bowl Trophies in the Eli Manning Era.
I want to thank Joe Tufaro for taking the time to answer our New York Football Giants questions this week. Be sure to check out GMEN HQ for all your needed info about the Bears season opponent New York Giants.