vlaze.com

The defending Super Bowl Champion New York Giants will defend their title in 2008 missing a key veteran from their outstanding defensive line. 7 time Pro Bowler Michael Strahan announced his retirement from the game. The 15-year veteran was set to earn $4 million dollars this season but money was not an issue. The New York Giants offered more money but the 36-year-old star lineman turned it down. The Giants career sack leader reported that it was time to go and he couldn’t handle the demands anymore of working out and training for playing at an NFL level 4 years shy of his 40th birthday.

Strahan’s departure could impact the betting on the Giants this season. Strahan was a holdout in 2007. He ended his holdout by reporting to camp with only 7 days to prepare for the Giants week 1 regular season opponent. The Giants defense gave up 80 points in their first two games of 2007 as Strahan was getting back into football shape. The loss of Strahan will put more pressure on the Giants offense to score points. The Giants were carried by their defense in the post season. More may be asked from the offense in the upcoming season that produced passing yardage ranked 23rd in 2007. ....