The collapse of the New York Giants down the stretch was perhaps the most surprising element of the NFL regular season in 2012. The Giants looked to be coasting home in the NFC East, before they fell apart, watched the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys play for the division title, and the Giants ended up out of the postseason altogether. Was it a temporary swoon or a sign of things to come?
When it comes to respect, the New York Giants as a team don’t get it very easily, while their quarterback seems to get it without any difficulty whatsoever. While Eli Manning is extolled as an elite quarterback without ever having an MVP-caliber season, the Giants can win two Super Bowls in five years and still trail the Eagles and Cowboys in their own division in the hype department—not to mention the crosstown Jets. Will Eli produce a MVP-level year in 2012? Will the Giants win another NFC East crown? TheSportsNotebook takes a look at last year’s champs…