At 4-7, Giants Insist It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
Don't even bother mentioning whether losing hope is an option for the Giants in the wake of their gut-wrenching 24-21 last-second loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.
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Don't even bother mentioning whether losing hope is an option for the Giants in the wake of their gut-wrenching 24-21 last-second loss to the Cowboys on Sunday.
Eli Manning sees 2013 as just one of those years. The Giants' postseason hopes took a major hit with Sunday's 24-21 loss to Dallas. Now at 4-7, Big Blue likely needs to win out to have a shot.
The Cowboys started the Giants' season-opening nightmare on a warm night in September and they pretty much ended New York's dream of a miracle comeback on a cold blustery night in November.
Giants tied the Cowboys late in the fourth quarter, but then allowed Romo to drive down the field, which allowed Dan Bailey to kick the game winning FG.
The Giants' chances of winning the NFC East would be slim if they lose, and seven losses might not be good enough to make the playoffs as a wild card.
Rueben Randle has caught six touchdown passes in the last six games to take over the team lead. No other Giants receiver has caught a TD in that span.
It's time. The dominoes have lined up for the Giants, who now have the opportunity to show that they are improved enough to knock them over.
These athletes rack up championships yet manage to remain completely boring.
The offensive line has stabilized. The running game is finally making strides, and Manning and his receivers are using quick, short passes to take what defenses offer instead of forcing plays over the top.
The Giants (4-6) are 1 1/2 games behind first-place Philadelphia in the NFC East. The Eagles have a bye in Week 12. The Giants hope to be a game out by week's end. They'll get their chance against visiting Dallas (5-5).
"I read the formation, the tight end, how he was set, and I caught the ball," said Pierre-Paul, who told teammates in the huddle before the play that he was going to pick the pass.
In an NFC East nobody wants to win, a division where the champion could well be 7-9 when all this is said and done, the Giants are looking pretty good right now.
Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul scored on a spectacular, leaping 24-yard fourth-quarter interception return.
Tolzien made his NFL debut in a 27-13 loss to the Eagles, completing 24 of 39 for 280 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
Certainly it is a comfortable situation, Ed Reed is reunited with Rex Ryan and Dennis Thurman from their days together in Baltimore, and Reed in a defense in which he fits like a glove.
Make no mistake about it. The Giants still have many elements to improve as they attempt to win their fourth consecutive game. But the Packers are reeling - with injuries on both sides of the ball.
Heading into this week, Manning is ranked 31st among NFL passers with a 68.5 quarterback rating. The only player lower than him in the NFC is Josh Freeman.
Somehow, some way, the Giants are alive and kicking. All they have to do is take down a third-string quarterback, and they will have their opportunity.
The Giants are talking a different game now that they are back in the mix in the NFC East.
Conversely, the proud papa admitted to being amazed at what Peyton is doing in Denver this season, especially after all he was able to accomplish last year with a new team.
Eli Manning told Mike Francesa: "We feel if we take care of our business -- if we win these games, we'll be in a good spot to make the playoffs."
We're used to a funky few games from Manning. But even if they're to beat the beleaguered Packers and headless Cowboys, it starts with Manning. In order to return to No.1, you need a lot more from No.10.
After an 0-6 start to the season, the Giants (3-6) are suddenly only 1½ games behind Dallas and Philadelphia in the division, and only one back in the loss column.
It certainly was not pretty, but at this point in the season, style points do not matter. The New York Giants played rope-a-dope with the Oakland Raiders, and running back Andre Brown delivered the knockout punch in New York's 24-20 victory over the Silver and Black on Sunday in a windy MetLife Stadium.
You get the idea that nothing is ever going to be pretty in this Giants season. Then again, division races aren't decided on looks and personality. Wins are all that count.
