NEW YORK – What an incredible season it has been for the Giants. A month or so ago, fans were wondering if they would make it to the playoffs at all and here they were, finding themselves battling for the NFC Championship crown. If the Giants beat the 49ers, they would be in the Super Bowl once again. Guess what? The Giants beat the 49ers 20-17 in overtime and will be going to the Super Bowl in Indianapolis for a rematch against the New England Patriots. Hollywood could not write a more riveting script. The Giants have owned the Patriots since 2007 including the preseason, regular season and postseason. The Patriots are the real underdogs in this game and face the hungry NFC Champion Giants.
Let me just pause for a moment to acknowledge QB Eli Manning. This guy has weathered every storm thrown his way and really showed the NFL world how tough he is last night. Manning was getting beat down the entire game by a rabid 49ers defense and he kept getting up and performing. I have always respected Eli Manning but the way he played last night brought me to another level of respect for him. Easy Eli is a tough guy and a true Iron Man. I’m glad he is our quarterback and I’m happy that he is getting the respect he deserved all along.
This game was a battle from the opening kickoff until the final FG in OT. The 49ers defense played a terrific game and my hat is off to them. The Giants took a 10-7 lead into the locker room at halftime and seemed to pick up some momentum with a nice drive prior to heading inside. The second half of the game was intense. Both teams were fighting all the way up to the coin toss for overtime and beyond. Make no mistake, the Giants earned their spot in the Super Bowl. I am very proud to say that I am a Giants fan and really proud of what Eli Manning did on the field. Hey Giants fans, we’re going to the Super Bowl, again!
Let’s take a look at my notes from the game.
QB Eli Manning – What can you say about Manning? This guy is simply awesome and for all his quiet demeanor, a true tough guy. He finished with 316 yards 2 TD’s 0 INT’s
RB Ahmad Bradshaw – Bradshaw ran hard as usual and had his hands full with a rabid 49ers defense. He finished with 74 yards rushing and 52 yards receiving.
WR Hakeem Nicks – Nicks got banged up early but returned to the game. He finished with 55 yards.
DE Justin Tuck – Tuck was playing on another level last night and finished with 1.5 sacks.
LB Michael Boley – Boley was doing a lot more out there then the final stats would lead you to believe. He plays with a lot of passion.
WR Victor Cruz – The ‘Salsa King’ Cruz had another superb performance and finished with 142 yards 0 TD’s.
DE Jason Pierre-Paul – JPP cannot be contained and gets double teamed every game now. He was the Giants leading tackler and finished with 0.5 sacks.
S Antrel Rolle – Rolle finished in the top five tacklers once again and played a great game. I love the way this guy plays football.
RB Brandon Jacobs – Jacobs didn’t get in much work last night because they were throwing the ball all over the place and Bradshaw got a lot of work. He finished with 13 yards 0 TD’s.
LB Jacquian Williams – This young man was playing like he wanted to go to the Super Bowl. He is only going to get better and finished with 1 forced fumble.
WR Mario Manningham – Super Mario wasn’t getting many balls thrown his way but still managed to grab 1 TD in traffic. Maybe the biggest play of the game in my opinion.
CB Corey Webster – I’ve been saying it all year, Webster has taken his game to another level and really improved. He finished with 1 forced fumble.
TE Bear Pascoe – Pascoe had only one catch in this game but it was a big one. He finished with 1 TD, his first ever in the NFL. Congrats Bear!
LB Chase Blackburn – Blackburn was second on the team in tackles and I still cannot figure out why they let this guy go in the offseason. Re-sign him Jerry!
DE Osi Umenyiora – Osi was battling a tough offensive line out there all night and finished with 0.5 sacks. He simply causes havoc every game.
FB Henry Hynoski – This guy has really stepped up his game. He has been playing with a lot of heart and making contributions to the team. He finished with 20 yards.
LB Mathias Kiwanuka – Kiwi is a straight baller and was playing with a mean streak last night. He finished with 0.5 sacks.
DT Linval Joseph – I really like what I have been seeing from this young man. Keep an eye on him because he could end up as one of the greats.
S Kenny Phillips – Phillips is such an instinctual player and when he hits somebody, they fall to the ground. His angles and approaches are incredible.
CB Aaron Ross – Ross was out there making plays and continues to do a good job filling in for the injured Terrell Thomas. Good job Aaron!
S Deon Grant – Grant was in the top five for defensive tacklers and has become a force for Big Blue. I hope he retires a Giant in five or six years.
K Lawrence Tynes – What can I say? Tynes kicked the winning FG that sends Big Blue to the Super Bowl. Heck of a kick Larry!
P Steve Weatherford – The Weatherman is a weapon. He had another solid game last night. Consistency in the punting game is a relief for a change.
Giants Offense – This group of players had the toughest game of the year last night and certainly the most physical. They came out on top due to resiliency.
Giants Defense – The Giants defense had a superb game last night. This group has really stepped up in recent weeks and finished with 3 sacks 0 INT’s and 2 forced fumbles.
Giants Special Teams – The special teams play was good last night. Thomas deserves the game ball and Tynes did what he had to do. Still some missed tackles and room for improvement.
What are your thoughts on the Giants performance against the 49ers?
RD – nygreporter.com – WE’RE GOING TO THE SUPER BOWL!
Please Support The Wounded Warrior Project by Clicking Here, You Are Not Forgotten!!
nygreporter.com 
Again,what more could i say about eli mannings heart and the warrior make up of eli and this new york giants team.much respect to the 49ers and there incredible season and they are a really good football team.and that is the reason the new york football giants belong in the superbowl.the g-men earned every inch last night rob.the way eli hung in that pocket getting hit 20 times and sacked 6 times.his expression never changes,mud all over him grass in his face mask just waiting for his receivers to finish there routes and completing key passes and 2 touchdowns,it was like watching mel gibson in braveheart.proud to be a new york giant fan as always,and after last nights down and dirty performance and hanging in all night for that victory in O.T.,i am in complete awe of eli manning and this new york giants football team and watching every single sports channel until 430am this morning,i see the sports media in awe of eli and the new york giants too.rob,they did it,there in the superbowl.how long ago does that washington redskins game seem.i give GOD all the glory for the amazing turnaround the g-men made starting with the jets game prompting them on this historical run ,this new york giants team is truly blessed.we are all in my friend,we have been from the beginning.what a great day to be a nygiants fan.
Hey Bobby, Manning proved a whole bunch of people wrong last night on a national stage. I’m certain he won over true football fans who aren’t blinded with team loyalty. It was the most gutsy performance I have seen from a Giants quarterback in my life. Too many people want to downplay his effort but I call it like I see it. If Manning stunk up the joint I would have to write about that but he didn’t. What a game from the captain when we needed it most. We’re going to Indy buddy! All season long you and I have discussed this and we are finally there!
Rob – You cannot say enough about what a team this has become. We all have seen the leadership of Eli, he continues to lead by example, show his toughness and football intelligence. No TO’s against this defense is amazing. Cruz is another warrior. Our defense from the front line to our back line all contributed to this win. The Niners only made 3 plays all game, the 2 TD’s by Davis and the one dump off pass to Gore.
My last word about this game is what a difference a year makes. Last December we watched the Special Teams implode against the Eagles. Of all our units, they have improved the most as a unit. J. Williams, Greg Jones, Tyler Sash, Paysinger, Devin Thomas and DeOssie have all contributed, and of course Weatherford may have been the MVP in my eyes. He made some great kicks and had a great hold on the winning FG.
This has become a complete team. Hats off to Jerry Reese for filling in all the holes through injuries and free agent defections.
Despite Governor Christie – this is a real New York story (i live in NJ too). A team with heart, grit, determination and perseverance and a never quit attitude from its front office to the 53rd man.
Gotta love it!!
All In
Hello AJ, I agree with you buddy. Manning’s performance last night will go down as one of the greatest performances in Giants history. Once the dust settles and everyone takes another look at what he did, I think a lot of people will realize how clutch Manning is. I also agree that very few people gave the G-Men a chance and I even I was concerned back when we were 7-7, it’s only normal. But to see what they are doing now is incredible. And just think we aren’t even at full strength yet. We have a lot of players out for the season on the IR list. Imagine if we were at full strength? fugettaboutit!
Who would have thought after last years special teams debacle,the special teams play would get the g-men in the superbowl this year.next.,just magnificent.jerry reese is an amazing GM.im all in too AJ.im so incredibly happy for giants fans around the nation today.these new york giants are truly blessed with talent,heart and determination that truly make them the true warriors of the NFL.god bless this new york giants team and there coaching staff,the best is still to come.
Hey Bobby – I live in Eagles country and it is so great driving around today with my Giants flag on my car. Gotta love it!
Watch out for those jealous Philly fans buddy. They love to hate more then they love to love lol
I have a few people who watch my back for me:).
Go GGGGGGGG Men!
Got to love that A.J.keep that flag flying.i live in south florida and you would never believe how many patriots fans are down here.all you see is boston mass,license plates.i have nygiants plates on my car and i have the nygiants hats on my back seat,watch out for those philly fans,there not as classy as g-men fans lol.sorry it took so long to get back A.J.,seems like the flood gates opened up on the comment boards after the g-men won the championship game.
I was thinking the same thing and simultaneously thinking that the group still needs improvement. Thomas was so on point last night and the whole team better buy him something nice for his effort. We still have one game to go but what a night it was to be a Giants fan. Total team effort and no egos.
Excellent analysis as usual Rob!
Unreal! That’s the only word I can sum up our season since THAT block by JPP against the Cowboys. What were the odds on us annihilating before and behind us as we ready ourselves to take on the Patriots? You put it perfectly saying even Hollywood couldn’t have made it up!
There’s no point naming out individuals because every single player made an invaluable contribution. The game was just over at around 4 a.m. my time but could I hell sleep afterwards! Here’s to Eli outplaying Brady AGAIN and us beating the Patriots AGAIN in the Superbowl!
Hey Pat – you must be in the UK! I saw last years Eagle game when I was over there (visiting my daughter). I agree about this being a real team effort!!
Hey ajcnj56, I’m in Ireland actually. I’m hoping to go to the NFL game at Wembley next season (Patriots vs. Rams) as long as the Giants win (I’d hate to hear from those NE fans if we lose!) although I echo Rob’s confidence in that the team can and should go all the way. Hopefully Dan Rooney can pull some strings too and get an NFL game in Croke Park, Ireland in the not too distant future!
Hey Pat – My wife’s family is from Ireland, near Dublin. During the last SB run my daughter was spending her semester abroad and actually helped organize a SB party at a pub near where she was living. She actually got the pub owner to stay open and he was very much into it. She and her friends provided the food. You can imagine the time and the pub owner was very gracious to provide the drinks! We are hoping someday to visit Ireland. I would love to see the NFL expand over there, but I think the real “football” has too much a following to ever get a succesful franchise over there. Maybe someday!
I am pretty excited about this game, it is tough to beat Bill 3 times in a row, but I think this team can do it!
Thats one of the coolest stories I’ve ever heard AJ. Good for them and lets hope they do it again this year for Big Blue!
Thanks it was fun to be texting with my daughter after the last win in 2007!
Good news, plenty of pubs in Galway, Ireland where I am, are extending their opening hours especially for the game! Slowly but surely the NFL will take over the world!
It’s wonderful to hear we have a reader from Ireland! What made you become an NFL fan?
Hey Pat, thanks for the compliment buddy. I have no voice today like so many other Giants fans who watched that game. I also completely agree with your comment about this being a total team effort and everyone contributing and doing their jobs. I’m very proud to be a Giants fan. I also think we can beat the Patriots, I don’t want to get overconfident or talk trash about the game but I feel really good about our chances of getting another ring.
I got to sleep around 430 am eastern time in florida patrick,i was so jazzed up after a big blue championship victory,and had to watch every sports media show on direct tv into the wee hours.great to see the g-men back in the superbowl.and your right how this was a true team victory patrick.looking at eli and the g-men with the mud and there warrior performance throughout that fierce battle,all i could think of was the movie braveheart.great to have big blue back in the superbowl and i know this nygiants team is all in.
When 11 men come together as 1 on special teams,offense and defense,this is the true definition of team.this is new york giants football.
You’re right on the money Bobby! By the way, it’s ok to reply to some of the other guys here who speak to you lol AJ replied to your comment. I’m not sure if you have been seeing them or not. Have a good day buddy!
I thought i was only allowed to talk to you rob,lol.i just now got back to patrick and A.J..its nice to have all this back and fourth with the big blue fans.happy days my friend.
lol I was just saying that because I figured you might have missed them talking to you buddy, there is no censorship on this website and all are welcome to talk amongst yourselves lol.
Great platform for all of us to share our common addiction!
Thanks AJ!
Absolutely, i cannot agree more.great forum,and how cool is it that this site just started before the start of the 2011 nfl season.i remember us all talking about the lockout and if we would even have a season,remember guys.then free agency went wild sending all of these superstars around the league and we were all wondering when one would land in a nygiants uniform lol.and now we are here with our ny football giants in the superbowl again.what an amazing ride its been all season.i know were all in and ready for another nygiants superbowl victory.thanks for this place where we all could go and talk about our nygiants,its been incredible.
Hey Bobby, thanks Buddy! We actually launched this site in March 2010 before the 2010 season but I think you meant commenting on the site lol. We will have our 2 year anniversary this March 6th, crazy but true lol. Last year I interviewed Steve Smith for the anniversary special and I’m working on another for this year. I’m so excited that we’re back in the Super Bowl and look forward to all of our talks here on the site.
GO GIANTS!!
wOW,im a johnny come lately.i thought the site only started about 7 months ago.sorry about that buddy.i guess better late then never lol.but now that i think about it,thats when all the blogs stopped on giants.com.anyway,im so glad you started it and that i found you guys.its been a great friendly experience.great job to all of you at nygiants reporter.i know this nygiants team is truly blessed and i feel really good about the superbowl.looking forward to our predictions for the scores.i might throw mine out there thursday night.
Thanks very much Bobby! I’m sticking to my final score prediction of a Giants win 38-27.
I dont like the bi-week before the superbowl.i know a few g-men need some R and R,but im a big advocate of continuing on the roll big blue is on,we dont want any rust on our big blue players.i also dont like that im hosting a superbowl party and my wife and i are the only ny giants fans.the others are titans fans.but i opened my big mouth and said if the g-men make it in,i will cook and have them over.maybe its a good thing,they were over when the g-men won in 07.anyway,i know the g-men will be all business on superbowl sunday and ready for anything the pats throw at them.i remember when the g-men had there bi-week this season and you asked, what will giants fans be doing while big blue is off on sunday.my answer this bi-week is, i will be waiting for next sunday lol.all kidding aside,i will be trudging the mall with the wife.so like i said,waiting for next sunday lol.
I agree but they need the bye week to do all of the hype (like we need it). I think it interrupts the flow and mojo the Giants created but they will be fine. We actually do have a few players that need the rest. I can’t wait for Sunday to get here either buddy!
Rob – I just love this forum. I also follow the Scout.Com forum page, but your insight is definitely the best.
Not sure if you picked up my twitter comment, but everyone is talking about the pats win streak. I took a look at who they played and the winning record of those teams was 62-82. They also only played against one QB who was rated no higher than 12th in the league based upon the NFL.com QB rating. His name was Matt Moore…..MATT MOORE!!
I think this is going to be a very very tough game, and the pats scare me, especially with the way they are talking about how good the Giants are (quotes yesterday from BB, Brady, Wilfork and McCourty).
#ALLIN
[…] Playoffs NFL Week 20: Giants vs. 49ers, Game Notes (nygreporter.com) […]