EAST RUTHERFORD – What a difference a week makes.
All of those deafening boos the Giants players heard going into the locker room last Sunday were in complete contrast to what they heard after 30 minutes yesterday when nothing but cheers filled the air.
See Antrel Rolle, we want to cheer as long as you give us a reason to, and there was plenty to root on with the score 21-0 at the half en route to a 31-7 crushing of the Redskins.
”We’ve got to continue,” said Head Coach Tom Coughlin. “Many, many big games coming up down the stretch.”
While the victory was nice, even the fans, despite initial worry of the 30 MPH winds at the New Meadowlands Stadium, knew the team from DC was going to serve as little resistance despite all the injuries the Giants had at receiver and on the offensive line.
Coughlin continued, “Getting better each week, playing better in the games, play stronger, being physical.”
After beating Washington for the eighth time in the last nine games, it has become apparent they are the equivalent of the “Homecoming Game”.
However, the fans look ahead and see that the real season will begin this Sunday in Minneapolis, where the Giants see the finish line. Their road to the playoffs will likely be decided over the next three games, and if necessary, the final game against these same Redskins at FedEx Field.
As Coughlin calls the final part of the season, “the fourth quarter”.
“It’s the time. It’s December in the National Football League. It’s the time.”
Facing the Vikings on Sunday, followed by the rematch with the Eagles the week after along with a day after Christmas game in Lambeau Field against the Packers is what the Giants have to go through in order to make the playoffs. Win at least two of those games in addition to beating the Redskins in the last game of the year would gain entrance into the postseason.
Four wins can get you a bye week and maybe even three. Winning only two may not gain entrance.
Justin Tuck would say after the win, “The reason we are still in this race is because a lot of guys have been thrown into the fire and have really stepped up.”
By getting two wins while depleted with injuries, the Giants will now begin to get some of them back. David Diehl is expected back on the offensive line and so is Steve Smith.
Hakeem Nicks may return this week, but it is likely he will be back along with Shaun O’Hara in two week against the Eagles. Given the way the reserves have been able to perform in their absence, getting them back can only be a bonus.
“Steve (Smith) and Hakeem (Nicks) back practicing so that would give us some more options,” said Eli Manning.
While those players were out, the Giants offense had to change the way it did business. The high wire attack that produced points but a league-leading amount of turnovers has had to rely on its rushing attack out of necessity and it has been very successful.
Facing a porous Redskins defense without the enigmatic and indignant Albert Haynesworth on the field, the Giants moved the ball on the ground at-will for 197 yards, with little need to pass with the wind conditions.
Manning said, “I thought we played really well, smart football.”
The new “conservative” offense proved to be just as effective and it is needed for the team going forward when there will be days when chucking it up 35 to 40 times will not be possible.
Manning continued, “When it comes to December in Giants Stadium you are going to have to run the ball and we were able to do that.”
They will also continue to continue the stifling defense put on display. Over the last six quarters since “The Booing”, they have given up only 13 points, returning to the type of effort that made them among the top units in the league. Harassing quarterbacks with their pass rush with their pass rush with their pass rush with four sacks and taking the ball away, which they did Sunday to the tune of six turnovers and if they would have held on to a few others, would have taken them in for touchdowns.
“it’s an important win for us,” said Terrell Thomas. “A very dominating win on our part, four quarters of football again.
“I’m proud to say that we’re back on track.”
Going forward, they will need to continue that effort to slow down a Vikings attack that despite the erratic play of Brett Favre, still possess big play weapons in Adrian Peterson, Percy Harvin and the recent return of Sidney Rice to go along with numerous talented players on defense inspired under new coach Leslie Frazier.
However, if the Giants have long memories, they can think back to the final game of last season for motivation. With their season over and the Vikings headed for the playoffs, Favre and his team elected to rub their noses in it with the game already in hand late in the second half.
“We haven’t forgotten,” said Chris Snee.
Sunday is a chance to extract revenge.
After that, they get their rematch with Philadelphia at home with a chance to stop their string of five straight losses to them and with a win, really begin to think big.
With wins, the cheers will only get louder.
No comments:
Post a Comment