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| The defending champs have been perfect on NFL Kickoff night. |
I wonder how different tonight would be if Tony Romo and Miles Austin had converted a routine throw-and-catch last December. But as they say, opportunity is what you make of it, and the New York Giants certainly made the most of theirs. Much to my delight.
Since the NFL started the Thursday Night Kickoff tradition eight years ago, the reigning Super Bowl champs are a perfect 8-0. I expect the Giants to extend that streak tonight against a banged up Dallas Cowboys squad. Jason Witten's spleen is getting the headlines, but the Cowboys defense will miss nose tackle Jay Ratliff just as much. His absence is a blessing for a Giants offensive line that was one of the worst in the league last season. New York left tackle Sean Locklear will get plenty of help against DeMarcus Ware. Morris Claiborne is too green to handle Hakeem Nicks or Victor Cruz on his own. And Miles Austin and Dez Bryant are too banged up to take advantage of a depleted Giants secondary that is starting reserve cornerback Michael Coe. The Giants should start their 2012 regular season the same way they ended their 2011 regular season: with a primetime victory in front of a raucous home crowd.
The Line: Giants by 3.5 pts
The Pick: Giants
2011 Regular Season: 122-124-10 (yikes)
2011 Playoffs: 11-1 (that's more like it)
Follow me on Twitter at @BostonGiant.
Odds found here.
Image found here.
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