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Champ Giants Still Underdogs

Season opener to test New York, Washington

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 4, 2008 11:09 AM CDT

(Newser) – They’re the Super Bowl champions, but when the New York Giants take the field against the rival Redskins to begin the NFL season tonight, they’ll feel like underdogs. “Nobody really has a lot of respect for us,” says Plaxico Burress. “Even when we won the Super Bowl, everything was a fluke.” New York has lost five starters, and many doubt they’ll recover.

Two of those starters —sure-fire hall-of-famer Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora —were the key to the defensive line that contained the mighty Patriots. But with Burress declaring himself 100% healthy, and Mathias Kiwanuka back at his natural position of defensive end, the Giants have some reason to hope. “Everybody is doubting us again,” says Burress. “I think it’s going to make us a better team.”

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

New York Giants receiver David Tyree holds on by his fingertips to a 32-yard pass as Rodney Harrison pulls him down during the Super Bowl, Feb. 3, 2008 in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning talks with coach Tom Coughlin during warm-ups before the Giants faced the New England Patriots in an NFL preseason football, Aug. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

In this Oct. 28, 2007, file photo, Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell (17) drops back to pass as running back Clinton Portis looks to provide protection. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia, File)

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We have the experience factor. We have people who have lined up and played side-by-side and played in some big games. I expect that we will play well. Yes, we certainly do have high expectations.
- Giants coach Tom Coughlin

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Champ Giants Still Underdogs