Well here we are for round two of Upon Further Review and I have to tell you, my adoring audience, that I am shocked Cecil is back for more after his sound thumping in round one. (See the previous Upon Further Review column regarding defensive backs in case you missed it.)

The discussion this go-around is that gap-toothed behemoth who is apparently so likable that Brett Favre saw fit to take a dive for him so he could hold the single season sack record. (The record was previously held by Mark Gastineau.) He's 6'5", 275 pounds, and has 14 years of playing experience. He's recorded 129.5 total sacks in his career and doesn't look like he's gonna slow down much this year.

Do I really need to use his name with you? Or, are you thinking: You had me at gap-toothed. You had me at gap-toothed...

Michael Strahan is as good a bet to repeat his numbers this season as any of IDPBlitz's other Top 10 defensive lineman. For some bizarre reason I need to explain it all to the boss, the big cheese, the head honcho, the man who we've all put our fantasy football lives in the hands of, Cecil Taylor. I'm going to assume this is some grand test of his like when Yoda sent Luke into the cave in Empire Strikes Back. If it's not a test, then be afraid, very afraid of any further projections Cecil makes this year! (Just joking, we're all about alternate opinions).

Here's the man's resume. I know that like a mutual fund past performance is not an indicator or future returns, but it's hard not to think that way when you look it over. Go ahead and dream of a 25 percent return on your investment in The Strahan Blue Chip Fund of New York.

Michael Strahan is, barring injury, good for yet another solid season. Yes, Strahan is getting older, defensive end older at 34, but that's not enough of a reason to doubt his ability. At 34, he's gotten savvier than some of the defensive line coordinators in the league. He knows how to play his position, maintain himself throughout a game and a season. He posted 11.5 sacks last season. He tallied sacks in 8 separate games and remained productive in most other games by using his athleticism to collect 5 tackles or more in 6 of the remaining 9 when he didn't get to the quarterback. That was at age 33, which oh-by-the-way, is also considered a little long in the ole gapped-tooth for a defensive end. One more year, this year, is not going to see his performance collapse suddenly. But, just for giggles, let's say he is going to be noticeably slower this season and more prone to fatigue. On another team, I might worry.

The New York Giants are knowledgeable enough to realize that in two or three years Strahan's productivity will decline. They drafted Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka the past two seasons to prepare for this eventuality. They did not, however, draft them to fill an immediate need like the Houston Texans did with Mario Williams. By drafting two young, quality defensive ends, the Giants are giving Strahan an even greater likelihood of repeating last season's numbers. Strahan will rest more during games; and while this sort of reduction in playing time usually worries me, instances such as this one I find completely tolerable. Strahan's energy levels will remain high throughout the season because he's getting spelled for a bit.

I can see Cecil is a little wobbly on his feet. His arms are riding low and his feet look like they've cemented themselves to the mat. I may as well give you folks a little more show for your cash before I finish him off with one last blast.

Michael Strahan is going to continue to record sound game play totals because he won't be working alone. Osi Umenyiora is going to draw all the attention this season on the field. He's going to be double teamed, chipped, and held constantly each Sunday afternoon. Umenyiora's trials will be to Strahan's benefit as he'll be matched one-on-one most plays he's in with only a lowly back to try and chip him. Shoot, it'll just tick him off. With Antonio Pierce dropping back to cover short passing lanes and LaVar Arrington darting into the line seeking sacks of his own, Strahan might well be wondering if he hasn't suddenly stepped back into 2001. Too bad they don't play Brett and his boys this year.

Well, I've made the best show of this as I could given what was before me. It's time Ramblin' Landon laid out the final blow. The New York Giants are going to play some classic games this season in Philly, Washington, and Dallas to be sure. They are going to play some lame games too, at least in the trenches, when they play Buffalo, Tennessee, Houston, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans. Those five teams are among the worst offensive lines in the game; and Chicago, Dallas, and Indianapolis only rate middle of the pack. Bad offensive lines will make anyone look like a Pro Bowl player. They'll make Strahan look like a heavy weight champion. POW!

10...9...8...7...6...

-He's not moving folks!

5...4...3...

-The ringside doctor is attending him now!

2...1...

-Time to clean up the mat.