Monday Giantisms: Shawne Merriman’s Favorable Giant Outlook

Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking on NFL Network’s “NFL AM” program this morning, former Chargers/Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman was praiseworthy of the 2014 New York Giants. Behind an inspired offseason initiative, Merriman believes that another run at Lombardi glory is within reach:

"“I don’t think [their championship window is closed],” Merriman said on NFL AM. “They did two things this offseason. For one, they addressed the wide receiver position, giving Victor Cruz some help so he won’t be double-teamed. Two, they beefed up on the offensive line, which is not only going to help the passing game and Eli Manning, but [also] their running game — which they’ve been known to run the ball.“They went out and made adjustments. So, especially in that division, they’ll always have a chance to bounce back and play well. … They addressed the right positions on that team in order to move forward, progress and get back to where they need to go.”"

Perhaps best remembered as “Lights Out” from his days in San Diego, Merriman isn’t foreign to winning postseason contests. His Chargers’ reached the AFC Championship Game in 2007 (lost at New England) and Divisional round in 2008 (lost at Pittsburgh), but ultimately, he fell short of unleashing his pass rush on the season’s final Sunday.  

While Merriman’s points are realistic to entertain, they also follow a simplistic approach to accounting for victories: A+ B = C. And we all know that approach doesn’t often come to fruition in the league where they “play for pay”.

Furthermore, assessing divisional strength in the offseason is fun, but nearly impossible to accurately project. The Cowboys resembling dead ducks on paper will hold no water come week #1. 

As a Giants fan, do you take solace in Merriman’s statements? Or is he just another talking head with an agenda?