| We’re just two weeks into the
NFL season, but already we’ve witnessed a number of astonishing things. Well, maybe
"astonishing" is too strong of a word, but some very interesting things. One
of which is the surprisingly effective Giants offense.
The offense has been so successful in the first two weeks largely because of the
running of Tiki Barber and Ron Dayne — the Giants’ version of "Thunder
and Lightning." Barber leads the NFL in rushing with 240 yards. He is averaging 10
yards per carry and has scored three touchdowns. Dayne, who is getting about twice as many
carries as Barber, has 128 yards and one touchdown.
But I don’t know about this whole "Thunder and Lightning" phenomenon. I
say this phrase is being bandied about a bit too liberally. Back in training camp, Michael
Pittman and Thomas Jones were referred to as Thunder and Lightning. Of course, Tampa Bay
has Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn.
If there is a duo that truly fits the "Thunder and Lightning" moniker the
best, it’s the two Giants. Dayne is the heavy, powerful runner while Barber is the
smaller, speedy back. The pair has had great success, thus far.
Will it hold up? I don’t know. I mean, the Giants have only done this against the
Eagles and Cardinals — neither of whom is considered to be a serious playoff
contender.
That’s why I find it a bit surprising that Barber and Dayne are planning to sell
T-shirts that play up the whole "Thunder and Lightning" thing. The shirt was
designed by Barber. It has a caricature of the heads of the two players in the Big Apple
surrounded by thunder, lightning and lightning bolts.
It sounds as though it is cool-looking. But I don’t know how cool-looking
it’s going to be when the Giants’ running game hits the skids. Who wants to wear
a "Thunder and Lightning" T-shirt if defenses have figured out how to quiet the
storm?
Dayne and Barber have been successful for two games. Two games! And they already need a
T-shirt? It’s a bit premature, in my opinion.
Only time will tell if the Giants will be able to keep it up. This week they face a
Bears team that is probably afraid of its own shadow after last week’s 41-0 loss in
Tampa Bay. I expect the Giants will be able to do some damage during their visit to
Chicago.
But after Week Three, I think we’ll get a better sense. In Week Four the Giants
play the Redskins, who currently have the No. 6-ranked defense in the league. The
following week, they get the Titans, who have the No. 5-ranked defense.
If the Giants can successfully rack up the rushing yardage against those teams
— both of whom are legitimate Super Bowl contenders — then I will deem
"Thunder and Lightning" to be real.
And then, they can sell their T-shirts with my blessing.
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