Dec 29, 2007

I was against playing the starters all 60 minutes

in tonight's Giants-Pats matchup and what happens? We lose three starters: Kawika Mitchell, Sam Madison and Shaun O'Hara. That really improves our chances next week in Tampa.

As for the match, oh boy, there's a lot to say. I'm proud of the Giants - despite a number of injuries, poor calls and stupid play calling, they came within three points (38-35) of beating the Pats.
1.
two huge borderline penalties went against the Giants: Corey Webster's 'illegal contact' on 3rd and long in the first (in which a sack of Tom Brady was negated), and the pass interference call on Gerris Wilkinson in the end zone. Webster did nothing you don't see on every play in the NFL; the same with Wilkinson who was penalized only because his head was turned the wrong way. As is with the Pats MO, both drives were kept alive by penalties which eventually ended in touchdowns. I don't like to make excuses but I have no doubt that if not for those calls, the Giants win the match. The refs also missed a Patriot trying to poke Brandon Jacobs in the eye! - on what is normally a 15-yard 'unsportsmanlike conduct' penalty (and possible ejection), no call was made.
2.
I was against playing the starters more than one half but Tom Coughlin played them all 60 minutes (although he would've been killed if he had played the backups in the second half, especially entering with a lead). Three starters went down and it's TBA if they'll be available in the playoffs. Are the Giants not the most injured team every single year?
3.
Eli, Eli, Eli - a killer interception in the fourth when the Giants were still down just three. The Jints can win a Superbowl with Eli, he just won't carry them there.
4.
Ahmad Bradshaw was sorely missed. His explosiveness could have been the difference - not just by his addition would the team be better, but the subtraction of Reuben Droughns would help too: that guy has no business in the NFL anymore.
5.
The Pats have a tremendous offense but a rather lacking defense. They're vulnerable in the playoffs and compared to how the Colts have played the last five or so weeks, I wouldn't want to play them if I was Bill Belichick.
6.
Overall, I was proud of the G-Men and actually feel confident going into the playoffs. It was evident watching tonight's match that the Giants have the ability to beat any team in football - it's really just a question of injuries and Eli.

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