2. No Respect

Like the Democrats, all running on the same “Change” platform, the Giants all were on message at their press conferences Monday. They get “no respect”, no one thinks they will win, and they love it.

“Everyone likes to see the underdog win. Hopefully it will be a good day for everyone Sunday … Like Antonio Pierce said, it’s the All Pros versus the All Joes,” Michael Strahan said.

“Nobody gives us a chance,” chimed in Plaxico Burress, sporting an untamed goatee.

“Everybody has crowned the Patriots,” Pierce said. “Don’t be a believer in us now.”

Pierce, whose fiery intelligence slow burns even in this press conference setting, said the lack of respect goes all the way back to his days in Arizona, when NFL teams ignored his production.

Well, we respect Pierce immensely. So does Bill Belichick. Pierce might be playing the best football of anyone in these playoffs, offense and defense.

3. They are enjoying the moment

One quote repeated from nearly every player on both teams is that they are truly enjoying the moment. The Patriots, who have been here before, all talked about cherishing the experience, especially after the passing of teammate Marquise Hill earlier this season.

Players like Antonio Pierce, Michael Strahan, and Jeff Feagles all continued to talk to the media for a good half hour more they were required, shooing away Giants employees who said their time was up. Although it was occasionally hard to tell Feagles, forties and balding, apart from the reporters.

Strahan, as always, filled the most notebooks. I asked him if he was surprised that he saw so many double teams against the Patriots last time, while Osi Umenyiora saw single coverage.

“I’ve been surprised about that all year. I’ve been complaining about that a lot. Osi thinks he’s the greatest thing ever, but I’ve been telling him when I retire, his sack total is going to zero.

On distractions: “There are none. In 15 years, I’ve been to countless parties, every kind of party. I’m happy to have an excuse not to do anything.”

(It’s good Strahan isn’t prone to distractions. The Giants are staying at a hotel on an Indian Reservation right next to a casino.)

On Eli Manning: “We’re a regular bunch of guys. Eli Manning looks like one your next door’s neighbor’s kids. I’d say he looked like my kid, but I’m black.”

On what he likes about this Giants team: “I don’t like anybody on this team. I hate all these guys.”

4. Giants still feeling the affects of Packers game

The Giants have had to keep some players away from the team because they have become sick since the Packers game. Cornerback Aaron Ross reportedly threw up on the team flight today, and has the flu.

“You play a game in negative 20 degrees, that happens,” Pierce said.

The Giants still have six days to get ready, so this shouldn’t be a huge story.

5. Eli is calm under pressure

Eli Manning, with his two-day stubble and floppy hair, sometimes looks like one of the slow-talking New Orleans kids I went to college with who stayed in school for six years. When he wears a suit like today, it appears as if he’s “playing grown up.” (I know the type, I’m playing reporter grown up).

But beneath the relaxed exterior is a bright, composed man who expertly handles a world of pressure. Half of the questions asked were about his brother, his family, and about whether he’s finally stopped being Peyton’s “little brother.”

“I don’t look at it that way. I am Peyton’s little brother. I don’t take it as an insult. I like being his brother.”

There must be temptation to tell everyone all the psychoanalyzing done over the years about his leadership style was worthless, but he doesn’t say a peep. He doesn't roll his eyes about all the questions. He seems extremely comfortable in his own skin. He’s New Orleans.

“You have do what’s comfortable. You have to be yourself. If you’re a fake, it’ll be obvious. … You win, and everyone will get off your back. You lose, and everyone will be on it.”