NEW YORK – Giants fans can finally put the loss to the Eagles last week behind them because today’s game against the Packers had playoff implications. I have to admit that I am truly not over that loss yet but I will not dwell on it here today. The Giants faced an extremely tough Green Bay Packers team today and had to come out with a win to go back to the playoffs. Most of our readers know that I had picked the Packers to win the Super Bowl before the 2010 NFL season began, so I was nervous but not worried. The Packers won 45-17 in another embarrassing loss for the G-Men.
The 1st quarter of play was a nightmare for Giants fans. The Packers took a quick 14-0 lead and looked like they could move the ball at will. The Giants could not seem to do anything against them offensively or defensively. Then things began to turn around in the 2nd quarter with a nice fumble recovery by Justin Tuck and a couple of New York touchdowns that tied things up at 14-14. One touchdown pass from Manning to Manningham went for 85 yards, the longest of QB Eli Manning’s career. Manning hit the 30 touchdown mark tonight for the first time since Y.A. Tittle did it for Big Blue back in the day. The Packers were ahead 21-14 at halftime.
Things didn’t get much better in the 2nd half, as the Packers continued to move the ball at will against the Giants 2nd ranked defense in the NFL. It became difficult to watch once the 4th quarter rolled around and the Giants playoff dreams were slipping away, as the time quickly ran off the clock. The Giants completely collapsed in the 4th quarter once again. The 6 turnovers and 5 penalties by the Giants were the difference in this game, much as it has been all season. I hate to point a player out but QB Eli Manning has been making some horrible choices lately with throwing the ball. If the Giants miss the playoffs, they have nobody to blame but themselves. It hurts me to say that but it’s true. They had every opportunity to make the post season but did not get the job done today. What else can I say? The Eagles clinch the NFC East with the Giants loss today as well.
Let’s take a look at some of my notes from today’s game.
– QB Eli Manning had a poor game and has been making some bizarre choices with the ball lately. He finished with 301 yards 2 TD’s and 4 INT’s.
– WR Hakeem Nicks continues to impress whenever he is on the field. He finished with 93 yards and 1 TD.
– RB Brandon Jacobs had a few good runs and a key fumble. He finished with 47 yards 0 TD’s and 1 fumble.
– DE Justin Tuck had a great game and a key fumble recovery in the 2nd quarter. He also had the only sack.
– WR Mario Manningham had a big day and finished with 132 yards and 1 TD.
– S Kenny Phillips led all defensive tacklers and was all over the place today. He had a solid game.
– RB Ahmad Bradshaw had a rare bad day and a key fumble. He finished with 31 rushing yards and 41 receiving yards 0 TD’s and 1 fumble.
– CB Aaron Ross got his wish and was returning punts for Big Blue today.
– TE Kevin Boss had a couple of key dropped passes in the first half and a failed fumble recovery in the second half. He finished with 0 yards.
– S Antrel Rolle had a key forced fumble in the 2nd quarter and had a good game overall.
– DE Jason Pierre-Paul was injured and left the game in the first half. He eventually returned later in the game.
– K Lawrence Tynes has been great for Big Blue this season and made all of his extra point attempts (2) and lone FG attempt tonight.
– P Matt Dodge had a better day then last Sunday but fans are still not sold on him.
– The Giants defense seemed a bit sluggish in this game for some reason. They finished with 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.
– The Giants offensive line was terrific once again and continue to be the anchor of the offense. The did however give up a sack.
– The Giants special teams continues to need work but they had a better game then last week.
– Head Coach Tom Coughlin should not be worried about his job. The media needs to relax with all of that trash talk.
– DC Perry Fewell puts together some great schemes and plays. However, he had his hands full tonight.
– OC Kevin Gilbride is still a hot and cold play caller. It’s hard to feel confident in him when you see some of the plays he calls.
– Special Teams Coach Tom Quinn should be on his way out at the end of the season and I’m not sure it’s all his fault.
– The Giants lost the time of possession battle horribly by a time difference of 37:01 to 22:59.
– The Giants were stranded in Green Bay due to bad weather back east. This is the second time in 2 weeks that the team has been stranded.
RD – nygreporter.com
nygreporter.com 