Strahan picks Giants to win, 28-24
Former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, center, and Jared Fogle, right, serve up free $5 footlongs. (Feb. 2, 2012) Credit: AP
INDIANAPOLIS -- Michael Strahan is rested and ready to join the Giants' deep roster of defensive linemen if called upon for Super Bowl XLVI.
"I have 25, 30 plays in me," he said Thursday. "With the rotation they have, I can fit into that . . . I'm ready for that call, Jerry Reese! Jerry, I'm begging you! Call me, man, I've got one in me!"
Strahan, 40, did look fit, but he was only kidding around after an appearance at a Subway restaurant during which he bought everyone a free lunch and made sandwiches with fellow pitchman Jared Fogle.
But he was not kidding when he said seeing the Giants back in the Super Bowl, four years after he played his final game on the same stage against the same opponent, made this a bittersweet moment.
He recalled a conversation with a fellow former member of the 2007 Giants, Amani Toomer, in which he said the fact he retired while still effective makes it harder to watch than if he were a guy who knew he no longer could play.
"Definitely, it's painful to watch,'' he said, "but it's exciting to watch my friends and former teammates have an opportunity to win a second Super Bowl.''
Strahan, an analyst for Fox, said he is both rooting for and picking the Giants, by a score of 28-24. He said they can and should follow the same formula as four years ago: Hit Tom Brady early and often, preferably with only four rushers.
"As Mike Tyson said, 'Everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth,' '' he said.
Earlier in the week, Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia said he believes Strahan still has an influence on the Giants' defensive line because of the legacy he left with younger players.
"I'm flattered to hear it," Strahan said, adding he tried to instill an appreciation for the history of the Giants' line. "I think Tuck has it. I think Osi has it. I think they've tried to pass it on to JPP. Dave Tollefson has it. These guys understand it."
Strahan said the biggest difference in the 2011 Giants compared to '07 is the evolution of Eli Manning.
"There's no more of that Eli Manning back to pass and you're holding your breath like, 'Oh, my God, don't mess it up!' '' Strahan said. "Now when he drops back, you expect something great to happen.''
