Die Hard Giants Fan

Honorary Captian, Harry Carson, delivered the speech and handed the George Halas Trophy to the New York Giants for winning the NFC Championship Game.  Co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch took the trophy first and each gave a quick speech.  Then Tom Coughlin gave a speech followed by Michael Strahan.  Eli Manning stepped up to the mic as well.

Last year, it was Peyton Manning first trip to the Super Bowl and he easily handed the loss to the pathetic Bears.  This year, it is Eli Mannings turn to play in the Super Bowl.  Now let’s get back to the game.  There were so many people that Die Hard Giants Fan would like to tip our caps to.  First, Eli Manning had an outstanding game.  I thought the cold would affect him…boy, I was wrong.  He went 21/40 and racked up 254 yards.  He did not throw any TD passes or INTs, but he constantly got the Giants in position to put points on the board.  Plaxico Burress again hobbled on one leg and caught 11 passes for 154 yards which is a Giants Postseason record.  Plaxico did this against one of the finest tandems of CBs in the NFL.  Corey Webster who had his third great game in the Postseason in as many games.  Corey got the pick in OT to give the Giants the ball to take the lead.  Lawrence Tynes who was never tested in a big spot ended up kicking the 47-yard FG to win the game after missing two shorter FGs including one that could’ve won the game in the final seconds of regulation.  The Giants won the time of possession battle 40:01 to 19:59.

The New York Giants became the first NFC team to win 3 road Playoff games to advance to the Super Bowl.

Share This

The NFC Championship Game is between the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.  Big Blue can win the George Halas Trophy tonight by eliminating the Packers.  Then they would go on to represent the NFC in the Superbowl.  Are you ready for this Die Hard Giants Fans?  Let’s Go Giants!

1st Quarter

The Giants Kicked Off, and Robinson caught the ball at the 19 yardline and returned it to the 25 yardline.

On 1st and 10, Favre off play action tossed it to Hall near the left hash mash marks, and Hall picked up 12 yards.  On 1st and 10, Favre off play action tossed it to Franks near the right hash marks, and Franks picked up 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran up the middle for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Favre dropped back and aired it out incomplete to Jennings, but it ended up in the hands of Wilson.  On 3rd and 8, Favre from shotgun threw it wide right of Driver.  On 4th and 8, the Packers Punted, and McQuarters called for a fair catch at the 18 yardline.

With 12:38 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the right for 4 yards.  On 2nd and 6, Manning off a quick drop hit Burress along the right sideline for 10 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning off play action threw it to nobody near the right sideline.  On 2nd and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the gut for no gain.  On 3rd and 10, Manning from shotgun it to Burress on the left side for 18 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the left for a gain of 3 yards.  On 2nd and 7, Manning dropped back and gunned it to Toomer on the left side for a gain of 6.  On 3rd and 1, the Packers were called for an Encroachment penalty which advanced the Giants 5 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning fired the pass to Burress near the left hash marks for 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the right side for 3 yards.  On 2nd and 7, Manning from shotgun hit Boss over the middle for 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who got stopped at the line of scrimmage.  On 2nd and 10, Manning from shotgun scrambled to the right and passed incomplete to Boss in the end zone.  On 3rd and 10, Manning from shotgun threw a near interception to Jenkins.  On 4th and 10, Lawrence Tynes attempted a 29 yard Field Goal Attempt, and it was good.  Giants 3 - Packers 0.  The Giants Kicked Off, and Robinson caught the ball at the 12 yardline and returned it to the 31 yardline.

With 4:43 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Favre from shotgun fired it to Robinson to the left for a yard.  On 2nd and 9, Favre from shotgun flipped it to Grant who got tackled immediately in the backfield for a loss of 3 yards.  On 3rd and 12, Favre from shotgun tossed it to Robinson on the right side again for no gain.  The Packers Punted the ball out of bounds at the 40 yardline.

With 2:40 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Manning dropped back and threw it to a wide opend Toomer on the left side, but Toomer dropped the pass.  On 2nd and 10, Manning handed the ball off to Jacobs who ran to the right for no gain.  On 3rd and 10, Manning from shotgun threw it to Jacobs in the flat, and Jacobs picked up 7 yards.  On 4th and 3, the Giants Punted the ball out of bounds at the 31 yardline.

With 0:59 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran to the right for 3 yards.  On 2nd and 7, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran up the middle for a gain of 2 yards.

2nd Quarter

On 3rd and 5, Favre from shotgun threw the ball incomplete to Jones on the left side.  On 4th and 5, the Packers Punted, and McQuarters caught the ball at the 34 yardline and returned it to the 43 yardline.

With 14:45 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the left for 12 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning threw a quick pass to Burress on the left side for 7 yards.  On 2nd and 3, Manning hit Burress on the left side but he lost the football and it went out of bounds at the 17 yardline, but the Packers were called for an Illegal Hands to the Face penalty which was declined and the result of the play was a first down.  On 1st and 10, the Giants were called for a False Start penalty which backed them up 5 yards.  On 1st and 15, Manning from shotgun handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for 3 yards.  On 2nd and 12, Manning from shotgun threw it threw the hands of Smith near the right hash marks.  On 3rd and 12, the Giants took their first Time Out.  On 3rd and 12, Manning from shotgun aired it out along the left sideline to Tyree, but it was incomplete.  On 4th and 12, Lawrence Tynes attempted a 37 yard Field Goal Attempt, and it was good.  Giants 6 - Packers 0.  The Giants Kicked Off, and the ball went through the hands of Robinson and Williams fell on it at the 10 yardline.

With 11:33 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Brett Favre dropped back and aired it out to Donald Driver who ran down the right sideline for a 90-yard Touch Down.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 6 - Packers 7.  The Packers Kicked Off, and Hixon caught the ball at the 15 yardline and returned it to the 28 yardline.

With 11:14 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for a gain of 7 yards.  On 2nd and 3, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran to the left for no gain.  On 3rd and 3, Manning rolled right and gunned it to Burress near the right hash marks for a 10 yard gain.  On 1st and 10, Manning threw it out of bounds as the pressure was coming.  On 2nd and 10, Manning overthrew the pass to Boss.  On 3rd and 10, Manning from shotgun threw it incomplete to Toomer on the right side.  On 4th and 10, the Giants Punted, and Williams dove on the ball at the 22 yardline.

With 8:56 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran up the gut for a 2 yard gain.  On 2nd and 8, Favre dropped back and fired it to Lee over the middle for an 18 yard gain.  On 1st and 10, Favre connected with Jennings along the left sideline for 14 yards.  On 1st and 10, Favre threw the ball to Jones along the right sideline, but Webster knocked it away.  On 2nd and 10, Favre had the pass batted down at the line by Tuck.  On 3rd and 10, Favre from shotgun aired it out incomplete but through the hands of Martin.  On 4th and 10, the Packers Punted, and McQuarters picked the ball up off the ground at the 3 yardline and returned it to the 7 yardline.

With 6:21 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the left side for 9 yards with linebackers hanging on him.  On 2nd and 1, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran it to the left for a gain of 5 yards, but the Giants were called for a Holding penalty which backed them up half the distance to the goal.  On 2nd and 9 (from the 8 yardline), Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the gut for 2 yards.  On 3rd and 7, the Giants were called for an Illegal Shift penalty which resulted in a loss of a down.  On 4th and 7, the Giants Punted, and Williams called for a fair catch at the Giants 47 yardline.

With 4:28 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran up the gut for no gain.  On 2nd and 10, Favre overthrew Driver near the right hash marks.  On 3rd and 10, Favre from shotgun threw the ball to Driver over the middle as Johnson batted the ball away, but the Giants were called for an Illegal Contact penalty which advanced the Giants 5 yards and an automatic first down.  On 1st and 10, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran to the right for a yard.  On 2nd and 9, Favre slinged the ball to Driver over the middle for a gain of 20 yards.  On 1st and 10, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran up the middle for a 2 yard gain.  This brought it to the 2:00 Warning. On 2nd and 8, Favre dropped back and threw it wide left of Jennings in the left corner of the end zone.  On 3rd and 8, Favre from shotgun dumped it of to Jackson for a 2 yard gain as the pressure was coming.  On 4th and 6, the Giants called their secnd Time Out.  On 4th and 6, Mason Crosby attempted a 37 yard Field Goal Attempt, and it was good.  Giants 6 - Packers 10.  The Packers Punted, and Hixon caught the ball at the 11 yardline and returned it to the 23 yardline.

With 1:23 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Manning from shotgun handed it off to Bradshaw who ran a little to the left for a 9 yard gain.  On 2nd and 1, Manning from shotgun aired it out to Burress on the right side for a 26 yard completion.  On 1st and 10, the Giants took their third Time Out.  On 1st and 10, Manning from shotgun aired it out again to Burress down the right sideline, but Burress lost the football and it rolled into the end zone and it was picked up by Harris and ruled incomplete.  On 2nd and 10, Manning from shotgun scrambled for a 2 yard gain.  On 3rd and 8, Manning from shotgun threw it wide left of Smith on the left side.  On 4th and 8, Eli Manning from shotgun got sacked by A.J. Hawk for a loss of 9 yards.  The Giants turned the ball over on downs at the 38 yardline.

With 0:05 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Favre took a knee.

3rd Quarter

The Packers Kicked Off, and Hixon caught the ball at the 10 yardline and returned it to the 31 yardline.

On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the middle for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Manning dropped back and hit Burress near the right hash marks for 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the left for a yard.  On 2nd and 9, Manning from shotgun threw it behind Smith down the left sideline.  On 3rd and 9, the Giants called their first Time Out.  On 3rd and 9, Manning from shotgun threw the ball to Smith on the left side, but Harris threw Burress down and intercepted the ball and returned it to the Giants 42 yardline, but the Packers were called for an Illegal Contact penalty which advanced the Giants 5 yards and an automatic first down.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran it to the left for a gain of 2.  On 2nd and 8, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the gut for 3 yards.  On 3rd and 5, Manning from shotgun had the pass batted down at the line, but the Packers were called for a Roughing the Passer penalty which advanced the Giants 15 yards and an automatic first down.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the right for a 3 yard gain.  On 2nd and 7, Manning dropped back and slinged it to Burress along the right sideline for a 19 yard gain.  On 1st and 10, Manning from shotgun handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the middle for 5 yards.  On 2nd and 5, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the gut for a gain of 4 yards.  On 3rd and Inches, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the gut enough to get a first down, but he lost the ball and Boss fell on it.  On 1st and Goal (from the 1), Manning handed threw it incomplete Moss in the end zone as Williams was hanging on his arm, but the Packers were called for an Offsides penalty which advanced the Giants half the distance to the goal.  On 1st and Goal, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who got stopped for a loss because the Packers jumped across early, but the Packers were called for an Offsides penalty which advanced the Giants half the distance to the goal.  On 1st and 10, Eli Manning handed it off to Brandon Jacobs who just powered into the end zone for a Touch Down.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 13 - Packers 10.  The Giants Kicked Off, and Williams caught the ball at the 12 yardline and returned it to the 39 yardline of the Giants.

With 7:43 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, Favre from shotgun threw a quick pass to Driver in the middle for 8 yards.  On 2nd and 2, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran to the right for 2 yards.  On 1st and 10, Favre dropped back and threw it incomplete to nobody as Umenyiora was trying to knock the ball out of the hands of Favre.  On 2nd and 10, Favre from shotgun threw a screen to Morency on the left side for a gain of 2 yards.  On 3rd and 8, Favre from shotgun had the ball tipped by Strahan and then by Driver and then Driver caught the ball for a 7 yard gain, but the Giants were called for an Unnecessary Roughness penalty which advanced the Packers 15 yards and an automatic first down.  On 1st and 10, Brett Favre off play action lobbed the pass to a wide open Donald Lee in the back of the end zone for a 12-yard Touch Down.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 13 - Packers 17.  The Packers Kicked Off, and Hixon caught the ball at the 10 yardline and returned it to the 43 yardline.

With 4:52 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, Manning slinged it to Burress near the left hash marks for a gain of 8 yards.  On 2nd and 2, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for a gain of 4 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for 10 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning dropped back and had the pass to Toomer on the left side tipped at the line.  On 2nd and 10, Manning fired it to a diving Toomer along the right sideline for 19 yards.  Mike McCarthy challenged the ruling on the field, and the ruling on the field was upheld.  Green Bay was charged for their first Time Out.  On 1st and 10, Manning from shotgun rolled right and hit Toomer for 8 yards on the right side.  On 2nd and 2, Eli Manning handed it off to Ahmad Bradshaw who ran it up the gut for a 4-yard Touch Down run.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 20 - Packers 17.  The Giants Kicked Off, and the ball went into the end zone for a touch back.

With 2:12 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, Favre from shotgun fired it to Robinson on the left side for 18 yards as the pressure was coming.  On 1st and 10, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran to the left for 13 yards.  On 1st and 10, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran up the middle for no gain.  On 2nd and 10, Favre from shotgun rolled right and aired it out within the 10 yardline, but over the head of Jennings.

4th Quarter

On 3rd and 10, Favre from shotgun fired it to Driver over the middle for 20 yards.  On 1st and 10, Brett Favre off play action threw an interception to R.W. McQuarters to avoid the sack by Umenyiora.  R.W. McQuarters caught the ball at the 8 yardline and returned it to the 20 yardline, but Ryan Grant forced the fumble and Mark Tauscher recovered the fumble at the 19 yardline.  On 1st and 10, Favre threw it to Robinson on the right side for no gain.  On 2nd and 10, Favre handed it off to Grant who ran to the right for a gain of 7 yards.  On 3rd and 3, Favre dropped back and threw a screen to Grant to the left side, but Webster made the tackle immediately in the backfield for a loss of 7 yards.  On 4th and 10, Mason Crosby attempted a 37-yard Field Goal Attempt, and it was good.  Giants 20 - Packers 20.  The Packers Kicked Off, and Hixon caught the ball at the 5 yardline and returned it to the 41 yardline.

With 11:38 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Manning dropped back and threw it quickly to Toomer along the right sideline for 5 yards.  On 2nd and 5, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for 2 yards (Rich Seubert had to be walked off the field).  On 3rd and 3, Manning rolled and fired it to a rolling Burress for 14 yards along the right sideline.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran to the right side for a 6 yard gain (Nick Collins had to go to the sideline).  On 2nd and 4, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran to the left for a loss of a yard.  On 3rd and 5, the Giants called their second Time Out.  On 3rd and 5, Manning from shotgun threw the ball through the hands of Toomer, but the Giants were called for a Pass Interference penalty which backed them up 10 yards.  On 3rd and 15, Manning from shotgun hit Bradshaw on a screen in the middle, and Bradshaw ran straight up the middle for a gain of 10.  On 4th and 5, Manning from shotgun hurried his pass to Toomer as the pressure was coming, but Toomer tipped the ball up and Smith caught the ball 1 yard short of the first down marker, but the Packers were called for a Pass Interference penalty which advanced the Giants to the spot of the foul (28 yardline) and an automatic first down.  On 1st and 10, Manning off play action attempted to pass it to Burress at the 1 yardline, but Harris knocked the ball down.  On 2nd and 10, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran to the right for 3 yards (Al Harris had to go to the sideline).  On 3rd and 7, the Packers took their second Time Out (Al Harris returned to the field).  On 3rd and 7, Manning from shotgun threw the pass far left of Smith on the left side.  On 4th and 7, Tynes attempted a 43-yard Field Goal Attempt, but it was wide left.  The Giants turned the ball over on downs at the 33 yardline.

With 6:49 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Favre dropped back and threw it incomplete to Jennings in the middle of the field.  On 2nd and 10, Favre from shotgun threw it too high to Jennings in the middle of the field.  On 3rd and 10, Favre from shotgun fired it to Morency in the middle for a gain of 6 yards.  On 4th and 4, the Packers Punted, and McQuarters caught the ball at the 31 ardline and returned it to the 37 yardline.

With 5:53 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the right for 5 yards.  On 2nd and 5, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the middle for 5 yards.  On 3rd and Inches, Manning ran a QB sneak for a first down.  On 1st and 10, Manning dropped back and threw an incomplete screen to Jacobs.  On 2nd and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the left for a yard.  On 3rd and 9, Eli Manning from shotgun was sacked by Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila for a loss of 4 yards.  On 4th and 13, the Giants Punted, and Williams caught the ball at the 17 yardline and no return.

With 2:48 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Favre from shotgun threw the screen to Grant incomplete.  On 2nd and 10, the Packers were called for a False Start penalty which backed them up 5 yards.  On 2nd and 15, Favre from shotgun threw it incomplete to Lee in the middle of the field.  On 3rd and 15, Favre from shotgun connected with Lee in the middle of the field for 5 yards.  On 4th and 10, the Giants called their third Time Out.  On 4th and 10, the Packers Punted, and R.W. McQuarters caught the ball at the 48 yardline and returned it to the 38 yardline, but Tracy White forced the fumble and two Packers and one Giant could not hold onto the football before Dominek Hixon recovered the ball at the 48 yardline.

With 2:15 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Manning from shotgun handed it off to Bradshaw who ran it up the middle and took it to the end zone, but the Giants were called for a Holding penalty which backed them up 10 yards.  On 1st and 20, Manning from shotgun connected with Tyree on the right side for a gain of 5.  This brought it to the 2:00 Warning.  On 2nd and 15, Manning from shotgun hit a diving Smith over the middle for 15 yards.  The play went under Booth Review, and the ball was moved back a 1/2 of a yard.  On 3rd and 1, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran it to the left for 6 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning from shotgun completed the pass to Smith on the right side for 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning from shotgun handed it off to Bradshaw who ran it up the middle for 3 yards.  On 2nd and 7, Manning spiked the ball to stop the clock.  On 3rd and 7, the Packers took their third Time Out to freeze the Kicker.  On 3rd and 7, Tynes attempted a 36-yard Field Goal Attempt, and it was very wide to the left.

Overtime (The Packers won the coin toss and elected to receive)

The Giants Kicked Off, and Robinson caught the ball at the 6 yardline and returned it to the 26 yardline.

On 1st and 10, Favre hand it off to Grant who ran to the left for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Brett Favre dropped back and threw an interception to Corey Webster at the 43 yardline and returned it to the 34 yardline.

With 14:04 remaining in Overtime, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for 4 yards.  On 2nd and 6, Manning from shotgun handed it off to Bradshaw ran up the middle for a yard.  On 3rd and 5, Manning from shotgun had the pass to Smith on the left side batted away by Bush.  On 4th and 5, Lawrence Tynes attempted a 47-yard Field Goal Attempt, and it was good and he sent the New York Giants to the Superbowl.  Giants 23 - Packers 20.

Final Score: New York Giants 23 - Green Bay Packers 20 OT.  The NFL.com Post Game is attached.

Share This

The nail bitter of a game yesterday, was the best Giants game I’ve seen since the Giants beat the Bills in Superbowl XXV.  And this team is beginning to look a lot like the 1990 team.  Is Tom Coughlin going to be able to out coach Bill Belichick as well as Bill Parcells out coached Marv Levy?  T.C. has to in order to come out victorious.  And then to be able to see the organization that I hate the most deflate.  Jerry Jones‘ face after the game was priceless.  The player in the NFL that I hate the most, T.O., was crying and that was priceless (To see the video, click here).  The fact that their fans shut their arrogant mouths is priceless.

 Upon Further Review - Michael Eisen put together a piece about how much the Jints support Eli Manning.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen discusses the NFC Championship game with Tom Coughlin.

Notes, anecdotes and statistics - Here’s some of the great game stats provided by Michael Eisen.

The Giants won their ninth consecutive road game (seven regular season, two postseason). They are the first team in NFL history to win nine consecutive road games in a single season. In addition, the Giants have set a franchise record for overall consecutive road victories.

The Giants are the first team to defeat the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the divisional round since the current postseason format (six teams from each conference) was adopted in 1990.

Dallas was the NFL’s second-highest scoring team in the regular season with 455 points, or 28.4 per game. They had scored 247 points in the second half, 130 in the fourth quarter. The Giants held the Cowboys to 17 points, including three in the second half and none in the fourth quarter.

Manning completed 12 of 18 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns to Toomer. Manning’s rating of 132.4 was the highest of his 61-game career (47 regular season, four postseason). His previous best was a 130.0 rating vs. Philadelphia on Nov. 20, 2005. His best postseason rating had been the 117.1 he recorded last week at Tampa Bay.

Toomer caught four passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns and set another franchise postseason record. Toomer has a team-high 11 catches this playoff season to increase his career total to 32. That moved him past Mark Bavaro (30) and into first place on the franchise’s career postseason list.

Transcript: Cowboys QB Tony Romo - Here’s what Tony Romo had to say about the Giants after the game, “I felt like they were the toughest team. I told guys all year that I felt like we’d see them again. They were the toughest team we faced this year, besides New England.”  That’s respect.

Transcript: Cowboys Head Coach Wade Phillips

Transcript: Cowboys WR Terrell Owens

Newsday:

Giants upset Cowboys to reach NFC title game

Defense is Giant when it counts - The Giants couldn’t stop Marion Barber for their lives in the first half.  This whole situation worked out well for the Giants.  Wade Phillips decided to start Barber for the first time ever.  Barber gave it his all in the first half, and then he ran out of gas because he never played an entire NFL game.  Starter Julius Jones only got 3 touches in the game.

Owens tears up after loss to Giants - Priceless moments.  There were a few of them yesterday.  T.O. cried like a chick yesterday after the loss.  He backed up his quarterback before the reporters even asked him about it.  He said that he always backs his quarterbacks, as he was crying, and I found that to be a Priceless moment.  This guy is such a bum.  I don’t understand how anybody can root for somebody that is so arrogant and crazy.  Another moment was watching Jerry Jones come down to the Cowboys bench with a whole lot of clock left like he was ready to light up a victory cigar.  Once the clock ran out, FOX got a shot of Jones’ face and it was priceless.  Jones is as arrogant as T.O.  The fans are as arrogant as the Owner.  Owners should not be on the field until the game is over.  All of that was after Jones handed out tickets to the team for the NFC Championship game before the game even started.  It’s a disgusting organization to be associated with.  The players were talking smack all week, and the Giants took the high road.  When the game ended, Strahan said that they can eat their popcorn sitting on their couches watching the Giants play the Packers on their plasma tvs.  Remember what I wrote yesterday?  I wrote that I hate losing to the Cowboys because all of their fans talk so much smack, but where are they today?  I heard a Packers fan call WFAN this morning, and he was as extatic as I was, that he would rather see the Packers lose to the Giants than the Cowboys.

Strange but true: Giants one win from Super Bowl - When you go back to the beginning of the Playoffs, it was a long shot as a 5 seed.  Now, Big Blue is only one win away.  They have a 50/50 shot at going to the Superbowl now.  They have every reason to lay it all on the line next week regardless of the elements.  Does anybody remember the 6 Seed Pittsburgh Steelers?  The only difference is that the Giants have to beat the almight Patriots, and the Steelers only had to beat a soft Seahawks team.  But at least we know that we only lost by 3 points to the Patriots.  Since both teams played at full strength, both Coaches will have everything on tape to prepare for the game.

Ol’ Reliable Toomer has two TD catches - Props to Amani Toomer for stepping up big time.  He had no intention of simply picking up first downs yesterday.  You could tell that he was trying to take every catch to the house.

Grading the Giants - Arthur Staple handed out good grades this week, but the G-MEN deserve it.  The 5 seed knocked out the 1 seed.  The team with one lonely Pro Bowler eliminated the team with 12 Pro Bowlers.

Q&A: Webster helped corner keep its edge - Props to Corey Webster for shutting down Joey Galloway last week and only getting burned once by T.O. this week.  Actually, he also dropped that ball that Romo threw into his stomach.  It could’ve been a lot worse.  He stepped up big time.

Pope, McQuarters step in and step up - Props to R.W. McQuarters for sealing the deal two weeks in a row.

Eli and Giants offense protect ball again

New York Daily News:

Eli Manning, Giants beat Cowboys; will play Packers for NFC championship

On day Peyton Manning gets sacked, Eli delivers on Giant promise - Most NFL fans expected to see the Peyton Manning led Colts against the Patriots next Sunday.  We’ve all been looking forward to it, but it isn’t happening.  Does anybody care about San Diego?  I know I don’t.  They lack a whole lot of class.  Have you seen Phillip Rivers whining and screaming at his teamates and his fans all season?  Thank God we have Eli.  I would never want our franchise Quarterback to act like that.  Then you had to watch Merriman on steroids sacking Peyton Manning on Saturday.  These guys should be banned from the sport.  Do you remember last season when LT called out the Patriots and said that they disrespected his team by doing Merriman’s dance?  LT said he is too classy that he doesn’t do the dances.  So why is he defending his teamate who does a dance?  If you don’t like the dances call your teamate out.  If you don’t like what the Patriots did then win the game.  This whole team whines and whines like Gary Sheffiled and Terrell Owens.  I hope that the Patriots win the game so we can man up to them and take them down ourselves in the Superbowl to make them 18-1.  That’s right, I said it.  I know I originally picked a Giants vs. Colts Superbowl, but that’s not happening.

Giant defense makes huge play - They made a bunch of them.  The Jints only gave up 17 points to the 2nd best offense in the NFL.  The G-MEN won that game on heart alone.  It was like Rocky IV.  ‘You know how big he is.  You know how strong it is.  You can’t win’.  This season is like a free shot at the Superbowl for the New York Giants.  I remember multiple media sources saying that the Giants would finish in last place in the NFC East.  SNY is one them that I wrote a post about right before the season began if you want to go back and check it out.  I said that they would go 11-5 which is a gutsy move by me, but that wasn’t the perception at the time.  So if the Giants have a shot at the Superbowl when they were supposed to be in last place, lay it all out there.  Do you remember 2000 when the Giants were 12-4?  They were the favorite, and got smoked in the Superbowl by the Ravens.  Tom Coughlin must get this team to understand what’s at stake.  There are plenty of young bucks on the team that need to understand how far they’ve come, and how close they are to achieving the dream.

Giants send Tony Romo to offseason - Who cares?  He started his vacation before the Cowboys lost.

Giant ‘D’ never rests against Tony Romo - The Giants ‘D’ got stronger by the quarter.

Patrick Crayton’s drops lift Giants - HAHAHA…the Cowboy talking the most smack all week dropped the biggest pass of the game.  His name…is Patrick Crayton, and he would’ve taken that ball to the house if he didn’t talk so much smack all week.  Remember him forever.

Terrell Owens all choked up over Dallas’ flop, doesn’t blame Tony Romo

Fans in heaven as Giants beat Cowboys

Former Giant Ryan Grant gets shot to send old team Packin’

Giants get last laugh after Jerry Jones gives away NFC title game tickets

New York Post:

‘BOYS BURIED BY BIG BLUE

TRUE SECONDARY CONCERN - It’s definitely a concern.  Some status’ haven’t been released yet.  Yesterday, they stepped up big though.  Aaron Ross was a stud.  He didn’t miss a tackle, he was in so much pain that he had to go in and out of the game.  On his final play, he saved a touch down by hitting Marion Barber with his sore shoulder to take Barber down.  McQuarters saved the day at the end of the game.  I thought that the Giants were going to call me to play Safety.  It was like in 2006 when the Giants were taking linebackers off the streets as they headed into the Playoffs.

AMANI SPLENDORED THING

LITTLE BROTHER ELI COMES UP BIG - Yesterday, the Manning family had to split up to watch both sons play on the same day.  Mom went with Eli, and Dad went with Peyton.  Looks like everybody will be heading up to Green Bay this week.

TEARS FROM T.O. - Why was T.O. really crying?  Was he pissed off that he realized that they would’ve won a Superbowl if Bill Parcells was still around.  There is no way The Tuna would’ve let the team take a vacation one week before the Divisional Playoffs when the organization is in an 11-year drought and the Quarterback never won a Playoff game.  The Tuna also realized that ‘me’ players like T.O. cannot help you win a championship.  T.O. needs to be pampered.

GIANTS HOPE REVENGE IS SERVED COLD - In the first two weeks of the season, the Giants were 0-2, and allowed 80 points to the Cowboys and the Packers.  The Giants already took revenge for the Cowboys.  Now, it’s time that Big Blue takes revenge for the Packers.  And last, it’s time we took revenge for New England.

MANNING DRIVES JINTS TO SUCCEED

TEXAS FOLD ‘EM

BLUE-’D'-FUL DAY

The Star-Ledger:

Injury (non)updates - That’s great news.  I believe we only reported no injuries once all season.

A look back to NYG-DAL Vol. 3

Giants in NFC Championship Game

Now the defense can rest

T.O. turns Terribly Overemotional

Defense had Romo on run

Manning quiets critics - And I’m his biggest critic.  I disowned him after the Buffalo game.  Remember this though, he had 5 fumbles (losing 2) and 2 INTs.  And that was in a game where they didn’t let Eli throw the ball and the running backs ran for 296 yards.  If they lost that game because of those turnovers, and if the Giants lost by 3 to the Patriots, then they wouldn’t be here now to see Eli play like this.  And that would be a shame for a team that could go all the way.

Share This

So here we are again. Familiar & unfamiliar territory. Familiar being this is the 3rd time we are playing the Cowboys, unfamiliar since this is the first ever post-season meeting between the Giants & Cowboys; add to that the fact the G-Men haven’t made it to the divisional round since Jan 2001, it is quite unchartered territory.

Forget everything that has happened this season. Not because the Cowboys defeated the Giants in both games, but because everything changes come playoff time, all players bring their A game, its time to step up or die. Or in T.O’s case hobble up or die. Owens is by far the biggest question mark in this game. We all know he will play, I mean this guy played the Super Bowl on a broken leg, I don’t think a sprained ankle will keep him off the field. However how well he can play changes everything….if he’s hobbled the Giants can play single coverage on the Cowboys receivers and double team Witten. Speaking of Witten; if the Giants D-Line can successfully pressure Romo that will force the Cowboys to keep Witten, who is a very good blocker, in to help block in turn neutralizing him like we did in the 2nd meeting. If Owens is healthy, say 80% or better he will pose many problems for the Giants secondary who just do not match-up well against him at all. We will have to double-tean Owens which will leave the middle of the field open for Witten and Crayton to take advantage of.

The keys for the Giants defense will be to get pressure on Romo and a lot of it. The best passing defense is a great pass rush. If we pressure Romo he will have to hurry his throws and that is when mistakes can happen. If we give him time he is very dangerous and the Cowboys receivers will easily out-physical the Giants secondary…unfortunately Ross, Madison and Webster stand no chance against the Cowboys wideouts if Romo has all day to throw. The Cowboys O-line had great success against the Giants this season, Spags has got to find a solution to the riddle that is the Cowboys O-line. Strahan, Umenyoira and Tuck must get after Romo and disrupt his rhythm. It is what they do best, lets hope it continues.

On the offensive side of the ball everything begins with the O-line giving Manning time to throw and keeping the pressure off of him. We all saw the past few weeks what Manning can do when given time, last week the Bucs only sacked Eli once, given they didn’t blitz much for some reason. The Patriots? Only 1 sack as well. Now lets take a look at the 2 games versus the Cowboys. The first time they met, Dallas had one sack and Eli threw for 312 yds and 4 TDs. If the Giants Defense was playing the way they are now, the Giants win that game. The second game against the Cowboys? A completely different story, Eli was sacked FIVE times and threw 2 INT’s; and the Giants were completely outplayed by the Cowboys.

Now everyone is saying that Manning may have turned a corner beginning with the Patriots game, that may or may not be the case, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you give him time in the pocket and he can win any game; you pressure him, well lets just say he can’t handle the pressure. I’ll declare his arrival or whatever you want to call it when I see him stand up to a relentless pass rush and step up in the pocket and make plays. Lets wait till next year though to see a relentless pass rush…

The Giants will need to score more then last week to beat the Cowboys, I don’t see that as much of a problem as the Bucs Def is a much better Def than the Cowboys. The Giants will be able to run the ball; against the Cowboys this season the Giants have rushed for 230 yds. And that was before the dynamic duo of Jacobs and Bradshaw burst onto the scene. When the Giants can run the ball Manning can effectively use the play-action pass to complete some downfield throws. If Manning is given time, which a good running game and performance by the O-line will provide, and if Manning keeps up the ‘Patience’ he showed last week incorporating the pump fake (SIDE Note: now that was a new wrinkle, was it just me or the first couple of times did you think Manning was being “Skittish Manning” or he was going to literally drop the ball, even worse, perhaps that on the brightest of stages he was turning into Mackey Sasser or Chuck Knoblauch god-forbid) he will be able to put up huge numbers against a suspect secondary in Dallas.

Lets not forget the Giants have won 8 games in a row on the road and are 8-1 this season, lets conveniently forget the 1 loss was in Dallas, but hell that was eons ago, right? Anyone? Lets hope so cause god knows I hate losing in the playoffs as it is…a loss to the Cowboys, of all teams, in the playoffs…I shutter at the thought….so 9 out of 10 on the road, yeah that sounds about right, I can get used to a percentage like that…Ready or not people its Giants v Cowboys Part III - Remember Rocky III?  Rocky suffered two losses at the hands of Clubba Lang, one in the ring and one when good Ole Mickey passed away, but the 3rd time when it matter most? Well, the third time was a charm.

Share This

Last week, I said that the Giants should beat the Bucs.  Even though Big Blue was the underdog against Tampa Bay, I felt like they were the better team.  They played tougher teams, including playing in the NFC East versus the NFC South.  Now, we are going to play the Cowboys again.  Here, I think that we could beat the Cowboys rather than should beat them.  The ‘Boys are favored by 7 1/2 over the Giants.  The Jints have momentum while the Cowboys have been not so hot.  T.O. is injured, and he is considered a “game-time decision”.  I know that he’ll play because he came back to play with a broken leg when he was in Philly.  But how effective will he be?  We’ll have to find out, and Dallas isn’t releasing any information about that, and don’t expect them too.  Also, Tony Romo’s thumb may still be a little banged up.  This is a big test for Big Blue.  I’m really looking forward to the game, and it’s the last one of the weekend.  I definitely think the Giants will cover the spread even though they lost by double digits twice during the regular season.  Not that it’s my choice, but one Playoff win against the Cowboys makes up for getting swept by Dallas.

 Upon Further Review - Michael Eisen wrote up this article about yesterday’s game against the Bucs.

Transcript: Coach Tom Coughlin - Michael Eisen discusses with Tom Coughlin the health of the team, a look ahead at the Cowboys, and a look back at the Bucs.

Giants Honor DECA Students

CB Webster makes impact - Michael Eisen put together an article about Corey Webster’s great game.

Transcript: Postgame QB Eli Manning

Transcript: Postgame RB Brandon Jacobs

Transcript: Postgame DE Michael Strahan

Transcript: Postgame WR Amani Toomer

Transcript: Postgame CB Corey Webster

Notes, anecdotes and statistics - Michael Eisen put together a ton of fun stats, but nothing too interesting.

Newsday:

Giants rock Bucs for eighth road win in row

Eli earns his stripes with playoff win

Giants return to Dallas, face Cowboys a 3rd time

Tampa Bay’s Barber has to eat his words

Grading the Giants

Webster’s return defined by physical play

Giants rise at site of Super Bowl meltdown

Q & A: Ronde Barber cut by his own words - OBVIOUSLY!

Will 3rd party be fun time? - I sure hope so.

Toomer helps spark Giants victory

New York Daily News:

Giants beat Buccaneers 24-14 to set up third meeting with Dallas Cowboys

Eli Manning a cut above as he silences big-mouth Barbers with playoff win

Win over Buccaneers means Tom Coughlin will be back with Giants - This is absolutely correct.  Tom Coughlin will be able to command a big money, long-term contract with the Giants.  It’s well deserved.  I’m not the biggest fan of his, but I do like the fact that he was part of the Bill Parcell coaching tree and that was very evident in yesterday’s game.  I do believe that they need to get a new Offensive Coordinator.

After topping Tampa, Giants hope third time the charm against Cowboys

Corey Webster’s two huge plays stand tallest in win over Buccaneers

Eli Manning silences Ronde Barber

Giant fans’ Super Bowl dreams still alive after win over Tampa

Giants finally get past Jeff Garcia - Finally…What a relief!

David Diehl leaves game with cramps

New York Post:

KICK TO BUC-KET

PLAXICO GETS HIS REVENGE

WEBSTER STEPS UP

ROOKIE RB BRADSHAW BASHES BUCS

HUMBLE PIE

OH ‘BOY: GIANTS READY FOR THIRD SHOT AT DALLAS

TOOM TERRIFIC

STRAHAN: LONG WAIT MADE WIN SWEET

‘03 LITTLE WORDS

FINAL-E! E-FFICIENT ELI JUST COULDN’T BE HAD

New York Times:

Secondary Answers All the Questions

Short Passes Lead to Long Day for Bucs’ Defense

The Star-Ledger:

A look back at NYG-TB

Bring on Dallas!

Eli finally shows the drive

Bradshaw answers need for speed

Hits kept coming on Garcia

Toomer casts off playoff demons

Webster rises from the depths

Share This

Giants Pride is back!!!  The was a perfect display of NFC East football.  Here’s my theory on Dallas.  We lost our first road game in Dallas, and then we won 8 straight on the road.  We lost to Dallas at home as well.  Dallas swept us.  So here it is: Dallas beat New York at home to open up the season, but New York will beat Dallas at home to close the season.  It’s that simple.  Here’s some post game links for you to read:

 Giants defeat Bucs, 24-14

Injury Update

Giants-Buccaneers GameDay Inactives

Newsday:

Rejuvenated Webster has big day for Giants

Giants beat Bucs, 24-14

New York Daily News:

Giants beat Bucs, earn trip to Dallas

New York Post:

Bring on the ‘Boys

GIANT STEP

New York Times:

Manning Steers Giants to a Playoff Victory

The Star-Ledger:

Giants 24, Bucs 14 (final)

Giants ahead, 24-14

Giants’ lead grows to 24-7

Giants push lead to 17-7

Giants lead, 14-7

Giants tie it up

Giants down, 7-0

Inactives (Mitchell not among them)

Share This

The Wild Card Weekend game is between the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.  We should eliminate the Bucs.  Are you ready for this Die Hard Giants Fans?  Let’s Go Giants!

1st Quarter

The Bucs kicked Off, and Hixon caught the ball at 14 yardline and returned it to the 32 yardline.

On 1st and 10, Manning off play action hit Boss near the right hash marks for a gain of 4.  On 2nd and 6, Manning tossed it back to Jacobs who ran it to the left side for 4 yards.  On 3rd and 2, Manning from shotgun threw it incomplete to Tyree near the right hash marks.  On 4th and 2, the Giants Punted, and Hilliard called for a fair catch at the 22 yardline.

With 13:10 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the gut for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the middle again for a gain of 4.  On 3rd and 4, Garcia dropped back and fired it to Galloway on the left side for an 8 yard gain.  On 1st and 10, Garcia reversed it to Galloway, but Torbor tackled him in the backfield for a loss of 4 yards.  On 2nd and 14, Garcia turned left and gunned it to Clayton on the left side who picked up 13 yards.  On 3rd and 1, Garcia handed it off to Askew who ran up the gut for 3 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia dropped back, scrambled, and threw it wide right of Smith near the right sideline.  On 2nd and 10, the Bucs were called for a Delay of Game penalty which backed them up 5 yards.  On 2nd and 15, Garcia from shotgun had the pass tipped on its way to Graham.  On 3rd and 15, Garcia from shotgun aired it out to Galloway, but out of bounds along the right sideline.  On 4th and 15, the Bucs Punted the ball out of bounds at the 14 yardline.

With 9:18 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the gut for 3 yards.  On 2nd and 7, Manning from shotgun hit Smith near the left hash marks for a gain of 9 yards.  On 3rd and 1, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who got tackled for a loss of 3 yards by Hovan.  On 4th and 4, the Giants Punted, and Hilliard caught the ball at the 46 yardline and got hit immediately for no return.

With 7:02 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Garcia dropped back and overthrew Galloway down the left side.  On 2nd and 10, Garcia handed it off to Graham who broke a tackle at the line and picked up 10 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia threw a quick pass to Clayton on a slant for an 11 yard pickup.  On 1st and 10, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the middle for 7 yards.  On 2nd and 3, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the gut for 3 yards.  On 3rd and Inches, Garcia ran a QB sneak for a yard.  On 1st and 10, Garcia handed it off to Graham who broke right for a yard (Jay Alford got injured on the play).  On 2nd and 9, Garcia dropped back and fired it to Graham in the middle of the field for 14 yards.  On 1st and Goal, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the middle picking up 5 yards.  On 2nd and Goal, Jeff Garcia handed it off to Earnest Graham who ran up the gut for a 1-Yard Touch Down run.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 0 - Buccaneers 7.  The Bucs Kicked Off, and Hixon caught the ball at the 6 yardline and returned it to the 25 yardline.

With 1:43 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who got tackled in the backfield by Haye for a loss of 4 yards.  On 2nd and 14, the Giants called their first Time Out.  On 2nd and 14, the Bucs were called for a Nuetral Zone Enfraction penalty which gave the Giants 5 yards.  On 2nd and 9, Manning from shotgun gunned it incomplete to Smith in the middle of the field.  On 3rd and 9, Eli Manning from shotgun got sacked by Gaines Adams for a loss of 9 yards.  On 4th and 18, the Giants Punted, and Hilliard called for a fair catch at the 32 yardline.

With 0:15 remaining in the 1st Quarter, Garcia handed it off to Graham who got tackled in the backfield by Torbor for a loss of 3 yards.

2nd Quarter

On 2nd and 13, Garcia threw it to Hilliard on the right side for a yard.  On 3rd and 12, Garcia from shotgun escaped a sack and threw it too low to Galloway.  On 4th and 12, the Bucs Punted, and McQuarters caught the ball at the 38 yardline and returned it to the 47 yardline.

With 14:07 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Manning dropped back and hit Burress on the right side for a gain of 4 yards.  On 2nd and 6, Manning dropped back and fired it to Toomer along the right sideline for 17 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs ran right for 3 yards.  On 2nd and 7, Manning gunned it to Toomer on a slant for 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the right picking up a yard.  On 2nd and 9, Manning from shotgun dropped back and threw it incomplete to Smith in the middle of the field.  On 3rd and 9, the Bucs took their first Time Out.  On 3rd and 9, Manning from shotgun hit Toomer over the middle for 12 yards.  On 1st and Goal, Eli Manning dumped it off to Brandon Jacobs who ran it 5 yards into the end zone for a Touch Down.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 7 - Buccaneers 7.  The Giants Kicked Off, and Spurlock caught the ball at the goalline and returned it to the 20 yardline.

With 9:57 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Garcia dropped back and fired it to Becht in the middle, but Pierce knocked it down.  On 2nd and 10, Jeff Garcia dropped back and got sacked by Michael Strahan for a loss of 5 yards.  On 3rd and 15, Garcia from shotgun dumped it off to Pittman who gained 4 yards.  On 4th and 11, the Bucs Punted, and McQuarters caught the ball at the 34 yardline and returned it to the 35 yardline.

With 8:30 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran it to the right side picking up 8 yards.  On 2nd and 2, Manning dropped back and fired it to Burress on the right side for 13 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning tossed it to Burress on the left side for a gain of 9.  On 2nd and 1, Manning tossed it back to Bradshaw who ran to the left side for no gain.  On 3rd and 1, Manning hit Smith over the middle for a 21 yard gain.  On 1st and 10, Manning dropped back and hit Bradshaw near the right hash marks for 8 yards.  On 2nd and 2, Eli Manning handed it off to Brandon Jacobs who ran up the gut and took it to the house for a 7-yard Touch Down run.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 14 - Buccaneers 7.  The Giants Kicked Off, and Spurlock caught the ball at the 5 yardline and returned it to the 26 yardline.

With 4:00 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran it up the middle for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Garcia dropped back and hit Askew as Strahan was chasing him down, and Askew picked up 5 yards.  On 3rd and 3, Garcia dropped back and slinged it to Pittman in the middle for 7 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia overthrew Graham in the middle as Tuck was heading for his feet.  On 2nd and 10, Garcia flipped it to Graham in the middle for a gain of 2.  This brought it to the 2:00 Warning.  On 3rd and 8, Garcia from shotgun threw it to Hilliard near the ride sideline for 8 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia hit Smith on the left side for a gain of 4.  On 2nd and 6, Garcia threw it to Galloway on the left side, but Webster knocked it down.  On 3rd and 6, Garcia from shotgun fired it to the left of Hilliard on a slant pattern.  On 4th and 6, the Bucs Punted, and McQuarters called for a fair catch at the 18 yardline.

With 1:07 remaining in the 2nd Quarter, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the middle for 9 yards.  On 2nd and 1, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the right out of bounds for no gain.

3rd Quarter

The Giants Kicked Off, and Michael Spurlock caught the ball at the 7 yardline and returned it across the 30 yardline, but Tank Daniels knocked the ball lose and Corey Webster recovered it and returned it to the 30 yardline.

On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the gut picking up 7 yards.  On 2nd and 3, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who broke right picking up 4.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran up the middle for a yard.  On 2nd and 9, Manning off play action rolled right and fired it incomplete to Boss near the end zone.  On 3rd and 9, Manning from shotgun threw a screen pass to Jacobs who ran up the left hash marks for a gain of 11.  On 1st and Goal, Manning lobbed it over the head of Burress in the right side of the end zone.  On 2nd and Goal, the Giants were called for a False Start penalty which backed them up 5 yards.  On 2nd and Goal, Manning from shotgun hit Toomer over the middle for 11 yards.  On 3rd and Goal, the Giants were called for a Delay of Game penalty which backed them up 5 yards.  On 3rd and Goal, Manning from shotgun slinged it to Smith on the right side for a gain of 2 yards.  On 4th and Goal, Lawrence Tynes attempted a 25 yard Field Goal Attempt.  It was good.  Giants 17 - Buccaneers 7.  The Giants Kicked Off, and Spurlock caught the ball at the 10 yardline and returned it to the 30 yardline.

With 9:51 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the middle for 6 yards.  On 2nd and 4, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran it up the gut for 3 yards.  On 3rd and Inches, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran it to the left for a yard.  On 1st and 10, Garcia dropped back and hit Graham over the middle for 5 yards, but the Giants were called for a Personal Foul penalty which gave the Bucs 15 yards and an automatic first down (Gerris Wilkinson got injured on the play).  On 1st and 10, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the middle picking up 10 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the gut for a gain of 3.  On 2nd and 7, Jeff Garcia dropped back and threw an interception Corey Webster who was defending Joey Galloway in the end zone.

With 6:10 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, Manning tossed it to Bradshaw who ran it to the left for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Manning dropped back and threw it too low to Snee, but the Giants were called for a Holding penalty which backed them up 10 yards.  On 2nd and 18, Manning from shotgun handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for 3 yards.  On 3rd and 15, Manning from shotgun underthrew Ahmad Bradshaw near the left hash marks.  On 4th and 15, the Giants Punted the ball out of bounds at the 33 yardline.

With 4:24 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran up the gut for a yard.  On 2nd and 9, Garcia dropped it off to Askew for 7 yards.  On 3rd and 2, Garcia off play action hit Smith in the middle for 16 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran to the left for 2 yards.  On 2nd and 8, Garcia dropped back and threw it to nobody down field.  On 3rd and 8, Garcia from shotgun had his pass to Galloway batted down by Johnson.  On 4th and 8, the Bucs Punted, and McQuarters called for a fair catch at the 28 yardline.

With 1:40 remaining in the 3rd Quarter, Manning went underneath to Hedgecock on the right side for a gain of 4 yards.  On 2nd and 6, Manning dropped back and overthrew Burress along the right sideline, but the Giants were called for Pass Interference which backed them up half the distance to the goal.  On 2nd and 11, Manning handed it off to Jacobs who ran to the right for 4 yards.  On 3rd and 7, Manning from shotgun connected with Toomer in the middle of the field for 11 yards.

4th Quarter

On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the gut losing his helmet picking up 7 yards.  On 2nd and 3, Manning off play action fired it to Toomer on the right side for 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for 6 yards.  On 2nd and 4, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the gut for a gain of 7 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning off play action connected with Boss on the right side for 11 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning dropped back and threw it incomplete to Collins along the right sideline.  On 2nd and 10, Manning dropped back and fired it to Burress along the left sideline for 13 yards.  On 1st and 10, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran to the left for 6 yards.  On 2nd and 4, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran to the left again for 6.  On 1st and Goal, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the gut for a yard.  On 2nd and Goal, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for 4 yards.  On 3rd and Goal, Eli Manning from shotgun fired it to Amani Toomer in the end zone for a Touch Down.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 24 - Buccaneers 7.  The Giants Kicked Off, and Spurlock caught the ball at the 4 yardline and returned it to the 21 yardline, but the Bucs were called for a Holding penalty which backed them up 10 yards.

With 7:56 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Garcia had the pass to Hilliard batted down by Dockery.  On 2nd and 10, Garcia from shotgun completed the pass to Hilliard on the right side for a gain of 9 yards.  On 3rd and 1, Garcia handed it off to Graham who ran to the left for 4 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia from shotgun hit Stevens over the middle for 5 yards.  On 2nd and 5, the Bucs were called for a False Start penalty which backed them up 5 yards.  On 2nd and 10, Garcia from shotgun lobbed it to Graham on the right side for 6 yards.  On 3rd and 4, Garcia from shotgun hit Pittman over the middle for 5 yards (Michael Strahan got injured on the play).  On 1st and 10, Garcia from shotgun threw it away as Tollefson was chasing him down.  On 2nd and 10, Garcia from shotgun scrambled and hit Pittman who ran up the right side for 25 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia from shotgun completed the pass to Clayton near the left hash marks for 15 yards.  On 1st and 10, Garcia from shotgun connected with Hilliard near the left hash marks for 8 yards.  On 2nd and 1, Garcia from shotgun handed it off to Pittman who ran up the middle for 5 yards.  On 1st and Goal, Jeff Garcia dropped back and fired it to Alex Smith in the end zone for a Touch Down.  The Extra Point attempt was good.  Giants 24 - Buccaneers 14.  The Bucs Kicked Off, and Droughns caught the ball at the 16 yardline and returned it to the 33 yardline.

With 3:16 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran it to the left for 7 yards.  On 2nd and 3, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for no gain.  The Bucs took their first Time Out.  On 3rd and 3, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for no gain.  The Bucs took their second Time Out.  On 4th and 3, the Giants Punted, and Hilliard caught the ball at the 23 yardline and returned it to the 27 yardline.

With 2:10 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Garcia from shotgun hit Pittman over the middle for a gain of 17 yards.  The 2:00 Warning has arrived.  On 1st and 10, Jeff Garcia from shotgun threw it incomplete to R.W. McQuarters along the right sideline, but the play went under Booth Review and it was overturned because both feet were in bounds at the 18 yardline.

With 1:53 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the middle for a gain of 7 yards.  The Bucs took their third Time Out.  On 2nd and 3, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran up the gut for a loss of 3 yards.  On 3rd and 6, Manning handed it off to Bradshaw who ran to the left for 3 yards.  The Giants took their first Time Out.  On 4th and 1, the Giants Punted the ball out of bounds at the 21 yardline.

With 0:07 remaining in the 4th Quarter, Garcia threw a hail mary downfield, but it was batted down Butler.

Final Score: New York Giants 24 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14.  The NFL.com Post Game is attached.

Share This

I’m in the process of watching the games as I write.  You already saw that Die Hard Giants Fan picked the Giants to cover the spread, but we also believe that Big Blue will win outright.  The Giants/Bucs pregame will be coming out next, and I will be telling you how and why the Giants will win this game tomorrow.  Enjoy the games!

Newsday:

Ronde Barber not backing down from comments

With injuries, Webster rises anew on depth chart - Arthur Staple noted that Sam Madison is listed as doubtful for tomorrow’s game, and Corey Webster will most likely get the start.

Giants’ Mitchell braces for some playing time - Arthur Staple reported that Kawika Mitchell is now listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game.  Also, remember the play against the Patriots when Vince Wilfork stuck his finger in Brandon Jacobs’ eye and it wasn’t called?  Well, ”Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork was fined $15,000 by the NFL on Friday for poking a finger inside the facemask of Brandon Jacobs Dec. 29. Wilfork was not penalized on the play. It was the third time he had been fined this season. - AP”

Burress relishes another Barber clip - According to Arthur Staple, Ronde Barber keeps on talking and the Giants keep on adding his quotes to the bulletin-board.

New York Daily News:

After poor defensive game vs. Pats, Giants must improve against Bucs

In Giant land, just hoping this isn’t another swan song - I hear you man!

Jon Gruden praises Eli Manning - In this article by Ohm Youngmisuk, Coach Gruden goes out of his way to praise Eli.  Why?

Tiki still carries torch for Giants over brother

Giants’ wounded will fly, then try

New York Post:

IT’S TIME FOR A PLAYOFF PAYOFF

MADISON, O’HARA UNLIKELY TO PLAY; MITCHELL IFFY

TOM’S TEAM CAN RECLAIM PRIDE

PLAXICO FEEDS OFF RONDE’S CRITICISM

NOT SO FAST! - Another article about Tiki.

New York Times:

Jacobs Is a Bull of a Runner and a Teddy Bear of a Father

The Star-Ledger:

A look ahead to NYG-TB

White is just right — at last

Giants have confidence in Webster at corner

Ronde gets Burress extra motivated

Share This

We have not won a Playoff game with Eli Manning, we have not had back-to-back outstanding performance games with Eli Manning, and we’re facing one of the best defensive teams in the NFL.

Of course we’re looking to get at least past the first round.  It has been a curse to us to get a hit in the Playoffs, but not to be able to reach the bowl.  We are going to need a lot from Eli Manning since the Buccaneers have some of the best defenders in the NFL.  It is very obvious that we’ll run the ball more, but I’m hoping this will open up the passing game.  Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw, Plaxico Burress and even Kevin Boss are tough threats that their defense won’t be able to ignore.  Hoping we can piggy back on the beast (Jacobs) we will finish strong against Tampa.

On the defense side, Jeff Garcia has done so much damage to us throughout the years that we should be lookin to shut him down.  I have more faith on our defense than ever and believe this will be the toughest obstacle for the Bucs.  First of all, Garcia is mobile and he’ll need that talent very much since our defensive line plays with a lot of inspiration.  Our Linebackers should not have a problem reading Garcia since he’ll probably have to focus on short passing like he always does.  My only problem would be the deep pass if Garcia decides to throw it long.  We won’t have Sam Madison but we’ll have Corey Webster and Aaron Ross who will need to prove themselves the most out of the Giants defensive starters.

I feel very strong about this Giants team and hope the drive that gave New England Patriots a hard time is still there for us.  We will need to show superb play execution and excellent play calling to show the remaining teams we have what it takes to get to the Superbowl.  Being realistic, we are a tough team to beat but being recognized as the challengers it’s going to be difficult to get out of that state of mind.  Unbalanced performance has been positive for us but we have not beat the teams we were supposed to beat to gain a stronger recognition.  This Sunday will hopefully change my beliefs about my favorite team and gain the inspiration that drives us in those spectacular games.

Share This

What should the Giants do against the Patriots this weekend is the question?  Believe me, let it go.  We don’t have the receiving threat to open up on them.  With Plaxico hurt, and Shockey on IR, they double cover Toomer and Smith, who’s left to make a play?  Hedgecock or Matthews?  Our defense against their offense is our best hope, but we won’t be able to keep them to 20 points like the Jets did because Mangini knows their playbooks and Coughlin doesn’t.  I wish this game mattered more for us to see how well we play against the Pats.  However, we can’t get out of the first round, and that’s more important. 

Newsday:

Coughlin needs to hold chips for Bucs game

Giants should try to beat Pats, but not too hard

Giants fans auctioning tickets to Patriots game

New York Daily News:

Kent Graham, Giants ruined Broncos’ perfect dream in 1998

Fans split on whether Giants should go for it against unbeaten Pats

Giants to face Jeff Garcia - again

Many Giants fans selling Pats tickets

Tom Coughlin’s job likely safe

New York Post:

MUSCLE NEEDED FOR ELI-VATION

WEBSTER HOPES TO PROVE HE’S NOT A BUST

Share This