When the New York Giants got off to that 5-0 start, everybody talked about their great defense, especially their front seven, and their ability to run the ball.

There were a few question marks about the passing attack with all the new, young receivers, but that seemed to shake out just fine after a few games.

Now, the bottom has dropped out on both sides of the ball, and it has me wondering if the Giants were way overrated to start with.

Don't get me wrong. I love Big Blue. I root for the Giants just like I root for the Yankees. And there is no doubt that this team has plenty of talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

But three losses in a row, including the one-sided losses to the Saints and the Eagles, leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

We knew the Giants' secondary had problems, but with all the great pass-rushers and solid linebackers, it didn't seem to matter that much. But when the Giants can't put any pressure on the quarterback at all, the secondary woes are magnified.

But it's not just the defense -- always the heart and soul of the team -- that has me concerned.

The offense doesn't look very dominating right now. Brandon Jacobs is not knocking people over like he used to, and Eli Manning is making way too many mistakes. He has that puzzled look on his face nearly all the time. Giants fans know the look.

Heck, Eli took the Giants to the Super Bowl and he has a ring. I try not to forget that.

But I also admit that he doesn't always make the best decisions.

Things could get worse before they get better. I hope not. But all of a sudden, the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles are looking like the best teams in the division, and the Giants are playing like -- I hate to say it -- the Washington Redskins.

Maybe it's all a bad dream and we'll wake up next week with everything back in order.

All I can say is that if it wasn't for the great run the Yankees are having, I'd be pulling my hair out right now. Big Blue is looking black and blue.