New York Giants as 'Walking Dead' characters

'The Walking Dead' is, in the humble opinion of yours truly, the best thing on television these days. In honor of the return of the show on Sunday night, let's have a little offseason fun. Here is a comparison of prominent 'Walking Dead' characters to New York Giants players.

Eli Manning is Rick Grimes. The unquestioned leader of the group, Rick is far from perfect. A former police officer, he has the heart of an assassin and the nerve to do whatever it takes. He has been beaten down, but keeps coming back.

Ex-Giants David Wilson is Beth Greene. Wilson was a promising player who's career ended too soon. Beth is a young character who was killed off at the end of last season, far too soon for the liking of many irate 'Dead' fans.

Damontre Moore is baby Judith Grimes. With apologies to Damontre, this is because the Giants still haven't completely taken the training wheels off Moore.

Devon Kennard is Carl Grimes. A young man with great potential just beginning to grow into what he might become.

Odell Beckham Jr. is Daryl Dixon. When push comes to shove, the most lethal weapon the group has. Untamed, unpredictable at times, but wants to learn to do the right thing. Oh, and unstoppable.

Bill Belichick is The Governor. I know I've strayed from the basic premise here, but I have to do this. The evil leader of a rival faction, Rick's group spent a couple of 'Walking Dead' seasons battling with The Governor and his troops. They were finally able to vanquish him, just like the Giants have been the only Super Bowl foe capable of vanquishing Belichick's New England Patriots.

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is Michonne. Lethal, mysterious, sometimes misunderstood. We didn't always see the best of DRC in 2014, but his best is really, really good.

Prince Amukamara is Carol Peletier. When the show began Carol was a meek character with an abusive husband. Now, she has grown into a powerful woman and one of the most important members of the group. Sort of like Amukamara has gone from the struggling, dumped in the cold tub young player he was at the beginning of his career to one of the league's better cornerbacks now.

Tom Coughlin is Hershel Greene. There is one obvious problem with this comparison, which is that Hershel is dead. Still, the comparison between the grandfatherly Hershel whose wisdom often guided the group down the right path and Coughlin, a coach once reviled by players who is now beloved for his character and his steady hand, is too easy to make.

Perry Fewell is Shane Walsh. A central figure in the plot who did many good things, but was also a divisive force. Eventually had to put down for the good of the group.

Antrel Rolle is Andrea. She's gone from the show now, and Rolle might be gone from the Giants. Andrea was tough, talented, well-meaning, but sometimes too opinionated for her own good. Sort of like Rolle.

That's about all I've got. I'm not at all sure each comparison is accurate, and there probably are some better ones.If you're a fan of 'The Walking Dead' feel free to chime in with your comparisons. I couldn't come up with the right comparisons for Maggie or Glen, and I'm still trying to figure out the right comparison for Steve Weatherford.

So, have at it.