As we've reached the halfway point of the season, all I can think to myself is, "What a difference a month makes!"  

At the quarter pole, the team was 2-2 with numerous questions abound in regards to the team.  The fans’ expectations of the team were falling short and they started 0-2 in the NFC East.  Eli Manning was playing great though and that carried the team into October.  

Now, at the halfway mark, the Giants are 6-2 after going 4-0 in the month of October.  Remarkably, Eli's play the last few weeks seems to have fallen off a bit, and the defense is suddenly giving up huge chunks of yardage.  The team woke up against the Cleveland Browns after falling asleep early and that momentum has carried the team to a perfect month - a perfect month that has included a HUGE road win against the supposed #1 team in the NFC (the 49ers) and two inter-divisional wins (Redskins & Cowboys).  

My concern entering the second half of the season is with the defense.  While the playmakers are finally making plays (Jason Pierre-Paul, Antrel Rolle), the bend-but-don't-break defense cannot keep giving up big plays in the passing game.  They are ranked 26th for a reason in passing defense.  While the safety play has been remarkable (Rolle, Stevie Brown), the play of the team’s cornerbacks needs to improve.  One good sign is that the team as a whole seems to be getting healthier heading into their week #11 bye.  This can go a long way towards the end of the season playoff push.  

Ok, Giants fans, considering that both the G-Men and the Jets were 2-2 at the quarter pole, you have to love that the teams are going in separate directions!!!!

GIANTS RECORD: 6-2

NFC EAST RECORD: 2-2 (2 1/2 game lead overall)

NFC CONFERENCE: 5-2

All player awards are JUST for the quarter!!!!

TEAM OFFENSIVE MVP: RB Ahmad Bradshaw

TEAM DEFENSIVE MVP: Safties Antrel Rolle & Stevie Brown

TEAM SPECIAL TEAMS MVP: K Lawrence Tynes

BIGGEST SURPRISE, OFFENSE: WR Domenik Hixon

BIGGEST SURPRISE, DEFENSE: S Stevie Brown

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT, OFFENSE: WR Hakeem Nicks 

BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT, DEFENSE: LB Keith Rivers 

The EVEN STEVEN AWARD (for steady, all-around performance): FB Henry Hynoski

The TURN THE CORNER??? AWARD (for the player who's future is looking up after being down): CB Prince Amukamara

The "BIG T" QUARTERLY MVP: QB Eli Manning