NFL Week 14: Giants vs. Cowboys, Game Notes

December 12, 2011

NEW YORK – The game last night was something to see. It was hands down the best and most exciting game of the year for Big Blue. The Giants pulled out the win 37-34 in a battle. There were a ton of lead changes and despite the horrible calls by the refs, the Giants found a way to win. They are now in first place of the NFC East and control their own playoff destiny. The G-Men will need to win one of the two upcoming games against the Redskins or Jets and then they need to win the final game of the year against the Cowboys in MetLife stadium. Actually, all three of their final games will be played in MetLife stadium (Giants stadium), even though the Jets game is considered a home game for Sanchez and company.

The first half was up and down with both teams scoring at will. They went into the locker room with Dallas leading 17-15. The Giants got a rare safety for 2 points and those were the first points on the board for either team. The second half was much of the same with both teams scoring a lot and taking advantage of the depleted defensive squads. The heart attack Giants won this game in the final two minutes and Manning notched his sixth 4th quarter comeback victory of the season. Dallas had a chance to send the game into overtime but a blocked FG by Jason Pierre-Paul put an end to all of that.

Let’s take a look at my notes from the game.

QB Eli Manning – Easy Eli had a terrific game once again and has eclipsed the 4,000 yard passing mark for a third straight year. He finished with 400 yards 2 TD’s 1 INT. He should make the Pro Bowl.

RB Brandon Jacobs – Brandon the Bull was playing like a mad man last night. He finished with 101 yards and 2 TD’s. Nice job Brandon!

WR Hakeem Nicks – Nicks had a great game too and was pulling down everything thrown his way. He finished with 157 yards 0 TD’s.

DE Jason Pierre-Paul – I’m convinced that JPP is not from earth. He gets my game ball and single handedly saved the Giants season. He finished with 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 blocked punt. He also led the entire defense in tackles. Wow!

LB Michael Boley – Every time I saw a Cowboys player get rocked, I saw Boley bouncing up from the ground. The guy is awesome and finished second on the team in tackles.

WR Mario Manningham – Super Mario made his presence known with 62 yards and 1 TD. Way to go Mario!

S Antrel Rolle – The hard hitting safety was making plays out there and doing his best against the speedy Dallas WR’s.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw – AB was shut down for the first half for a team violation. He finished with 12 yards. Well below my prediction of a big game. He will be fine and ready to go next week.

DT Chris Canty – Canty’s return to Dallas wasn’t a warm and fuzzy reunion. He made some plays out there and finished with 1 sack.

LB Jacquian Williams – I saw this kid making a lot of plays out there. I saw him miss a few too but he is outstanding for a rookie thrown into the fire. He has a bright future in New York.

CB Prince Amukamara – Prince is still learning the system and getting his feet under him. He finished third on the defense in tackles.

TE Jake Ballard – Big Jake is the real deal and Manning’s favorite safety valve. He finished with 52 yards and 1 TD.

S Deon Grant – The crafty veteran had a solid game once again and finished with 1 fumble recovery.

LB Mathias Kiwanuka – Kiwi is fast for a guy his size. You don’t realize how big he is from the way he flies around on the field. He had a great game.

WR Victor Cruz – Cruz finished second on the team in receiving and had 82 yards. That’s a good game by most standards.

CB Aaron Ross – Ross continues to do his best while filling in for Terrell Thomas. He made some plays out there against Dallas.

DE Justin Tuck – Tuck left the game in the first half with an injured toe but returned. He had a decent game but can play better.

P Steve Weatherford – This guy is Mr. Consistency. Fans are glad this is one area of the team that is no longer an issue. Good job Steve!

K Lawrence Tynes – Tynes had a good game and finished with 2 FG’s. He also made all 3 of his extra point attempts.

Giants Offense – The offense had a great game and won the shoot out against the Cowboys. Eli Manning is playing out of his mind right now.

Giants Defense – It’s no secret that the injury riddled Giants defense has become the achilles heel. They are doing their best with who they have.

Giants Special Teams – The special teams blocked a FG that gave the G-men the win. I would say they did a good job in this game.

What did you think about the Giants performance against the Cowboys?

RD – nygreporter.com

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12/8/11 Christmas DAC Day 8, Sunday Night Fever

December 8, 2011

NEW YORK – The New York Giants will play the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Texas. To say this is an important game would be an understatement. The Giants have no choice but to sweep the Cowgirls…huh hum, I mean the Cowboys or face another year without the playoffs. I wish I could say that I am confident the Giants can pull this task off but I’m not. I have to be honest with my readers and myself. The Giants are more likely to miss the playoffs this year, then they are to make it back. Let me explain why I feel like this and let me be clear, the Giants always have a shot to pull off the miracle because of QB Eli Manning. However, winning three out of the next four games will be extremely tough for Big Blue.

OK Giants fans, it’s time for some reality and serious reflection on the current situation. The Giants offense is ranked 9th in the NFL overall but that is only because of the passing game which ranks 4th. The Giants rushing game is ranked 29th (ouch!). It gets even worse on defense where the Giants passing defense is ranked 28th, while the rushing defense is ranked 23rd. The Giants overall defense is ranked 29th (ouch!) Elite teams won’t need much time in the video room to realize that you have to stop Eli Manning to win a game. It is no secret that the Giants have fallen down the rankings because of injuries and not the poor play of first string athletes. It has been this way with injuries for 3 straight years now.

DAC Fact

Did you know the Giants were purchased for only $500 dollars back in 1925 by the Giants original owner Tim Mara? As of 2010, the New York Giants are reportedly worth $1.3 billion dollars (according to Forbes estimates). Not a bad investment huh?

Will the New York Giants sweep the Dallas Cowboys this year?

RD – nygreporter.com

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Eli Manning Using Brains to Cruz through Elite Player Rankings

November 17, 2011

NEW YORK – Hello Giants fans, I would hate myself down the road if I didn’t write something about QB Eli Manning and Victor Cruz, right now. The numbers simply don’t lie. Manning is an elite NFL QB, period. Add to that, WR Victor Cruz is emerging as an elite NFL WR in his own right. I won’t use words like staggering or gargantuan (I so very rarely get to use that word in a sentence, thanks QT) but I will say that both Manning and Cruz have been steady and strong, quietly climbing up the rankings and everyone can see it now. They have proven to be resilient, just like this 2011 Giants team.

Let me give you a breakdown of Cruz, look at what he has done this year versus established and elite NFL WR’s. The passing game is going so well that the running game has suffered a bit.

Giants WR Victor Cruz is ranked 8th in the NFL for receiving yards. Who are some of the elite players at WR that are below Cruz? Well let’s see, there is WR Roddy White, WR Reggie Wayne, WR Dwayne Bowe, WR Vincent Jackson, WR Marques Colston, WR Anquan Boldin, WR DeSean Jackson and the list goes on and on, including a guy you may know named Hakeem Nicks. He is also tied for 5th place in the NFL for most WR TD’s (4). You have to remember that Cruz is doing this from a No.2 or No.3 WR position. Those other WR’s mentioned are No.1 WR’s including Nicks, who is the Giants No.1 WR. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t see this coming because I did. I noticed Cruz immediately in training camp WR Victor Cruz, No.80 – photographs This was in 2010 up at the University of  Albany. The New Jersey native just had something, he was out there catching everything and making plays. I have been watching Cruz from that moment until now.

He is playing so well, that he has become relevant in fantasy football. Now that is really saying something and a testament to quality performances on the field. On top of everything, he is a great guy off the field. What more could you ask for from a young and talented wide receiver? Hate it or love it, Victor Cruz is playing on an elite level right now. The numbers don’t lie and he should be voted into the Pro Bowl. I can’t wait to see what he does against the Eagles on Sunday night.

Cruz was at Juliet Supper Club in New York this week when a shooting occurred and killed one man in the place. Cruz was with a few other Giants players celebrating a birthday (no Giants were injured). I think that put things in perspective for him about going out and seeing how your life can change in a moment. Look at WR Plaxico Burress as a perfect example. Right or wrong, Burress went to jail for a few years and that’s the way that story ends. The wrong place at the wrong time can even get you killed. Players cannot stop living their lives over these occurrences but it should keep them on their toes and making smart choices.

QB Eli Manning won’t win the NFL MVP like I’ve said before, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers seems a lock for that this year. But Manning does belong in the Pro Bowl and I hope that puts the story to bed. Do another Top 100 player list and see where Manning is ranked this year. He is playing very smart football right now and players like WR Victor Cruz and TE Jake Ballard are benefitting from his evolution. WR Hakeem Nicks and WR Mario Manningham are two more dangerous weapons that Manning has in the mix. The Iron man is simply phenomenal and I’m glad he is our quarterback. QB Eli Manning, No.10 – photographs

RD – nygreporter.com

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You can tell by this TV promo for NBC Sunday Night Football (11/20/11 at 8:20 PM EST) that Giants QB Eli Manning is not playing around this year and has grown into a man who commands respect. The Giants play the Eagles in what should be a classic divisional battle, between two teams that really dislike each other. Get ready for some action Sunday Night!