David Tyree was one of the most visible heroes of the Super Bowl upset over New England in February. But the wide receiver has yet to see the field this season.

More vitally for the Giants, Michael Strahan retired and Osi Umenyiora tore up his knee before the season, leaving them to begin their championship defense short-handed.

Today Plaxico Burress served a one-game suspension for repeated transgressions. Yet despite these absences and others throughout the young season, the Giants annihalated Seattle today 44-6 to go to 4-0.

While Dallas has been deemed the NFC’s best team by most experts, and Washington and Philadelphia have also looked good getting out of the gate, the Giants have overcome the odds to quietly jump out into the division lead at the quarter pole.

Part of the reason is the continued solid play of Eli Manning, who came into his own during the playoff run last season. His stats aren’t overwhelming, but incredibly solid. He’s thrown for 1,032 yards and six touchdowns compared with one interception through four games.

A solid running game led by Brandon Jacobs and helped by Ahmad Bradshaw and Derrick Ward has also helped. Jacobs’ three touchdowns and 380 yards on the ground have provided balance and time for Manning to do his thing.

Finally, a collection of lesser-known guys have stepped up to chip in as well. Today Domenik Hixon stepped in to catch four passes for 102 yards and a touchdown before leaving with a concussion before the first half ended.

After Hixon went out, Sinorice Moss – a former first-rounder who has been mentioned more as a potential draft bust than as a game-influencing hero – caught two touchdown passes.

For a 4-0 team, this success seems to have come awfully quietly. The Giants have the lead in the NFC East, far and away the deepest and strongest division in the NFL. If these role-players keep stepping up the strong play isn’t going to stay under the radar. But these guys appear to be good enough where it might not matter.