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In the first of a regular feature we welcome Giants GM Brad Stratton who will be reflecting on hookers, an 11 and 0 season and the rivals who are hot on their heels. First though a look at week 12 and the movers and shakers.
AFC
An important win for the Browns who saw off close rivals the Bengals with the assistance of another 100 yard game from Clinton Portis and two scores from Tight End Joe Klopfenstein. They now head the AFC North with the Bengals in freefall. The Patriots continued their good form defeating the Broncos, the Texans scored a W against the Skins and the Chargers moved to 10 and 1 with a comprehensive defeat of a strong Cardinals side. Result of the week came in the AFC South where the Titans came out on top in a must win game against the Jags to keep their playoff hopes alive. New signings Marc Bulger and Richard Seymour made an immediate impact, Bulger having a steady day throwing for 155 yards two scores and no interceptions. Seymour gave the Titans D the boost they needed after conceding 50 points twice on the bounce with 5 tackles a TFL and a sack. The rematch in two weeks time looks crucial.
NFC
Another win for the Giants even if the slender margin of victory against Seattle was a surprise. Defeats for Chicago, Arizona, Green Bay and several others typified the season in the NFC. Performance of the week came from Pittsburgh who halted the resurgence of the Jets in a 27-20 victory thanks mainly to Brandon Jacobs and 15 4th quarter points. The Steelers defense by and large contained Peyton Manning on his debut restricting him to 200 yards and sacking him 4 times to ensure victory in this cross conference battle.
Now for our exclusive interview with NW York GM Brad Stratton, whose Giants team sit astride the NFC East at 11 and 0 with USL’s only undefeated record.
Stratton celebrates another victory.
USL: “ So GM Stratton you’re 11 and 0 as we speak how realistic is an unbeaten season?”
BS:We're not thinking about that. Our goal is the Sim Bowl, and everything we do is geared toward that.
USL:“ You’ve gone from a 9 and 7 team last season to the only unbeaten team in USL what do you think has made the difference?”
BS:We had some key coaching changes. Mike Holmgren's system has really allowed Eli Manning to blossom this season. Jim Johnson has brought in a system that has really strengthened the secondary's effectiveness.
USL:“Who do you see as the key figures if you are to go all the way?”
BS:Again, you can't deny how well Eli Manning has played. He had a rough season last year, but he's making some great reads this year.
USL:“ There are a fair few teams with Bowl aspirations of their own. Who do you see as the main threats?”
BS:You can't discount the reigning Sim Bowl champions. The Cardinals are a dangerous team. The AFC has a lot of great teams. The Chargers, Patriots, Browns, Ravens, Jets, Colts, Titans; any of them could emerge. The Jaguars are another big team; we play them this week.
USL:“Finally if you were asked to sum up the Giants philosophy what would you say?”
BS:We send hookers to the opposing players on Saturday night. I think that helps.
Well interesting thoughts from Mr Stratton and one things for sure the teams left to play New York will be anticipating the games even more now!
