Michael Strahan should have been a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer. For whatever reason, Hall of Fame voters didn't see it that way a year ago. There was, however, never any doubt that the former New York Giants defensive end was Hall-worthy, and that mistake is now being corrected. Strahan is being enshrined Saturday night as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2014.
Strahan as a Hall of Famer -- first year, second year, whenever -- was a no-brainer. The Hall of Fame worthiness of the next two members of the Giants whose names should receive serious consideration is, however, anything but crystal clear. Those two are, of course, head coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning.
Back in March, Coughlin said he believes he "merits consideration" for the Hall. He did not, however, speculate on whether or not he would one day be enshrined. At the time, Big Blue View readers overwhelmingly supported the two-time Super Bowl-winning coach for the Hall, with 73 percent (457) of 622 voters saying he is worthy of enshrinement.
My view has always been that Coughlin is likely to get in, but that his enshrinement will take time. His .549 career winning percentage and some of the inconsistencies of recent years are sure to give voters pause. The two titles, though, probably get him in.
Manning is also in the 'merits consideration' category. He also, however, is no sure thing. Does his starring role in two incredible Super Bowl upsets outweigh his regular-season mediocrity? Perhaps, perhaps not. There are likely many chapters of Manning's career to be written yet, so it seems unlikely there can be a definitive answer now.
Do you think both guys get in? Neither of them? One, but not the other? Vote in our poll and let us know.