I think we're past the point when we can say it's too early to call today's games big games when it comes to the Giants and Jets.

The Giants have shown they can beat up on the mediocre teams, but the Falcons -- although they, too, are struggling -- are better than mediocre. The better teams, meanwhile, have given Big Blue fits since a 5-0 start.

The Jets have shown they're No. 1 in the league when it comes to talking or crying or eating hot dogs on the sidelines. When it comes to actually playing, well, that's when Gang Green is not at its best. And now the Patrtiots -- fresh off their stinging loss to the Colts last week where Bill Belichick coached more like Ray Handley -- welcome their arch-rivals.

This could definitely be a do-or-die Sunday when it comes to the New York area teams and their chance to make the playoffs. For their sakes, let's hope they can put their money where their mouths are.

I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate our area's Section 9 champions.

From teams like Kingston, Red Hook and Pine Plains in field hockey; Ellenville in football and Red Hook and Rhinebeck in volleyball, Onteora and Rhinebeck girls and New Paltz boys in cross country to runners Gabby Mancuso and Brian Busby of New Paltz and Annabel Clarke of Rhinebeck, it's always great to see area competitors do well.

There's much work ahead as each team and individual work toward the ultimate goal of a state title, but for now we can appreciate the efforts to get this far.

Good luck the rest of the way.