ARLINGTON – There was 3:40 showing up on the scoreboard inside the new “Stadium That Jerry Built” when Eli Manning and his offense came out on the field.
The score read 31-30 Cowboys in a game that was never supposed to be this close. Going 0 for 5 in the red zone was the only reason this game was remotely competitive. Now, after Felix Jones’ seven-yard touchdown run moments earlier had turned the new palace into the frenzy, it was going to be on the offense to make amends by winning this game.
No need to score a touchdown on this possession. Sticking the ball into the end zone from inside the 20 was problematic all game (they actually scored from 22 and 24 yards). Now, they just needed to drive down the field trailing by a point needing only a field goal to win (and settling for field goals was never a problem).
They were winning the turnover battle four to zero, which in the NFL means you should win 95 percent of the time. Tony Romo had completed less than 50 percent of his passes and thrown three interceptions, one of them returned undrafted rookie Bruce Johnson for a Pick-6 and another that led to touchdown. Incredibly, they found themselves on the wrong end of the score.
Were they going to be rattled by this predicament? After winning a Super Bowl and being the best team in football a season ago, they have been molded and prepared for this moment. They are not rookies at this or wet behind the ears. The Giants do not need an instruction manual when it comes to winning these games late.
It is at these moments when you find the true character of a team. Any group can ride high when they are bullying their opponent up and down the field. But what happens when you find yourself in a "hell game"? When your opponent is hitting you back with blows and you need to summon the "something extra"? It is here when you find out the toughness of yourself and the people you go to battle with.
This was a game that was in their control and they let it slip away. How? Because they allow it to happen.
Losing this game would have been a crusher. They had caused their own problems, and now as the ball laid on their own 25, this was their chance to make things right. Problem was, a Rich Seubert holding penalty was going to back the Giants up 10 yards. First-and 10 was now first-and 20 for Manning on his crew.After a short pass to Bradshaw gained two year, a 12-yard completion for Derek Hagan set up a key third-and-6. Manning, given great protection from his offensive line (zero sacks allowed) as he had all night was given time and found Steve Smith for an 11-yard pass and a first down.
They had gotten themselves out of their self-inflicted hole. With the clock going under two minutes, Kevin Boss made his first reception of the night, gaining 13 yards into Dallas territory with 1:28 remaining. Now there was a realistic shot they could win this game.
You wondered when they would call timeout as the clock continued to move. However, it is in these situations where Manning is his most calm. It is almost as if all the craziness that is going on around him makes him more comfortable and increases his concentration. Does it make any sense? No. However, for him things are clearer for him than they are for most quarterbacks.
The ball is now at the Dallas 41 with 0:39 left and it is third-and-4. It is obviously four down territory, but here the Giants get some good luck when Manning’s pass is tipped by defensive end Jay Ratliff, but goes just far enough to reach the hands of Mario Manningham for an eight yard gain and a first down.
Time continues to tick down and still no timeout call. Perhaps Manning knows something that we all don’t? The offense gathers to the line and runs another play. They were still not in Lawrence Tynes’ reasonable field goal range. Considering that he had already missed a 29 yarder in the third quarter wide left, so bring him in from any distance was going to be a risky proposition.
Manning takes the snap and finds Smith again for the 10th time on a slant route that gains 12 yards to the 19 with 0:13 remaining. The game was now in their hands to win. A timeout was finally called and the Giants were prepared to be party crashes in the Cowboys new stadium.
They had done everything they could do during this game to give it away. Now, Manning and his band of brothers had moved the ball down the field on a Cowboys defense that they had shredded in the passing game from the outset. On this final drive, Eli Cool was 6 for 8 for 59 yards and showed why the Giants give him $97.5 million a month ago.
A quick quarterback sneak pushed the ball two yards and lined it up in the middle of the field for Tynes to play the role of hero. The last time he was called on to attempt a game-winning kick, he kicked arguably the greatest field goal in the history of the league. He was coming on now to silence the 105,421 found their way into this building.
The snap was good, his kick just barely cleared the uprights, and the referees signaled it was good as the team gathered to celebrate.
Hold everything though…before the snap, Dallas Coach Wade Phillips is three feet from one of the referees and signals for a timeout just before the snap. The made field goal is waved off and it’s in essence, a “do over”.
Tynes gets another chance, this time connects right down the middle, and the Giants can officially celebrate their victory. There was a look of exhilaration and relief. In many ways, they were triumphant, but also knew they had dodged a bullet.
They did not play their best game. It was obviously too close for comfort. The defense had been gashed on the ground all night and was sucking wind in the Texas heat. The offense had made their share of mistakes when it came to not capitalizing on numerous opportunities. If there were any more game filled with agita, this was it.
In the end, here were the Giants, showing their incredible resilience with it all on the line on the road (21 of their last 29 since 2006) and delivering as they usually do.
Giant tough.
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