The GIANTS close down GIANTS STADIUM this Sunday at 1:00 eastern time against John Fox and the Carolina Panthers. It is the end of an era in New York Sports, as the grand state of the art stadium from 1976 will be closed and a new updated spectacular version will be opened next year right next door. The New stadium is finished, and should create quite the buzz when opened next September. It will hold approximately 80,000 people and have all the modern amenities possible.
The GIANTS need to continue their strong play on defense this week and remain steady and efficient on offense. The running game has returned as Tom Coughlin has insisted the POWER get put back in to the power running game. The Giants have started running from two tight end sets again, from which they can play action and hold linebackers and safeties in their tracks. They have decided to go back to true Giants football, we are going to run it and you can't stop us. With a quarterback as good as ELI at the helm, they allow him to read the defense, switch the play when necessary, and keep the defense off balance. The Panthers rush the passer well, and the screen game, running game, and draw game will be prevalent this Sunday. The Giants have become a less stubborn team in terms of pass protection. While some team will say it's our 5 against your 4, the Giants would rather provide help to their protection, and sacrifice certain pass patterns. They really have become a patient offense again, utilizing the run, short passes, and the occasional shot down the field to keep the chains moving. The 10-16 play drives also help the defense.
The Panthers have an inexperienced quarterback, one of two healthy running backs and a super star at wide receiver. The plan would seem to be the same this week, double Steve Smith, concentrate on stopping the cut back running of Stewart, and pressure the qb into mistakes and inaccuracies.
The Giants have one mind set.....The playoffs started last Monday night for them. They are in a single elimination tournament. They need to win the next 6 to win a championship. They need to play at the top of their ability and maximize their concentration and effort. This is a Giants team on a mission, and this is when they are the most fun to watch.
As most of you know I spent a lot of time at the "old" stadium in the 80's. I have some spectacular memories of the place, ranging from my first visit with my Father and Uncle Pat. I will never forget how green the (fake) grass was the first time I saw it. We were lucky enough to be sitting very close to the field, and it was a great great day sharing it with family. I remember the day George Martin returned an Elway interception 75 yards in a preview of that years Super Bowl(1986). I always remember the way the defense would abuse the opposing quarterbacks of the day. Danny White, Joe Theismann, and Ron Jaworski to name a few of the favorite targets. I remember how Phil Simms got hurt on my birthday in 1990 against Buffalo, a game we lost, again in a precursor to the Super Bowl that year. Beating the 49ers 49-3 in a playoff game was certainly sweet, as was beating Mike Ditka and the Bears on a goal line stand to win the division playoff in 1990.
Of course all memories of the place revolve around two central figures. Two men that played their entire careers as GIANTS. Phil Simms and the great LT, Lawrence Taylor, provided some very special moments. I always think of Simms as one of the best quarterbacks to play the position. He never gets enough credit considering the weather and the crown in the field he had to contend with at home, and the lack of talented receivers he had to choose from in those days. Not many can name his receivers from those years, except for Mark Bavaro of course. Lawrence Taylor was of another world. When you watched a game live in those days, you always had an eye or two on LT. He was never out of a play, no matter which way it was run. He was how you found the ball, and when it was third down, or a critical part of the game, you knew who was going to make a play. Now their are may plays to think of when thinking of LT, considering he sacked Jaworski 28 times and Randall Cunningham 27 times, but there is one that stands out for me more than any other. In a typical tight Eagle Giants game late in the season, the Eagles had moved the ball down the field looking for the go-ahead score. Third and goal from about the 7. LT lined up in his customary spot, Jaworski snaps the ball, LT beats the tackle immediately and has the running back stepping up to block him, as the back gets in position to block, LT hurdles him, takes one step, and sacks Jaworski for a 10 yard loss. Years later I met Mark Collins at a golf course and we discussed the defense of those days. He said the toughest part of playing with LT was to not get caught watching him, and to do your job. He said he remembered that play the most of any other LT had made in front of him. It really was incredible to watch him week in and week out.
LT will be honored at halftime this week. He deserves any and all accolades and discussed his fondest memory this week on the radio. I have to agree with his assessment. The best memory of Giants stadium is the shut out win over the Redskins in the NFC Championship game of 1986. The Giants have hosted 2 NFC Championship games in the stadiums history, 17-0 over Washington and 41-0 over the Vikings in 1990. The one in 1986 was special because it was the first, and the Giants dominated that day in a typical Giants Stadium winter day. Wintery winds and cold cold temperatures bothered the 'Skins all day. The famous coin toss won by the Giants, and Harry Carson pointing to the end they wanted to defend. The "Skins could not throw or kick the ball effectively that day, and in those days running against the Giants defense was not an option. The famous picture of the stadium with all the confetti and papers swirling above it is one I will never forget.
Of course their were many great days and these are just a few of my memories form a wonderful time in their history. The stadium served them well and was a distinct advantage. The new one should provide an even greater advantage, and serve the Giants well into the future. Feel free to comment and leave your memories of the stadium.
Giants on a mission...favored by 7......They should keep rolling
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
Enjoy
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