The New York Giants love the underdog role. As long as Tom Coughlin has been their coach, and maybe longer, they have thrived in that scenario. In the 'nobody believes in us/we're the little guy/we'll show up and try but we aren't the favorites' sort of mentality.
Heading into the 2012 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots the Giants three-point underdogs, according to Las Vegas oddsmakers. Theoretically, right where they want to play. Playing the underdog card. Thing is, this time around nobody is buying the Giants' routine.
Peter King of SI.com isn't interested. New York City strippers are picking the Giants. Animals are picking the Giants. No one is buying the David vs. Goliath routine.
The Patriots, in fact, are trying to steal the underdog card right out from under the Giants.
"They should feel like they're the team to beat. They're playing some good, good football. They're probably playing the best football that's out there," said New England defensive lineman Vince Wilfork. "And their defensive line can play, too. You can't say anything negative about what they have going on. They can talk the talk and walk the walk."
It is actually difficult for the Giants to play the underdog role this time around, even though they went 9-7 in the regular season and New England went 13-3. The Giants did beat the Pats during the regular season, and there is always that big game back in 2008.
Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, in fact, admitted that the Giants aren't really even interested in the underdog stuff themselves this time around.
"We didn't really buy into all the underdog stuff last time. We knew it was there, and we knew nobody was giving us a shot, but we always believed in ourselves. It's still the same here," Tuck said. "I hope to say it would be the same if we were favored or not, that we believe in ourselves. That's all that really matters. We never really cared what other people outside of those guys in that locker room or our owners or our coaching staff has said anyway."