Former wide receiver for the New York Giants David Tyree has offered his predictions for the teams that will make the playoffs and Super Bowl ahead of the 15th anniversary of his iconic helmet catch. Tyree also offered insights into the current spotty season of the Giants and their end-of-season prospects.
In an interview with Betting.us, Tyree was asked to pick two teams in the NFC Division that could make the biggest splash in the playoffs. “I would say if there’s a splash team… it’s Dallas,” said Tyree. “There is the Dan Quinn evolution of the Dallas defense, and the use of players is actually very impressive.”
“Malik Hooker… he’s back playing high-level football. [Dallas is] just really special on defense.” While he also praised the performance of the Philadelphia Eagles, Tyree was adamant that the Dallas Cowboys are one of two teams set to make the biggest impressions. He pointed out that the return of wide receiver Michael Gallup will also help.
His pick for the NFC North Division, Tyree insists, was called from the beginning of the season. “I called The Vikings… I actually called The Vikings as the wild card. Now obviously, they’re a front-runner, and watch out, [because] Kirk Cousins is a wild card himself.”
David Tyree made NFL history in 2008 when he caught a game-changing pass from Eli Manning during Super Bowl XLII against his helmet. Since retiring in 2009, Tyree worked in player development for the New York Giants until 2020 and has since remained a firm supporter of the team.
However, when questioned why he didn’t back his former team to cause a splash, Tyree pointed to a year of injuries as a reason to be skeptical of their prospects. “If this team could have been more healthy, I would actually call them my splash team. There have been so many injuries throughout that they actually have to overcome.”
But Tyree praised the team’s performance despite the injuries, adding that “the offensive line wasn’t even supposed to be playing as well as they played… They should just give Brian Daboll the award at this point.” Whether the team can make it into the Super Bowl is a different question. “The biggest concern is all the other factors, they have to pull off miracles week in and week out to get a win, and with the roster thinned out, it gets tough,” Tyree said. “I do believe The Giants actually are going to sneak… into the playoffs, but it’s going to be a rough stretch down the division.”
As for which team will take the Super Bowl, David Tyree backs the Chiefs. “I still got Kansas City. I’m still bullish on Patrick Mahomes…. He is the Michael Jordan of the quarterback position. And I can only say that because I’m amazed at how he continues to find ways to reinvent.”
“It’s special to watch the game at this stage. And so I’ve still got Kansas City in the big dance.” And if he were to pick an NFC team to make it to the Super Bowl right now? “I’m going to go with my wild card team with The Cowboys.” And that sounds so crazy. But I’ll say it’s just for a splash pick. My safe pick…. would be the NFC East with The Eagles.”
