PLAYOFF SEASON!

NEXT GAME: Sunday January 11th at 1:00 eastern.

It's all set!

Philly vs. Minnesota and Atlanta vs Arizona next week.

So this is the rule they should think about changing.  Arizona gets the home field and the higher seed even though they had less wins than Atlanta.  That could easily effect who we play in the Divisional series.  We will get the team with the "lowest" seed after next week.  It is feasible that the the two road teams will win next week and send Philly to the Meadowlands and Atlanta to Carolina.

Nice choke jobs by Dallas and the Jets.  Keep running your mouths and winning on paper.  

More tid-bits to come later this week

A GOOD WEEK TO DO NOTHING

This is an odd week for the GIANTS.  They play a Minnesota team that needs a win to make the playoffs.  A team they could very well meet in two weeks in the divisional playoff game in The Meadowlands.  The Giants, under Tom Coughlin, would never actually take a week off, that's not possible.  However the medical staff will recommending rest for some starters.  I expect Aaron Ross and Kevin Boss to be inactive.  I expect Brandon Jacobs to either be out or limited.  I believe Barry Cofield and or Fred Robbins to sit also.  Look for Eli and maybe even Hixon to take at least the 4 th quarter off on Sunday.  The Vikings are starting their Qb that started the season and was benched in week 2.  He is a running qb and has a week arm.  Look for the defense to stack the box and try and stop the league's top rusher in Adrian Peterson.  They will force Tavaris Jackson to throw it and beat them through the air.  Not much will be shown this week by the GIANTS as far as exotic defensive schemes or trick offensive plays.  The possibility of seeing each other again soon will preclude them from showing too much.

Here are the things to watch for this weekend around the league.

Dallas vs. Philly.   Dallas wins and they are in.  They will be the 6 seed and play in Arizona in the first round.

Carolina vs New Orleans.  Carolina's loss to the GIANTS was huge.  They were playing for the #1 seed and if they lose this game they will fall tot he 5th seed, lose the bye week, and have to travel and play week 1.  This will vault Atlanta to the 2 seed, give them a first round bye, and home field until the Championship game.

Minnesota favored by 7 points.  

Heard of a new company today with an interesting idea.  It's called firstdibz.com.  Basically it is a ticket outfit that takes bids to purchase tickets at face value for playoff and championship games.  If you win the bid, and your team gets to the game, you have the right to purchase tickets at face value.  However, if your team does not make it to the game, they keep your bid money.  It's like betting on whether your team will make the big game or not.  An interesting idea.  

1986- The mighty Giants defeat the Green Bay Packers 55-24 to finish the season at 14-2.  They are the #1 seed and have home field throughout the playoffs.  Giants led 21-20 at halftime.

1990-The Giants travel to New England and beat the Patriots on a grey rainy uninspired afternoon by the score of 13-10 to finish the season 13-3.

2007- The GIANTS play their most important and inspirational game of the year losing to the New England Patriots 38-35 proving to themselves that they could play with the "perfect team".  The Giants were in this game throughout and played far from mistake free.  They learned some important lessons about how they could dominate the offensive line of the Pats and that Tom Brady really didn't like being touched.

Enjoy the week and I will preview all playoff match-ups going forward.

#1 SEED

First mission accomplished!  Number 1 seed, bye week, home throughout the playoffs.  

The GIANTS got back to Giant football last night.  300 rushing yards from two backs, and strong stout defense when needed.

The game ball goes to the Pro Bowl punter Jeff Feagles.  Pinning the Panthers on their own one in the fourth quarter was the special teams play of the year.

Minnesota next week.  Players will be rested neither team may have any reason to play.

Preview on Friday.

Merry Christmas to all......This certainly was a nice present to get and give!

LINE 'EM UP

As Tom Coughlin stated this week: If you can't get excited about this one, I'm not sure what you can get excited about.

11-3 vs. 11-3  Two great running attacks.  Winner gets a bye week in the playoffs and home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  The Panthers are 8-0 at home this year.

The Panthers have discovered their two headed monster running game in the last two weeks.  They have a decent o-line that has suffered some injuries these past weeks.  They also have one of the most talented wide receivers in the game in Steve Smith.  They are a run first team with an inconsistent crybaby QB.  One thing for sure, you will come away from this game hating their QB.  He will ask for a penalty on every play, pointing, jumping up and down and complaining to the Referee on every play.  he has had an awful season on the road this year.  One game he was 7-24 with 3 turnovers.  With the weather issues at gametime, he should be in for a long night.

The GIANTS defense played well last week and will look to do what they do best.  STOP THE RUN.  Stopping the run, and pressuring the QB will be the formula this week.  The weather should limit the passing game to short passes and therefore the safeties will be up to help with the run and make some plays.

The offensive line for the GIANTS was knocked down a notch last week.  They will need to rebound this week, protect Eli from Julius Peppers, and open some holes against a Panthers defensive line that will be missing some of their top run stoppers.  Jacobs is back, and he needs to bring the physicality back to the run game.  Eli needs to do enough to win, but this game comes down to running the ball.

Sundays forecast is snow to rain with a high of 42 degrees, but at 8:30 it should be considerably colder and of course windy.

GIANTS win this one, get the bye for essentially three weeks off, and the road to the Super Bowl runs through New Jersey in 2008.

1986-The GIANTS dominate the St. Louis Cardinals 27-7 to go to 13-2.  9 sacks and Joe Morris runs for 3 TD'S .

1990-Jeff Hostetler wins his first start against the Phoenix Cardinals 24-21 to get to 12-3

2007-Giants down 14 come back to defeat the Buffalo Bills in the snow to get to 10-5 and guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs.

Giants favored by 3.....

BACK TO BASICS

We are in the playoffs.  We are not healthy.  We need to get back to what we do best.  Run the ball.  We need to get a bye week in the playoffs to rest up and get whole again.

The defense played well the other night.  Very well actually.  To be in the 4th quarter down 7-3 was a good position.  But the offense needs to find it's identity again.  Brandon Jacobs should help that when he returns this week.  A full week of practice for Hixon should also help.  First he looked like he was pressing, last week he looked lost.

Carolina Sunday night.

Preview Friday.

A TRUE TEST

The GIANTS play the Cowboys again this week, this time in Dallas on Sunday night.  They will be without Brandon Jacobs, and Domenik Hixon might be limited.  The Cowboys say Marion Barber will be a game-time decision.  The Cowboys will also be without their starting and back-up left guard.  The Cowboys also have been fighting with each other, and a loss to the GIANTS in prime-time will break this team apart and have the head coach on the unemployment line.

This is a true test of team and will this week.  The GIANTS are still the better team, should be past any distractions, and motivated by last weeks loss to the Eagles.  The will be without Jacobs again, so Ward, Bradshaw, and ELi must pick-up the slack and make things happen.  The offensive line must keep Eli upright and comfortable in the pocket.  The Cowboys pass defense is awful and can be exploited, but Eli must have time.  Look for more screen passes to Ward, more quick outs to Toomer, and look for Bradshaw to line up as a receiver and help confuse the defense.

1986-Week 14 has the Giants in Washington ( day after Michael's birthday) The GIANTS dominate the game and win 24-14 to go to 12-2.  This is the second meeting of three this year, as the Giants will meet the Redskins in the NFC championship game.  

1990-Saturday December 15th.  Ice storm in the Meadowlands.  Terrible conditions.  Phil Simms breaks his foot in the 4th quarter and the Giants lose 17-13 to the Buffalo Bills to go to 11-3.  Of course we will see this team again later on down the road.

2007-The Giants needing a win to clinch a playoff berth lose to Washington 22-10 in a terrible game at home.  Eli throws 40 times with poor results.  The Giants are 9-5 and in desperate need of a win.

Giants 3 point underdogs in Dallas.  If they can stop the running game and get some pressure they can crack this fragile team and move closer to home field advantage in the playoffs.

Enjoy!

NFC EAST DIVISION CHAMPS!!!

A bad day on the field still resulted in the GIANTS winning the NFC East division this evening.  With the pretenders to the crown, the Dallas Cowboys, losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers this afternoon that handed the NFC East to the GIANTS.

Now we travel to Dallas next Sunday night to try and knock the Cowboys out of the playoffs for the second straight year.  There are no excuses for today.  We were not looking past the Eagles, but as I stated a few weeks ago it is extremely difficult to win three division games in a row and run the table in the NFC East for the year.

Congratulations to the 2008 New York GIANTS on your first step towards defending your championship.

Cowboy preview on Friday

THIS LOOKS FAMILIAR....

The Eagles come to town with plenty on the line for both teams.  If the Eagles are to have any chance of making the playoffs they need to win out and hope for help.  They will be desperate this week.  And as we talked about a few weeks ago, these games are always close.  The Eagles have shortened their rotation of players, meaning they used to rotate 6 receivers, now they rotate 4.  They think this will help McNabb by practicing with fewer guys and getting to know them better.  For a QB that is supposed to be so talented, and so intelligent, he sure has a lot of little things that bother him.  This game still comes down to physicality.  The Eagles are no match up front on either side of the ball.  Look for some mis-direction and trick plays like the Redskins tried last week.  Westbrook will play, but his back-up is out.

All the GIANTS are healthy and playing.  They can wrap-up the division title and a first round bye with a win.  Their only concern this week is distraction.  From what I have learned about Antonio Pierce in the past few years, in this situation, I would rather not be playing against him.  He will not be distracted or unconfident.  He might be mean and frustrated with all that's been going on and take it out on the opposition.

This will be another chance for this team to show their resiliency.  Their team first attitude.  It is a chance to circle the wagons and play us against the world again....just what they love to do.

1986-  This was week 13 since they didn't have a bye week in the NFL yet.  The GIANTS defeated the San francisco 49ers on a Monday night to go 11-2.  The Giants were down 17-0 at halftime on the road.  This is the famous Mark Bavaro catch, run, and carry 8 defenders down the field game.

1990-After trailing 12-10 at halftime, the Giants defeat Minnesota 23-15 to go to 11-2

2007- The Giants defeat this same Eagles team in Philadelphia 16-13 to go to to 9-4

The reason I mention the non-bye week in 1986 is that this weekend is Michael Tufaro's birthday.  The days match-up this year to 1986.  I was in Washington to see the Giants play when Michael was born the Saturday before the game.  Happy Birthday!  The 1990 game was on Frank's birthday also.  

Giants pass this test also.  We might even see our first sight of snow this week.  It will be a very windy day, so the ground game will dominate.

Favored by 8 originally, the line is down to 6 1/2

PUNISHMENT....AND CRIME

First the punishment inflicted on the Redskins.

3 for 14 on third down conversions

Portis held to 22 yards on 11 carries. The Redskins ran the ball just 18 times.

Time of possession 35 minutes to 25.

This game was supposed to be a high emotion must win for Washington.  They looked flat and beaten from the moment Amani Toomer caught the 40 yard perfect pass from Eli.

And now crime....Plaxico has some major trouble ahead.  He was warned in training camp that it was illegal to carry a gun in New York.  No Excuses.  I think he's lucky he only hurt himself.

The GIANTS did the right thing suspending him for the remainder of the season.  They covered themselves with the union by having him checked out by all the doctors and saying the MRI showed he wouldn't be ready to play again for 6 weeks.  The next time he goes to court is March.  Either they make a deal before that when this all quiets down and all the facts are in, or he goes to jail.  Either way the league will still have a say, and the GIANTS can have his salary erased from the roster so it doesn't count against the salary cap.  All in all a terrible event and a horrible way to be taught a lesson.

Please don't believe all you read either.  No one is speaking to the media, so they have to make it up as they go along.  Once you call your lawyer, the proper thing to do, there usually is no more public communication.  That's the way it works.

O.K.  The re-born Eagles again this week.

Preview on Friday

NFC EAST FOOTBALL!

The next three weeks bring us three NFC East match-ups.  First up are the Redskins in Landover Maryland.  The weather calls for snow and rain with a high of 40 degrees.

It is very difficult to beat any team twice in one year, let alone sweep your entire division playing them three straight weeks.  This will be the toughest test the GIANTS will face for the remainder of the season.  

This team however seems to find a way to stay focused, remain a team, and do whatever it takes to win.  That being said I think the Redskins are the most dangerous team we will face until playoff time.

They are a mirror image statistically on defense.  Exactly the same amount of points given up (199).  They are a tough, physical defense that plays a deep safety in the middle of the field.  They take away the deep threat first, and work their way in from there.  When that safety reads run, he comes hard and fast and delivers a pretty good blow when he arrives.  This style allows them to show less people in the box, and have the opposing QB think the run is open, but the extra player arrives quickly and is unaccounted for initially.  They do have some injuries on this side of the ball this week.  They are without their strong side linebacker, and have both defensive tackles listed as questionable.  Hopefully the weather will not hamper the GIANTS #1 ranked scoring offense.  We will need to be balanced and patient.  Jacobs practiced all week, but is still listed as questionable.  Plaxico is OUT, so Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss, and even Mario Manningham will have to make some plays this week.  As all of you know I don't think the loss of Burress hampers our offense.  The left side of the Redskins offensive line is listed as questionable.  They will both play, but might not be at full speed this week.

The Redskins will run the ball as much as the Cardinals threw it last week.  Clinton Portis is having a great year.  He has over 1200 yards already and had 64 in the fourth quarter alone last week.  He has been banged up all year, but continues to be productive.  He is the key to stopping this team.  He has 244 carries this year, and no real backup.  He takes a lot of punishment every week and this week can be no different.  The GIANTS will concentrate on stopping, hitting, and punishing Portis from the first play to the last.  This game will be played close to the line of scrimmage, and once again special teams and turnovers (+9) will be key.

The Redskins are honoring their fallen hero Sean Taylor before the game this week.  This will get the crowd into it early, and in case playing the first place Super Bowl Champion division rival GIANTS wasn't motivation enough, this should provide a little more.  This is as stern a test as we can face.

GIANTS favored by 3 to 4

If the weather allows, I think the GIANTS can score enough points to win, if not, this game will come down to who runs the ball better and makes the fewest mistakes.

Enjoy!  This is another one of those weeks worth paying for.

1986 Giants beat the Denver Broncos (19-16) to go to 10-2.  This was the game that included George Martin intercepting John Elway and returning it for a touchdown.  I bought plane tickets to Pasadena the next morning.

1990 Giants lost to San Francisco (7-3) to go to 10-2.  This was the Phil Simms- Ronnie Lott disagreement after the end of the game.

2007 Giants beat the Chicago Bears (21-16) to go to 8-4.  Giants score 14pts. in the 4th quarter in Chicago to come from behind. 

EXECUTION!

The Defense held the Cardinals offense to:

1.3 yards per carry and 6.6 yards per catch.

The idea of shutting down the run and limiting the passing game to short plays worked to perfection.  54 throws from Warner under intense pressure for an average of 6.6 yards and a time of possession of 30 minutes.  It was obvious from the first drive when the Cardinals took over 6 and a half minutes to score three points.  The game was over at that moment.

No Jacobs and No Plax and we still score 37.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Preview of Washington and beyond Friday

AERIAL ASSAULT

The Cardinals are the #2 offense in the NFL.  They are the 29th offense running the ball.  That tell you anything?  They have The Best wide receivers in football, no question.  Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breaston.  They have a decent offensive line, and a Pro Bowl, MVP, Super Bowl Winning QB in Kurt Warner.  He has thrown for 3,000 yards already this year with a 70% completion rate, 20 TD's vs 7 Int's, a 105 passer rating, and he has been sacked 18 times.  The one thing we all remember about Kurt and his time in NY is that he will fumble when hit, or nearly hit, and he is extremely immobile.  He has 7 fumbles this year.

The GIANTS however still have an advantage this week because they are balanced (328 rushing plays, 317 passing plays).  A lot of folks think this has to be a shootout, with Eli, Plax, Amani, etc. having the game of the year.  But running the ball like we do accomplishes two things, it wears down the defense, and runs the clock.

The Cardinals have no running attack, they will throw the ball and throw the ball.  The GIANTS need to limit the damage, make tackles, keep the receivers in front of them, and make the Cardinals take time and run lots of plays to get to the red zone.  Our best weapons will be our punters, kick returners, and our balanced 10 play 80 yard 6 minute drives on offense.  Of course our offense can be explosive also, and the need to score points will be important, but just like we played New England last year in this building, not the way to approach the game.

Look for the GIANTS to stay balanced, run the clock, and pressure Kurt into some mistakes.  The offensive line will continue to dominate, and the defense is not happy only getting 1 sack in the past 2 weeks.

Jacobs will play, Dockery is back in the secondary, along with Gerris Wilkinson at linebacker.  If Plaxico (game-time decision) doesn't start it will leave the door open for Hixon and Moss to step in and stretch the Cardinal defense thin.

GIANTS favored by 3 1/2

GIANTS win by 5

MORE DOMINATION

200 Rush yards three consecutive weeks, which makes us number 1 in the league.

Number 1 defense in the NFC.

#3 Offense in the NFC.

+122 in point differential.  #1 in the NFL.

6-0 at Home

Undefeated in the division and the conference.

Best start since 1990 (10-0, lost in Philly) 

Comparisons to '86 and '90 will be held until week 13 or so.

Cardinals Sunday afternoon back at the site of Super Bowl 42.

ELI'S WEEK

This is the week for the offense to show it's wares.  This is a week to prove what we are.  This is a tough week.

The Ravens are #1 against the run.  They give up an average of 65 yards a game.

The GIANTS are #1 running the ball.  They average 169 yards a game.

This is a week to draw the safeties and the linebackers up tight, and then find Plaxico and Hixon in one-on-one coverage and complete big plays.  The Ravens are a very tough physical team, but so are we.  The offensive line will have the chance to prove how good they are by opening holes for Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw, and protecting Eli against the blitz.

The Defense will have to watch for plenty of trickery this week.  The Ravens run a lot of this new Wild-Cat formation.  They have a backup running QB that they bring in the game and line him up everywhere.  Lots of reverses, direct snaps, and double passes along with unbalanced lines, and cut backs.  They also have three running backs that they move in and out, but they have a very weak receiving corp and a rookie QB.  Plenty of pressure this week to throw the rookie off his game and force a few mistakes.  The GIANTS will try to force the new kid to beat them.  They will stack the line and stop the run, be disciplined in their assignments, and see if the rookie from Delaware (7 TD, 7 INT) can put points on the board.

This will be low scoring and very physical.  A very windy day is predicted for Sunday.  Once  again I believe turnovers and special teams can make the difference.

Giants favored now by 7.

I think they win by 4

Enjoy!

ANOTHER STEP

200+ yards rushing for the second consecutive week.

33+ minutes time of possession.  The most since last years NFC Championship game

3/11 third down conversions allowed

2 more turnovers

Held Brian Westbrook to 26 yards on 17 carries.

Still +102 in points differential

3-0 division record and 6-0 conference record

#1 rushing Offense in the league

#3 Offense in the conference

#1 passing Defense in the conference

#1 total Defense in the conference

8-1 total 5-0 at home.  14 of last 15 on the road.

Baltimore next week at Home

Preview Friday

A LONG STRANGE TRIP

As most of you know I have been watching the GIANTS a long time, and have attended many, many games.  The series between the GIANTS and Eagles has always been one of strange endings, and unreal plays.  Let's recap:

Randall Cunningham levitating after a hit by Carl Banks and throwing a TD pass.

Blocked Field Goals picked up by offensive linemen and run in for TD's to win games.  

Tiki running for 220 yds, fumbling 5 times, and the Giants win the game when David Akers, one of the best kickers in the league misses a 27 yard field goal.

Mark Bavaro, one of the gentlest men of all, being ejected for hitting a referee. (He was pushed into him.  I was there) 

The Eagles offense being held to 120 yards and winning the game on 2 Westbrook kick returns for TD's.

Tipped passes, fumbled kickoffs, missed field goals, great individual efforts (think Jason Sehorn) and of course the defining moment for GIANTS football in the modern era.  The play that got a coach fired, two franchises turned around, and the invention of the "victory" formation.

Otherwise known as "the Fumble" Joe Piscarcik and John Cirigliano look alike Larry Csonka colliding on what should have been the final play of a winning effort.  I can still see Doug Kotar in those awful uniforms chasing Herm Edwards to the end zone.

The next day John McVay is fired, who goes to San francisco as a GM and builds one of the great dynasties of football.  Ray Perkins is hired and brings in a linebacker coach named Bill Parcells.  Wellington Mara relents and hires a GM named George Young at the suggestion of the commissioner, and every team from Pop Warner to the NFL now kneel down when they have the game won and need to run time off the clock.

This series is unpredictable.  The Eagles have some secondary injuries that they have kept quiet.  They are missing their starting right guard.  Look for the pressure from the GIANTS to come up the middle this week.

This game will be won or lost in the tackling department this week.  Can we get McNabb to the ground.  Can we bring down Westbrook after small gains.  The GIANTS have the better offensive and defensive lines, but the key will be tackling and yards after catch.

Enjoy this one, this is as good as it gets in this years NFL.

DOMINATION!

Time of possession for: 34:13

Total Yards Against: 183  ( 55 rushing )

Turnovers: 4

Sacks: 4

First Downs: 10

Points against defense: 7

This is what the #1 defense in the NFC  looks like.

Half way home at 7-1

Eagles next on Sunday night......

Preview Friday.......

COWBOY WEEK

O.K. Baseball is over, November is here, the weather is turning, and the Cowboys are coming to town.

These Cowboys however will be lacking a little punch. 

Tony Romo(qb)-Out

Felix Jones(rb/returner)-Out

Terence Newman(cb)-Out

Kyle Losire(ol)-Out

Jason Witten(te)-Game Time Decision with broken ribs.

The GIANTS #2 ranked defense will stack the line and punish Marion Barber when they run and force Brad Johnson to dump the ball short to two inexperienced tight ends.  Their league leading sack total will increase this week by at least 4 and turnovers should be available.  Sam Madison returns this week to replace the injured Kevin Dockery, and will not be a drop off in talent or experience.

The GIANTS #2 ranked offense will run the ball at will against the #22 defense, and play action some deep balls to Steve Smith, Plaxico, and Hixon.  Even Kevin Boss and Amani will catch a few deep ones this week.  The Cowboys are without their three top cornerbacks and two safeties.  The GIANTS very talented offensive line will dominate this game and send the 'Boys to their bye week looking to re-group.  

The Cowboys called last week a "must win" against Tampa......Only because they knew they would come up short this week in New Jersey.

GIANTS are still +76 in points.  #1 in the NFC.

Giants opened as 6 point favorites and it has moved to as much as 10.

Giants 31 Cowboys 13

JUST AS WE CALLED IT

Well, I got that one right.  4 turnovers, 5 sacks, a special teams blunder for the Steelers, and a punt return setting up the winning score.  Turnovers and special teams!

This defense made a nice statement too.  They knocked poor Ben to the ground 50% of the times he went back to pass with 5 sacks and 3 batted balls.

The first step has been taken with success.

Cowboys at home this week.

Preview on friday.

I'll be home from Florida on Thursday.

LIKE LOOKING IN THE MIRROR

This is the week I have been waiting for since day 1.  These two franchises have been tied together since the beginning of this league.  The two families have been close and are now actually related through marriage.  Both have always been class acts and have played the game in similar fashion.

The STEELERS (5-1) are #1 in defense in the league.  The GIANTS are #1 in defense in the NFC.

The Steelers have always been a run first team like the GIANTS.  More than ever, this game is about stopping the run and pressuring their QB, Big Ben Roethlisberger.  Big Ben is indeed big and strong and he takes a lot of hits and sacks.  He is the most sacked QB in the league.  This is not only attributable to the fact that he likes to hold the ball a long time, but to a rebuilding of the offensive line.  The Steelers lost 2 players to free agency and one to injury on the front line.  They have yet to play well as a unit and therefore give up many sacks.  This, of course, bodes well for our very active front four and linebackers also.  The GIANTS should have an advantage here and hold the #25 offense of the Steelers below their average of 21 points a game.

The GIANTS offense must step it back up this weekend.  Playing this defense, you must establish the run, complete quick short passes for first downs, and protect Eli long enough to exploit their secondary.  This team is built just like the GIANTS.  It all depends on pressure.

It seemed to me last week that Eli was forcing the offense through Plaxico.  I understand how big a weapon he can be, but I think that spreading the wealth and not worrying about how many catches he gets is imperative to a consistent and sustained offense.

Games like this usually come down to turnovers and special teams play.

Not an easy road game to say the least.

Pittsburgh favored by 2 1/2

Enjoy this one.  The match-up is one of the best in the league and one we don't get to see all that often.

BREAKING NEWS!!  PITTSBURGH STARTING WIDE RECEIVER SANTONIO HOLMES SUSPENDED BY TEAM FOR SUNDAY'S GAME.  HE WAS FOUND WITH MARIJUANA IN HIS VEHICLE DURING A TRAFFIC STOP.

ONE AT A TIME

Not the greatest opponent to measure yourself against but......

Holding the league's 4th best rusher to 11 yards on 11 carries with two back-up linebackers.

Three turnovers recovered while forcing three more fumbles.

6 sacks against a fairly mobile QB.

Still too many penalties, too much drama, and still some healing to be done.

Jury duty is over!

Preview of next week on Friday

SHORT WEEK TO HEAL

Antonio Pierce, Eli Manning, and Shaun O'Hara.  Probably the worst combination of players to have listed on the injured list on short rest.  The leaders of both the defense and offense, and the center of the offensive line all missed practice this week with injuries.  This is a tough time of year for injuries, the decision of whether to miss a single game now, so that you don't miss 4 weeks later is one of the toughest a head coach and player have to make.  It doesn't help either that they lost on Monday.  They of course all want to play and get the taste of the Cleveland game out of their mouths.

San Francisco is a horrible road team.  The travel and the early start time just wreaks havoc on their team.  Their new quarterback this season has a good arm and is a fairly good runner.  Hopefully we will get some pressure this week and force him to pull it down early and run for his life.  Look for the same quick passing game, the same throws over the middle when Pierce vacates his spot to blitz, and the same shots down the middle of the field to a very very good tight end.  Frank Gore is a wonderful running back, and as always stopping the run will be paramount.

The GIANTS and their defensive coordinator need to find a way to change things up a bit.  They need to find new ways to pressure the QB.  They need to show more blitz and play coverage instead.  Last year they were so good at disguising where the pressure was coming from, this year it seems that opponents max protect and close ranks, not worrying about exactly where the pressure comes.

This will be a nice first test to see how they respond to adversity.  The remaining schedule is brutal and a nice shot of confidence would be nice this week.

GIANTS favored by 10-12

ENJOY!

THE BAD ELI

At halftime all seemed normal.  Down 3 on the road, in front of a hostile crowd, playing a team that needed to win and show some energy.  Eli had just managed another 2 minute drive to perfection; and the ball was ours for the start of the third quarter.

Then it happened.  Immediate poor throw, turnover, defense back on the field.  That probably would not have been terrible, if it didn't happen again later on in the quarter.

The defense looked a little off last night, an injured Pierce toughing it out, but not really being effective.  The defense had zero pressure on the qb last night, and that lead to long drives and too much time spent on the field.

The full blame here goes to the offense though; Eli in particular.  The GIANTS did rush for 181 after all, but the 3 turnovers and 6 points given up by the offense was insurmountable.  

The GIANTS were lucky this week however, they lost no ground in the East with the Cowboys and Redskins also losing.

Next up San Francisco and their new running Quarterback in the Meadowlands.

Have a good week

Preview on Friday!

SLEEPING DAWGS

The Cleveland Browns have 5 prime time games this year.  This is the first Monday night game in Cleveland in years and they were the darlings of the off season after winning 10 games last year.  They and their quarterback Derek Anderson have been major disappointments so far this year.  Brady Quinn has been told to "be ready".  The Browns are coming off a bye week and have always been a gimmick team, so watch for some trick plays early.  They also run a very different base offense.  They run what is called an unbalanced line, they play two tackles and a guard on one side of the center, and just a guard and tight end on the other side.  It is odd to look at and even stranger when they run the ball "away" from the unbalance.  In other words they run away from the two tackles.  It does throw the defense off a bit, but so far has not been too successful this year.  They are last in offense in the league.  Their defensive strength is against the run.  They have a wonderful nose tackle and left end.  However, they decided to open their mouths this week and state that the GIANTS offensive line is not a physical one.  Also number 99 stated that Brandon Jacobs could be intimidated by hitting him hard and early in the game.  Look for this match-up early, as the GIANTS will want to show their physicality and Jacobs will want to run a few guys over.  

This should be a chippy, mouthy game.  

The GIANTS will need to stay focused on the road again, take care of business, ignore the crowd, and watch for all the tricks.  This really is a must win for Cleveland.

GIANTS favored between 7 and 9.

GIANTS 31-17

NEXT!

This was pretty simple, so let's not spend too much time on it.  Instead let's review the first quarter of the season.

This team has the unique ability to be both explosive and efficient.  Some stats:

They are averaging 431 yards per game on offense.

They are also averaging 34 minutes plus time of possession. Both # 1 in the league.

They average 6.6 yards per play with 24.2 first downs per game.  Again both #1 in the league.

Remarkable combinations.

The defense averages 12.2 points per game(compared to Dallas' 22.2)

and give up a mere 236 yards per game. Both #1 in the league.

They also allow only 32% 3rd down conversions. 1% out of the league lead.

For me there are still a few extra penalties we don't need, but not much more can be asked of this team.

Next week Cleveland (1-3) on Monday night.

Preview on Friday.

A LITTLE PAYBACK

The GIANTS have traveled to Seattle twice in the past three years with terrible results.  The Seahawks won both games, one convincingly and one in O.T.  It's time to make THEM travel the three thousand miles and see how they perform.

Seattle is 1-2 in the early going, however they have played every game without either of their starting receivers.  They have averaged over 6 yards a carry on the ground, but have been unable to put points on the board.  They have three decent running backs and a decent quarterback in Hasselbeck.  They will not be in rhythm from the start, but it will make them a better balanced team having their entire offense healthy.  The offensive line is pretty good and will present a challenge to the defensive line.

The defense is known for it's linebackers.  They are quick and smart.  They have an all pro cornerback on the right side, so look for the GIANTS to throw left often.

The re-emergence of Kevin Boss last game came at a great time considering we are playing sans Plaxico this week.  Look for them to isolate him on the weak side linebacker and get the ball to him to slow down the rush a little.  The backs should catch a few more balls this week also.  Hixon and Moss should be able to pick up the slack collectively for Plaxico.  It will be interesting to see how the game starts, I think they will try a few long one's early to show they are not changing the game plan.  Eli will probably look for the security blanket known as Amani Toomer often also.  The rookie Manningham was sick all week, but don't be surprised if you see him play this week.

GIANTS favored by 9.

GIANTS are +40 this year. ( 40 more points scored than given up.) 

GIANTS 31-17

First place sure looks nice this time of year.  

THE EARLY BYE AND PLAXICO

Not the best scenario for a bye week.  Coming off a tough workmanlike team win, it's not a bad time for a rest and reassessment, but when the other teams in your division get their rest in mid-season, it's not ideal.  The next three games are again in the "easy" column.  Seattle is awful, Cleveland is in a mess, and San Francisco has no defense.  Then the fun begins.  But, like Tom Coughlin says....Let's take it one at a time.  Get some rest this week and get ready for a fun 13 week season.

As far as Plax is concerned.  I hope his problems at home are solvable.  The GIANTS made a solid move suspending him.  No matter what happens, he has to contact someone.  There are too many options for him to not contact someone.  He could have called: His Agent, Charles Way, Tom Coughlin, Pierce, Eli, Jerry Reese.  With all these options to do nothing is inexcusable.  This is still the coach's team, and a strong statement had to be made.  I think it will all work out for the team as long as it works out well for Plaxico personally.

BENGALS LOST IN THE JUNGLE

To say the Bengals have been a disappointment since hiring Marvin Lewis would be an understatement.  They lead the league in players being suspended and arrested each year.  They have pro bowl players that don't step forward when needed.  They are by far the most undisciplined team in the league.

This years team is no exception.  Coming to GIANTS STADIUM with an 0-2 record and ranked last in offense.  They are the epitome of individuals playing for themselves instead of as a team.  You will notice all the pre-meditated celebrations for first downs and other small successes.  They are an easy team to dislike.

Of course this also makes them dangerous.  However last week Tennessee ran for 235 yards in a game that featured 40 mile an hour winds.  Their offensive line is awful and provides no protection for 'The golden boy" quarterback Carson Palmer.  If he has time he has some very talented receivers that can get open, but once again the GIANTS defense will work to make them one dimensional and unsuccessful.

Our offense has a chance to make a statement again this week, especially in light of the Monday night shootout from last week.  They can show they belong on the same filed as the other teams in their division.

Another businesslike approach and home win.

spread is 14....We are the largest favorite in the league this week.

I believe we will live up to the billing.

Enjoy!

ALL THE ANSWERS

All you need to know about the game Sunday.

20-29 for ELI with 3 Touchdowns

202 yards rushing from the new three headed monster

6 sacks

one interception returned for a score

200 total yards for the Rams

Not much to analyze there.  

Everyone came out healthy.  McQuarters should be back next week.

This team knows how to play like a team and take care of business.

Cincinnati next week at home......I will preview that on Friday.

Jury duty this week.....

WEAK TOO?

The GIANTS face another opponent that has many questions surrounding them this week. 

 The Rams got off to a horrendous start losing 38-3 to the Eagles in Philly.  Are they that bad?  

This will be the Rams home opener.  Will that matter?  They have a new offensive coordinator, Al Saunders, who was fired from Washington.  They never won anything in Washington under him either.  Is he any good?  Their star running back just ended his holdout and got a new contract.  Is he healthy enough to make a difference?  Their offensive line has one returning starter on it from last year, and he was injured for most of last year and all of training camp.  Can they keep up with the GIANTS defensive line?  The Rams lost their #2 receiver for the year to injury last week in Philly.  Will someone step up and take his place?

This is another one of those games that you just never know which team will show up.

The offense for the GIANTS must score early and often.  They must be more efficient.  Everyone is healthy and happy.  Now we need to score points.  The Rams are weak on the line and missing their best defensive lineman Leonard Little.  The backers and secondary are questionable at best.  Eli must perform and our trio of running backs should have a big day.

On the defensive side, Kiwanuka is back practicing and will play.  They need to concentrate on stopping the run, and make Mark Bulger beat them passing.  He will have little protection, and only one or two options down field.  Tory Holt is still dangerous, but he will command a lot of attention being the only starter in the game.

This is the easy part of the schedule, and as I said earlier, it is always a question on how easy it really will be.  

Spread is between 8 and 10.

GIANTS 23-13

A NICE START

Taking into account that that was the GIANTS 4th game in 16 days, and that game time weather was 89 degrees, It was a nice start.

The offense showed the flashes of what it can be.  The defense showed that they are still strong, quick , and punishing.  Having Plaxico  healthy and happy makes him one of the top receivers in the league.  Brandon Jacobs is developing into a premier power back.  

The special teams will need a bit of work, and 7 penalties is way too many.  But the 35 minutes in time of possession shows they are still the GIANTS, and will run first and manage the game well.

The RAMS are next in St. Louis.  Look for a scouting report on Wednesday.

Enjoy the weekend!

Tiffany's has a great new collection honoring the Giants.  Take a look.  Christmas is right around the corner!

AND AWAY WE GO.................

Tomorrow night the GIANTS begin the defense of their title.  It will be a tough road with plenty of ups and downs.  The NFL may be the most unpredictable week to week sport in the world.  Looking at the stats, if this wasn't a divisional rivalry with a long rich history, I would predict a huge win.  Two new coordinators for the Redskins along with a rookie head coach.  A brand new offense with a young QB and a rebuilding injured defense.  Their big acquisition Jason Taylor will be a gametime decision.  Their new starting safety and cornerbacks have not practiced in weeks due to leg injuries.  They lost their week 3 and 4 pre-season games by a combined score of 71-3 when their starters played 3 quarters in each game.

Look for a more pass oriented attack from the Burgundy and Gold.  Jim Zorn the new head coach comes from a west coast style and will look for the quick passes and high completion percentage from his quarterback.  The linebackers will be busy and sure-tackling in the secondary will be a must.

As for our G-Men, I have a feeling that our defense will have a plan with a few wrinkles in it.  Look for Kiwanuka and Tuck to drop off into coverage to cut off some short passing lanes.  Pressure will still be our signature on defense, as well as a very stout run defense.

  

Offensively look for the three running backs to play in different situations.  Jacobs, Bradshaw and Ward.  Danny Ware and Reuben Droughns will be returning kicks, and McQuarters fielding punts.  Passes to Toomer, Smith and Burress will be deeper than usual....along with Boss running that familiar seam route down the middle of the field.

It should be fun and exciting.....the spread has gone from 3 to 4 1/2 in the past 2 days.

27-13.

Look for a new novel written by Mark Bavaro, it went on sale yesterday.

53 Man Roster

Offense: 25

Quarterback (2): Eli Manning, David Carr.

Running Back (5): Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward, Ahmad Bradshaw, Reuben Droughns,

Danny Ware.

Fullback (1): Madison Hedgecock.

Wide Receiver (6): Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Steve Smith, Mario Manningham,

Domenik Hixon, Sinorice Moss.

Tight End: (3): Kevin Boss, Michael Matthews, Darcy Johnson.

Offensive Line: (8): Shaun O’Hara, Rich Seubert, Chris Snee, Kareem McKenzie, David Diehl, Kevin Boothe, Adam Koets, Grey Ruegamer.

DEFENSE: 25

Defensive Line (8): Justin Tuck, Mathias Kiwanuka, Fred Robbins, Barry Cofield,

Renaldo Wynn, Dave Tollefson, Jay Alford, Rodney Leisle.

Linebackers (7): Antonio Pierce, Gerris Wilkinson, Danny Clark, Chase Blackburn,

Zak DeOssie, Bryan Kehl, Jonathan Goff.

Defensive Backs: (10): Aaron Ross, Corey Webster, James Butler, Michael Johnson,

Kevin Dockery, Sam Madison, R.W. McQuarters, Sammy Knight,

Kenny Phillips, Terrell Thomas.

Specialists: 3

Punter (1): Jeff Feagles.

Kickers (2): Lawrence Tynes, John Carney.

Roster Finalized.........Almost

The GIANTS reported their and signings to the league today, but still have something in the works as they are at 54, one over the limit. Here are the cuts according to NFL sources, they cut CB Darren Barnett, DE Wallace Gilberry, DE Alex Morrow, TE Jerome Collins G Digger Bujnoch, WR Brandon London, LB Tank Daniels, DT Jeremy Clark, OL Na'Shan Goddard, OL Andrew Bain, S Stuart Schweigert, CB Geoffrey Pope, FB Robert Douglas, WR Marcus Monk, LB James Terry, OL Cliff Louis, OL Kurt Quarterman, TE Eric Butler and DT Ogemdi Nwag buo. 

Notice that Sinorice Moss remained on the team and they still have both Reuben Droughns and Danny Ware listed at running back.  That would make 5 backs, which is usually one more than you need.  They also we're said to have released both Anthony Wright and Andre' Woodson leaving them with just 2 quarterbacks in Eli and David Carr.  Now these players may all be re-signed to the practice squad as well as brought back at any time in the next few days.

They also signed 44 year old kicker CARNEY formally of the Saints, to kick in TYNES place till he heals.  TYNES remains on the team and will hold a roster spot till he returns.  This must mean the doctors think he is pretty close to returning, or they would never carry 2 kickers on the roster.

Look for updates as details come clear!

Moves to be Made

The GIANTS finished the pre-season on a high note last night defeating the PATRIOTS 19-14.  The PATS played their starting defense for the first half, and boy did they look old.  David Carr ran the GIANTS up and down the field against them using all back-ups after the first series of downs.

The GIANTS will make cuts and assignments tomorrow morning.  Look for a trade to be made also.  This team is deep at both running back and receiver, and equally as thin at linebacker.  The big names at risk?  Reuben Droughns vs a young Danny Ware.  Sinorice Moss vs. Brandon London and a few others for the last receiver spot.  The tight ends finally stepped up last night and had a big game.  Look for Darcy Johnson, who was on IR last year to step in and play behind BOSS and be in on short yardage situations.

The defense, especially against the run looks solid.  The offense with a healthy and practiing Plaxico Burress has the ability to run an opponent out of the building.

Depending on health and how the schedule actually plays out, I would say 10-6 is very achievable.  

More tomorrow after the roster moves!

DISASTER!!

Osi OUT FOR SEASON!  Osi Umenyiora tore up his knee on a play without contact.  He was carted off the field and diagnosed with a torn MCL.  He will have surgery and begin a 3-4 month rehab assignment.

The GIANTS hopes of another Super Bowl run have been damaged and maybe ended before the season even begins.  A call might be made to retired defensive end Michael Strahan, now working for FOX television, to replace Osi.  He has had as much practice and training camp as he did last year, so it's not as far fetched as it might sound.  The GIANTS defense is built on the strength of their line and their ability to rush the passer as well as stone-wall the run.  Mathias Kiwanuka might have to return to playing that position, a position he dominated in college.  If not, Renaldo Winn, who had an interception in the Jets game, and Dave Tollefson will have to pick up the slack.

The defense looked good overall Saturday night, with the pressure keeping the secondary in the game.  The Jets with their new O-Line managed nothing on the ground and committed 10 penalties on offense.  Antonio Pierce sat out the entire game

The offense looked inconsistent without Burress and with Amani Toomer playing just the first series.  The run game was good and Hixon and Smith continue to impress.  This is still a run first team, but the passes seem to be aimed more downfield.  The other concern is the lack of contributions from the tight end position.  Kevin Boss was doubled in the Red zone constantly, and that means the backs and slot receivers need to make more plays.

Thursday night is the last night for impressions as no starters will be in against New England one week before opening night.

Keep in touch for updates during the week!

Lawrence Tynes

Well if you didn't like Tynes as the kicker last year, no worries this year.  He is having surgery on his knee and will be out.  The Dolphins just released Jay Feely who had left for the money after kicking for the G-Men in 2006.  Looks like that will be the move to make

Welcome!  This will be the place to find all the info you need on the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants.  It's still hard to say that, and still brings a smile to my face when I hear it.

Anyone notice how quickly all the receivers came back to camp after the great night Mr.Hixon had?  Nothing like a little competition.

Are we going to find a place for Danny Ware on this team?

Let me know your thoughts!