THANK YOU AND GOOD NIGHT!

No mystery here, like I stated here just Friday afternoon, turnovers and special teams are the key to the playoffs.

2 missed field goals that made it a 2 score game changed the way we played offense in the fourth quarter.  Having to go for it on 4th down twice, instead of punting and pinning the Eagles deep.  The first interception that gave them their first 7 points was a killer.  

The defense was fabulous and deserved better.  The offense seemed to get away from the run too early.  I think the key play actually was after the Robbins interception Jacobs ran the ball for 11 yards and then 5 yards.  He is then taken out of the game, and replaced by Ward.  However they split Ward out and leave no backs in the backfield, so no need to worry about the run, and only have to cover short.  Incomplete pass makes it 3rd and 5.  We put ourselves into 3rd and long. When your back is averaging 5 yards a carry, and he gets 3 by falling down on almost every play, why change it up just to limit yourself on third down.

Not very good play calling or execution.

Good news is we get Osi back on defense which is better than a number 1 pick in the draft because he already has experience.

Need to sign Jacobs and find a big receiver.

This has been fun and I hope informative also.

See you next year!

FIRST STEP

The GIANTS are completely healthy.  That is what the bye week does for you.  It gave them a chance to heal physically and rest mentally.  They had played 13 straight weeks, 10 of them against opponents with winning records.

Having Brandon Jacobs back at full strength and in full voice will be the key to this game.  Jacobs missed the last contest against the Eagles, and it was also the first week without Plaxico Burress.  You will see some different formations this week.  Things they have been saving, and things they have learned along the way.  In the Baltimore game the GIANTS lined up with 4 wide-receivers, and then ran the ball.  This week look for the 2 back 2 tight end formation, and pass plays instead of runs from that formation.  They will continue running from the shot gun formation also.  For the GIANTS, these are trick plays!  Look for Bradshaw and Ward to catch some screen passes to slow the Eagles blitzes.

The defense will also employ a few different looks.  Nickel and Dime defenses will be used often.  The thought of 3 safeties to help shadow Westbrook and get more quick rushers on McNabb.  I think you will also see a few zone-blitzes where the defensive linemen drop into covergae and clog some of the short passing lanes that Donovan used so effectively in Minnesota.

However, as we have stated all year long:  Be yourself....Run The Ball, be physical, keep field position, and no turnovers.  Special Teams and Turnovers decide the playoffs!

GIANTS favored by 4.......I hear it will be cold and snowy in the Meadowlands.  GIANTS weather.

NFC Championship game January 18th at 3:00pm Eastern.

LESSONS LEARNED

Picked 3 of 4 this weekend.  Only loss in overtime, so not too bad.

What did we learn this weekend?

Turnovers and Special teams are the most important statistics.  Field position, time of possession, and turnover ration will determine the winners in the next round.

Previews on Friday.

WILD WEEKEND

I doubt all 4 road teams will win this weekend even though they are all favored.

I think it's Peyton and Indianapolis.

Arizona at home

Philly on the road, but I'm rooting for Minnesota hard!

and Baltimore to put an end to the Dolphin dream season.

GIANTS will certainly earn their trip to Tampa this year if it falls the way I think it will.  They will have to defeat both Philly and Carolina.  A good year to have home field advantage.

I predict the Jets will wind up with Schottenheimer as their head coach.

Enjoy the weekend and we will break down the match-ups next week