Pro Football Perspectives - AthlonSports.com

Vacchiano: No rematch in Super Bowl XLIII

As much as the Patriots would love another shot at the Giants for spoiling their perfect season, and as much as the Giants would love a chance to prove their Super Bowl win was no fluke, the odds are enormous that it’s not going to happen.

Vacchiano: Nobody's doubting the Giants now

Sitting in the stands, just another fan now, Ernie Accorsi could feel the weight of the moment the world was about to see. Moreso than anyone else, he was the man responsible for making Eli Manning a Giant. For years, as Manning struggled, sometimes it seemed he was the only one who believed.

Vacchiano: Giants complete improbable journey

They were less than a minute and maybe six inches away from a disastrous end to a season that hadn’t yet started. And now they're headed to Super Bowl XLII. To say it’s unexpected that the New York Giants are the NFC champions is the understatement of the season.

Vacchiano: Manning finding himself at right time

The rise of the Giants came out of nowhere, after an 0-2 start and an up-and-down season. But that’s nothing compared to the surprising rise of Eli Manning, who has dealt with more than his share of criticism in the past.

Vacchiano: Gibbs' legacy still intact

It wasn't an easy four years in Washington for Joe Gibbs during his second stint with the Washington Redskins, but after leading his team to a miraculous playoff run, he stepped down Tuesday with his legacy still intact.

Vacchiano: Momentum a big factor in playoffs

All season long, coaches and players talk about getting hot at the right time, playing well in December, and getting on a roll just in time for the postseason. In the playoffs, at times, momentum can be everything.

Vacchiano: Parcells a good fit for Miami

A week ago, Miami Dolphins fans got the only present they wanted this Christmas — a win to guarantee they wouldn’t become the first 0-16 team in NFL history. A few days later they got something even better: Bill Parcells.

Vacchiano: NFL not immune to steroids

The Mitchell Report rocked the sports world last week when it linked dozens of baseball players to performance enhancing drugs. While the NFL might be breathing a huge sigh of relief, Ralph Vacchiano says this: If you think the NFL is clean, you’re not paying attention.

Vacchiano: Seats heating up around the league

With three games left in the regular season, the NFL’s coaching carousel was set in motion last night when Bobby Petrino abruptly quit his job as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Here's a look at others that may be out at the end of the year.

Vacchiano: Wild-card races far from decided

A look at the NFL standings with four weeks to go shows there’s little drama at the top. Just below the division leaders, though, there is nothing but chaos in what could be a very wild, wild-card chase.

2008 Preseason Top 25 Countdown Begins May 1st.

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