Here are five thoughts from a New York Giants' perspective as we head into a weekend that will feature the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
1. Look at the four NFC playoff teams and all you can do is shake your head. The Giants defeated the San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers this season, stomped the Atlanta Falcons in the playoffs a year ago and are certainly capable of defeating the Seattle Seahawks.
2. As I look around the NFC East I believe the Giants, despite not winning the division in 2012, are in a better place than any of the other three teams. The division champion Washington Redskins face tremendous uncertainty about the return of Robert Griffin III, and will be holding their breath every time he gets hit. The Philadelphia Eagles still don't have a coach, and seem directionless. The Dallas Cowboys still have Jerry Jones and Tony Romo, and that means they are still the less-than-the-sum-of-their-parts Cowboys.
3. The Giants are roughly $4 million over the salary cap. I wouldn't freak out about that. There will be players released and a few contracts re-negotiated. The Giants will find salary cap room to do whatever they feel is necessary for next season.
4. I'm still mad about Bill Parcells not being voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year. Both he and Michael Strahan deserve to get in this time. Tell me how either of those NFL greats is NOT a Hall of Famer?
5. Is there a Will Hill among the 16 players the Giants have added to their roster via reserve/futures contracts? Meaning, an undrafted guy who will come out of nowhere to make the squad? I don't know, but watch for linebacker Jake Muasau. Muasau, from tiny Georgia State, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Giants last season but had his hopes derailed by injury. The Giants like him enough that they are inviting him back for a second look.