LANDOVER – It was nice to see the real Giants make an appearance for the first time in over two months.
That same team that started 5-0 and was last seen dismantling the Raiders in a glorified scrimmage way back in early October when the sun was out and no clouds in the sky came back on Monday night.
On display was a Giants team that ran when it wanted, passed to any receiver and rarely was there a threat of resistance when they were on offense.
Then you saw them ferociously playing defense all over the field despite injuries to the secondary. The pass rush that was to be the catalyst all season and took on milk carton status was back. Even Bill Sheridan looked to be a competent defensive coordinator for one night.
The exhibition part of the Giants schedule reemerged on as the Redskins clearly showed the rest of the world that they were ready to mail in the rest of the season and continued to be a convenient whipping boy, having beaten them decisively the last four times and eight of the 10.
From the first snap of the game, they were in control. Eli Manning calmly would look for his receivers and find them open around all parts of the field. The offensive line resembled last year, and when they had to get tough yards, they got them.
The defensive line also turned the clock back. Under siege was Jason Campbell from the moment the Redskins took possession. There was Justin Tuck coming from one side and Osi Umenyiora from the other. Fred Robbins and Jonathan Goff shooting right up middle as pressure came from all angles. Running lanes were nowhere and receivers could not get open because the Campbell never had a chance.
The way they were playing, this was how it was to be all along. It never should have reached this point. However, the team has alternated wins and losses ever since their bye week that it has become difficult to gage what the “real team” is.
Are they the group that has scored 30 or more points in four of their last five games (three of them wins)?
Or, are they the team that has mixed in brilliant play with inconsistency and ineptitude? They have only themselves to blame for now not controlling their playoff destiny.
Simply “winning out” will not get it done. Not only do the Giants have to win both this coming Sunday against the Carolina in The Meadowlands and in The Metrodome against Minnesota, but also need one loss from either Green Bay or Dallas to get into the Bill Parcells famed “tournament” and set up a potential third meeting with Philadelphia.
It has become clear that the offense is playoff ready. Over the last month, with the exception of their down in game in Denver, has been productive in terms of scoring. They scored 34 against Atlanta, 31 against Dallas, and 38 against Philadelphia before topping that with 45 more on Monday.
Eli Manning is playing the best football of his career and the offense has performed proficiently despite occasional struggles. The first six possessions of the game resulted in a touchdown, touchdown, field goal, touchdown, punt, touchdown and another touchdown.
How is that for offensive efficiency?
The defense has been the undoing of this team, and if the Giants do not make the playoffs, they will be the ones to shoulder the blame.
Despite their dominant defensive performance against Washington, it is difficult to expect this group to play with that intensity and emotion the rest of the season. Carolina does not possess the multi-dimensional offense that the Giants have had problems defending all year.
Minnesota has that offense, but until the end of this coming week, no one will know if their main starters will play the full game.
Either way it goes, it appears unlikely the Giants will be winning the Super Bowl this year, so all this is simply delaying the inevitable for at least one more week. The fact they may have to rely on the Eagles (the team that has beaten them twice) possibly is about as ironic as it gets.
Whatever it takes.
First thing, the Giants need to allow themselves a chance to get to Week 17 with a chance. At the same time, the team can send Giants Stadium off in memorable fashion.
While there at it, they may want to place a “Help Wanted” ad and hope either the Redskins, Seahawks, Cardinals or Eagles answer it.
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