The Giants' December slump
by Raul Villaronga on Dec 3, 2009 6:27 AM CST
Email
PrintYeah, you read it right.
While the media is focused on reminding the free world that Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys have an abysmal record in December - you know, the month that sees them slide - nobody else gets that treatment.
So what? It's well deserved? Maybe. Or Maybe not.
We all have read stories about How the Cowboys can avoid their December demons, or how December beckons: Cowboys and Romo must rise above history, yet that is not tell the only story to tell.
In a stunning comparison, the New York Giants - yes, the ones the Cowboys play this week in the Meadowlands, are quite similar.
| Cowboys | Giants | |
| 2006 | 2-3 | 2-3 |
| 2007 | 2-2 * | 3-2 |
| 2008 | 1-3 | 1-3 |
The asterisk for 2007 is because the Cowboys only had 4 games because they played (and defeated) the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, November 29. But who's nit-picking.
This year's Cowboys team is more of just that - a team. Everybody is playing for everyone else. Three better than serviceable running backs all happy when the other excels. A stable of receivers who know that their quarterback will spread the ball around enough so that, while no individual statistics are shining, the sum of the whole can show a powerful game. A defense infused with new blood that has been improving since week 2.
No, this is not your Dallas Cowboys of the recent past.
Here's hoping the results of December, and hopefully January and February, play out as such.
Another user-created commentary provided by a BTB reader.
156 comments
|
4 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Thank you
I pointed out the Giants december slide of last year several teams when everyone was picking them to win the SB last August. Manning is not the QB his salary suggests and they miss Plax more than they would ever admit.
Great post.
we really ...really don't miss Plaxico
that’s a horse that is decomposing with grass growing around it.
The problem is the running game. And no, teams are not 8 in the box against the Giants.
Brandon Jacobs has been pussified, the O-Line has taken a few steps back too, whether by injury or just flat out decline.
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 3, 2009 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
True
Bradshaw’s health means more to the outcome of the game that probably any other Giant’s.
Cause he [Bradshaw] could get teams to play 8 in a box with a hot start
Jacobs doesn’t inspire that fear right now.
true.
but AB really hasn’t been anything like that since the Oakland game, where he has a stress reaction (like Eli) in his foot that could snap at any second.
It really all hinges on Jacobs. He’s not himself for whatever reason. A good running game for the Giants would alleviate a lot of their problems, even on defense cuz it keeps them off the field.
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 3, 2009 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
That's what I would have said as well
Jacobs is not running as well a he used to, but the line is also a small degree less effective. Combined they have limited your offensive options. The question is how much of a trend is this – is this beginning of a decline or just a blip on the screen? I’d be most concerned about Jacobs, I think. RBs tend to never recover once that slide begins…
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
yep. Can't recall how long Earl Campbell lasted
but even Jim Brown had had enough after, what, 5-6 years? Big physical backs take a pounding, even if they’re “winning” on most of those collisions.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
and he was
pro bowler 9 times, 1st team all pro 8 times,2nd team all pro 1 time,rush avg 5.2 yds per carry and he is a member of the Football HOF and the Lacrosse HOF. I think he was the greatest RB ever. I got to see him play in the Cotton Bowl in 1963 and he ran all over the Boys.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
Oh yeah, he was greatness.
I just thought he left when he could still have played because he was tired of the pounding.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
plus
he didn’t get paid like they do now. Wonder if he would have kept playing if they got paid back then? My guess is that he would have
Yes I think so too.
He was making movies in off season and making big money. That is the reason he hung it up in his prime. If he played now he would the best RB in the NFL. IMO
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
Was it that long? I couldn't remember.
You’re right, though. Brown could still have played. Campbell couldn’t.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
That's a good point.
Which is why I questioned resigning Barber.
He hasn’t been the same since he got his contract.
Just like Jacobs.
I don't see lack of effort from Barber.
I see a guy that benefited from coming into games in the 2nd half against tired defenses in 2007. He racked up big YPC numbers, and was extremely effective in that role. The following year, he was the guy, which is a more more difficult role, and his production slipped. But I don’t think it was an “I got my money” thing.
As for Jacobs, I don’t know what the hell is wrong with him. Looks a completely different player.
Unless they carved his contract out of
concrete and beat him in the feet and legs with it, there is no connection between the two events.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
I think Brown lasted 9 years
Earl Campbell took a beating and is paying for it..What a shame.
yeah.......
have you seen pics of Earl? He looks really old when in actuality he’s only about 55 yrds. old. What a running back but he took waaaayyyy too many hits.
The..well part of the problem is..
The Giants line was built to run-block first, pass blocking was an afterthought..Now we think we have a passing frenzied team..and it has been a disaster..Jacobs helped open holes by lowering the boom on defenders until they couldn’t take it anymore..then he would just run to daylight..Now he tries to take his 265 pound body outside…and believe it or not that is what the coaches wanted him to do because we lost Ward to FA. When a pass play was called, the O-line considered that a coffee break..Our DC and OC..are awful..
Yeah, we have no idea how that feels.
Been there done that.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
but yea, I agree the December slump for the Giants is not harped on nearly enough...
but that’s because they’ve overcome it once…while the Cowboys haven’t shaken their December woes.
The Eli thing….Only way I’d pay him less is if the extra money would help the O-Line block, Jacobs run north and south…and maybe someone on defense make a damn play.
..i.e. Eli’s been worth it…its everyone else that’s taken a dump.
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 3, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
I don't really like Eli, but every qb looks like crap behind a bad O-line.
Troy Aikman can attest to that. I don’t think Eli or Romo would be the same as Brees behind his line, but I bet the Win Loss record would be pretty similar to his.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
which the main reason Brees looks so awesome
Great OLs can make qbs look really good.
In Romo we Trust
it's not entirely Brees line.......
Brees does have a good line, but he buys himself time by moving around in the pocket too. Plus, he releases the football very quickly which makes it hard to get a sack on him. Ya gotta give Brees a lot of credit too
absolutely
I never Brees isn’t great, but my point is that really good qbs can do what Brees is doing if they get time to throw and when they do it means the OL is doing a great job.
In Romo we Trust
Yep
Eli looks all world when he has time and average when he doesn’t. But I do find it strange that the sports media is slow to point out things like line play. Guess it’s not sexy enough.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
wouldn't that be any QB?
Tho I gotta say, Eli’s been under pressure all year. He moves around the pocket very well.
he’s just been getting sacked now and teams are putting 7-8 guys in coverage (and still getting sacks).
He’s actually been pretty damn good under pressure…when they have a quick pass called or lob one up deep.
When they go to an intermediate route, like a 10-12 yard out…against the blitz, that’s where Eli’s struggled.
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 4, 2009 12:18 PM CST up reply actions
Lol we know thats true.
After Aikman and before Romo Dallas had the market corner on QBs that suck.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
I agree...
and that’s why guys like Eli and Romo deserve more credit than they get.
….cuz there’s guys like Dave Brown and Quincy Carter that suck no matter what (tho sometimes, even a broken clock is right twice a day….)
"It ain't over till its over"---
I always find in funny that Cowboy fans
(and Eagles fans for that matter) throw the QB under the bus so quickly, like he’s the sole reason for failure (and success too..)
"It ain't over till its over"---
I think the Philly fans are harder on
McNabb. Most of the Cowboys fans like Romo. It’s that anything Romo does in his privite life is TMZ like covered. But alot of that he brought on himself being Hollywood.
How bout dem Frogs!!!!
Why are you leaving Giants fans out of the conversation?
After the SB win, Eli received more fans, but there’re still some guys that don’t like him as much.
It’s certainly a minority, but such as the one that we have in here.
Viva México! Go Cowboys!
this is true.
I guess I’m really refering to this year.
After all these 3 have accomplished in their career..all 3 have struggled at points this year.
I’ve heard not much at all of bashing Eli this season…yet during the times this season that McNabb and Romo have struggled this season, people wanted their heads on a platter.
But yea, your right, over his career, Eli has been thrown under the bus too
"It ain't over till its over"---
oooohhhh, this is nice!
And get this:
Eli’s rating in December (06-08): 73.8. Tony’s: 71.9
Elis Sept-Nov (06-08): 80.8. Tony: 107.3
It must all be the QB’s faults!
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 3, 2009 6:43 AM CST reply actions
That's a far lesser dropoff, don't you think?
The Cowboys were built around Romo much more than the Giants were built around Manning. Or, put another way, the Giants were more prepared to handle Eli’s turnovers than the Cowboys were Romo’s. A 7 point drop off is not nearly as drastic a difference as 35. Which do you think is harder to overcome, your QB playing a little worse but basically the same, or your QB playing far, far worse?
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 3, 2009 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
Fair point
but what actually surprised me is that Eli’s ‘fair weather’ ratings are so low – I had never looked at his stats in detail before. That’s a big contract they gave a 77.9 career passer, the ring notwithstanding.
by One.Cool.Customer on Dec 3, 2009 12:17 PM CST up reply actions
absolutely agree
But also take note in that we have held our qb to a different, higher standard than Eli, and we NEED him to play well to win games which is why that dropoff is so significant.
What is the sack number during those games?
As attrocious as Romo was I remember the rest of the offense was not very spectacular either.
"Help, it's hot and dark in here and someone is laughing." Taco Bell
Small nit-pick here...
The Giants were more like 1-2 in December last year. In the regular season finale last year, since they already had home field wrapped up, they played their JV team, and narrowly lost to the Vikings.
Another minor nit-pick...
I’ve always felt the Cowboys’ recent December woes date back to 2005, when they were 7-4 heading into December, then went 2-3 and missed the playoffs. That year, the Giants went 4-1 in December and made the playoffs (only to be shut out 23-0 in the first round against the Panthers).
This week's BFO(Blinding Flash of Obviousness)
Is the Cowboys set up their DEC/rest of the season with this game. To go 2-3 or 3-2 down the stretch after losing Game 1 with 2 Division leaders, 2 NFC East games upcoming would be the toughest of challenges. In reality, the ‘Desperate Team’ factor applies to both:
- NY is desperate Not to Fail for the season
- DAL is desperate to succeed in light of past failures
The Cowboys ‘fly under the radar’ or get no repect because seemingly every time they are anointed The Next Great Thing over the last several years, they stumble. And this has had a hangover effect on the reputations of Romo, WP and Garrett. From the MSM to the most ardent DAL devotee, we’re not going to completely ‘buy in’ until they demonstrate they are worth the faith. It is a delicious irony that this year, the Gnats are the team stumbling since being awarded the Vince Lombardi trophy after Week 5.
Always be more than you appear and never appear to be more than you are
how are we doing on the injury front
colombo could come back for the playoffs
this may be the last game hamlin misses
sensa, romo, ware, witten have minor injuries that have them listed as probable
any other injuries of note?
The real reason for Decmber failures (at least what I think it is, anyway)
The Cowboys have problems taking bad penalties at the worst possible time. Hands to the face call negates a long pass. Third and 3 becomes third and 8 on a false start. A holding call, away from the ball, negates a big third down stop on defense.
On offense, these are drive killers. On defense, they allow the opposition to extend a drive. The Cowboys are a talented football team. Talent can overcome these problems in October and November. But in December, good football teams play with very few mistakes. Moreover, they capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes.
The Cowboys have yet to eliminate this problem. And until they do, the chances for a successful December and a playoff win will continue to elude them. Just my opinion.
Aye, and look at our bleeping schedule.
Three division games and Nawlins and Chargers. But as others have said, if we’re a good team, a playoff caliber team, a championship caliber team, we’ll have a good December. I’m cautiously optimistic because of the defense.
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
I really don't care about past decembers
We’ve had injuries, bad teams etc to blame that crap on….it really doesn’t matter. It’s gone……what I’m worried about now is this:
1. The schedule from here on is simply brutal. @NYG, SD, @NO, @Wash, Philly. Brutal…..we have to win the three games against the NFC East rivals and we’re in good shape to win the division.
2. Even if we win and make it….I think there is a lot of distance between NO and Minnesota against the rest of the NFC rivals….Dallas, Philly, NYG, ATL, whoever makes it will just have to play a perfect game to beat those teams.
I wouldn't count out GB either.......
something about Rodgers always makes me a little nervous. I guess his unpredictability when he moves around in the pocket. He can look awful one minute and then burn you the next. I wouldn’t write off AZ either if Warner comes back healthy. With Leinert, I don’t see it happening.
I figure, probably like most of us here, to win the division...
we need to win 3 of the last 5, two of those wins vs. the NFC East.
however, i see the Giant game as like 1.5 games… not in the standings but for our confidence level, a win there pretty much burries the Giants (with their remaining schedule it would be a tough road back) and of coures keep us ahead of Philly (who should win easily this weekend) by a game.
a loss there is not the end by any means, but it makes the division REAL interesting…
we are not going to catch NO, even if we beat them and probalby won’t catch Minnesota unless we go 5 and 0 the rest of the way… which i think is unrealistic given our schedule.
and p.s i will take a home playoff game vs. Atlants or Green Bay in a heart beat as opposed to a road game OR a home game vs. Philly.
The Cowboys are bashed because they haven't overcome their drop off.
As FreeBradshaw said above, they Giants and other teams that don’t have winning Decembers aren’t faulted as much because they have gone on to win playoff games afterward. The Cowboys haven’t been able to accomplish that yet, so when they start playing poorly in December, it has defined their season.
In all likelihood, wins over the Giants and Eagles will win us the division, even if we lose the other 3. If that happens and Dallas goes 2-3, has a losing December record, and wins a playoff game finally, that will be enough to put this to bed for most people. If they go 5-0 and then lose in the playoffs, on the other hand, people will still think they can’t close a season out.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 3, 2009 12:03 PM CST reply actions
Not only that but we’ve beat them in December the last…4 times we’ve played them?
08 – yes.
07 – yes.
06 – yes (Gramatica winner)
05 – yes??
Hawkeyes n Cowboys. Bleeding Black, Gold, Sliver and Blue since 1987.
07 Cowboys beat Giants in November
and in 05 Giants beat Cowboys in December at Giants Stadium. Giants sacked Drew Bledsoe like 5 or 6 times he just stood there.
that 05 game was a heartbreaker
giants sacked bledsoe (nearly immediately after he snapped the ball) on one of the first plays of the second half, bledsoe fumbled and it was returned for a td. It may’ve even been on a handoff actually. After that, we were playing comeback and couldn’t get over the hump.
Yea it was Pierce
that ran it in. Awsome game for me (GIants fan) I was there. Typicall Defensive game. I think the final was 17-10. . . Eli was awful that day threw like 3 picks one that set up Cowboys TD but Bledsoe had no time at all. Ahhh the memories, the Giants current defense is a shell of that one.
Aaron Glenn...
owned…OWNED plaxico burress that game.
December
I think one of our plusses for this year is that we are healthier than we have been for a few seasons. Let us give them a heavy dose of running game, and then the play action. Also Tony keep the ball! One more thing they are showing the game here in the UK.
Go Cowboys!!!!!!
Is ESPN in Europe?
I know they call themselves the “worldwide leader in sports,” but I was just wondering.
we were healthy in 07 and mostly in 06
although 07 doesn’t follow the normal december decline – we really had one loss and that wa when romo injured his thumb and couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn against philly. The rest of the team played great that day so i find it hard to say our team played poorly.
Usually the teams with the best defenses dominate December
I think our defense this season is much better in seasons past which is why I think this December will be much diiferent for the Boys.
In Romo we Trust
I have a question for you guys..
Who on earth is this “RomoHomo” guy?..What an irritating fool..and where did he get THAT id?..I say we filter out and ban all assholes from our sites..If you want to talk fan football fine..If you want to be an ass about it.. get lost..These morons on these sites, all of them, clog things up for people like us that just want to find out how we feel about our teams and toss them back and forth like intelligent fans..I would have to think that you guys feel the same..I say ban the scum from all of our sites..I don’t mind the rivalry jazz but some of it comes from fools who wouldn’t know a football from a soccer ball.
you have to understand bobbi
there are a lot of Romo haters on this blog…as sad as that is to comprehend. They all want him to be like Aikman and Staubach, but how soon they forget the likes of Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson, Ryan Leaf, Clint Sterner, Vinny Testeverde and Drew Bledsoe.
It’s really sad he doesn’t get more love from a lot of fans.
In Romo we Trust
Romo has just as many
wins in the playoffs as the Cowboys QB as the guys you listed.
Quincy Carter, Chad Hutchinson, Ryan Leaf, Clint Sterner, Vinny Testeverde and Drew Bledsoe.
So what’s your point. You do realize which class he’s in. Don’t you.
as one of the biggest Romo haters on the blog
your hatred spew doesn’t surprise me. Got news for you, Aikman and Staubach don’t have playoff wins either, the Cowboys teams they played for has playoff wins, big difference.
And if you honestly think Romo belongs in that group, you’re more of a hater than I thought, Tex better move over.
In Romo we Trust
OK, you take one of them, and I'll take Romo
How many playoff games did the Cowboys play in with those guys? OK, Quincy was in one Parcells’ first year. You’ve got to get to the playoffs to win in the playoffs.
So what’s your point?
"We'll see." --Bill Parcells
Don't forget we had Tony Banks for a little bit, too
I think we cut him, or he retired during the summer after Aikman was done. We also had Randall Cunningham for a bit.
if memory serves me........
cause it’s been a really long time, but didn’t both Aikman and Cunningham get hurt during Aikman’s last season. Therefore, that’s when Anthony Wright came in?
I don't think Banks played in a regular season game
I think he was cut during training camp, ushering in the Quincy Carter era
Lifetime Cowboys Fan from the Swamps of Jersey
I don't think he is meaning to be dirogatory or a Romo hater...just a Romosexual!
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 4, 2009 11:41 AM CST up reply actions
He posts on other blogs more than he does here.
I first became aware of him after the Atlanta game, when I was on their board. You seem pretty classy and I like to think that most of the regulars here are too, but there are always those fans of your team that make you facepalm.
by Baked Potato Soup on Dec 3, 2009 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks Baked..There are alot of them all over the internet..
I just like talking to real true fans..I don’t mind giving each other the business a little bit but for crying out loud..some of these nutheads cross the respect line..I haven’t actually seen a post out here in your site from that guy..His userid should be banned..“RomoHomo” you guys should have Rafael tell him..that is downright disrespectful..to your team first, and the non-sense he spews out on other sites, disgraceful…
..and I'll add this..
I want my Giants to succeed, but bottom-line I want whoever in the NFC East that is the best team to represent our Division and do it well..Frankly, our Division looks like a bunch of windbags..All of them..That is not what the NFC East is supposed to be.
?
really Bobbi……
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 3, 2009 10:08 PM CST up reply actions
Eli is injured.
That’s the problem with the Giants.
They were 5-0 before he hurt his foot.
The rest is history.
The defense..
Your right..has been a huge disappointment..they are just playing awful..
No, he hurt his foot in training camp..
He has been playing with it all season..Now it is down to a stress reaction..Risky, but he won’t be sidelined.
Did you see the play.
When he aggravated the injury.
No one complained about the defense or the fact they were missing Plax before his injury.
You can have your own opinion but your not entitled to your own facts.
The stats don’t lie. .
Before 5-0. Since 1-5. The defense did not just fall off the map.
I guess you forgot how Mannigham destroyed our secondary that first game.
All the league was talking about were the Giants young receivers and how they were not missing Plax.
You tell me what happened Genius.
Your not kidding they did Terry..
We’d be better off with William Shatner as DC..at least they would know what Planet their on.
I guess you're just speaking the language of the deal...
You can do a lot of things in life. You can't stab a teammate with a pair of scissors. - Kevin Smith
He will probably come around
It’s a tough thing to walk into – Osi is playing a lower level, Tuck is hurt, they haven’t gotten as much production from the depth they thought they brought in, you’ve lost DBs and your play caller at MLB… it’s a lot even for an experienced DC.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
+1
but they also miss a healthy tuck, peirce, ross, canty, boley….and kenny phillips’ injury completely changed everything. I thought for years the giants were an elite safety away from an elite D. They had that in Phillips…and just like that his career may be over.
Spags played a role though, for sure.
I heard Phillips being out for the season
but now possibly his caeer may be over? Haven’t heard that
Initially thats what was reported that it could be carrer threatning
thats why the GIants shut him down to have the surgery. Philps and his agent are insiting that it’s not but you’d expect that. A lot of Doctors have said he can play again but the bottom line is he will have no cartalidge in his knee which will be extremely painful. He can not even walk until 8 months after the surgery wich will be May. Even if he plays next year he will not be very effective (thought I’m sure he’ll be better than the current cast of charecters we have back there). Best scenerio for Kenny P is he’s able to play a couple of years at a high level but his carrer will not go much past 28 kinda like Bavaro. He’s only 22 now so hopefully for us Giant fans it woks out but I doubt it.
Shark..
Not sure if you are addressing this comment to me, but the facts are we beat you guys with two field goals from our idiot kicker..He had to make the same kick twice…the other four games were against poor performing teams..So yeah we went 5-0..That had nothing to do with Eli’s foot..Our defense is and has been playing like crap..It doesn’t take a ‘Genius’ to figure that out…Afterall, I’ve only been watching and following this sport for 47 years..We don’t miss Plax..I hope he straightens his life out and can get back in the game..My view on him is he is just like T.O…(at least T.O. was smart enough not to shoot himself in the balls)..Nothing but a pest and a distraction..Now you have Williams and this kid Austin who I really am impressed with..and I really like that Witten..Now if in fact you were calling me out as a Genius..I reallly appreciate that ..E=MC2..Daggone-it! eureka!!!
The injury was part of it...yea.
but as we’ve seen when he’s healthy, like he’s been since the Chargers game…the giants are 1-2.
Eli is not the problem with the Giants. He was a big part of the 5-0 yea, but the running game, defense and offensive line are the problems with the Giants.
"It ain't over till its over"---
What's our record against Philly in
Dec.
They are the team that closes well every year.
So the Giants don’t close well either even though they closed well enough to win three playoff games in a row on the road, including knocking out the 13-3 Cowboys, winning the Superbowl beating the 18-0 Patriots, and lets not forget the Giants have never choked there way out the playoffs like our team did in Philly last year.
It’s silly to compare if you ask IMHO but if it makes you sleep better at night. Have at it.
Hey Raf. Can’t wait till you compare our Dec to the Eagles.
Raf??
Really?
Congratulations Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com
by Raul Villaronga on Dec 3, 2009 6:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
to be fair
your names are relatively somewhat similar.
We're not Twin Sons of Different Mothers
A little Dan Fogelberg/Tim Weisberg reference…
Congratulations Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com
by Raul Villaronga on Dec 3, 2009 11:34 PM CST up reply actions
"Our"?
This ain’t Hogs Haven.
I saw a dog today. Have you seen a dog? You probably have. How was school? Was it fun? Did you get a lot of homework? Huh? Do you have any friends? Do you have a best friend? Does he have a big coat, too?
by Aaron Novinger on Dec 4, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
This December jazz..
It doesn’t amount to a hill of beans..It’s how a team did all year and do they have a shot at the playoffs..If they make it there it is a whole new season, the board gets erased and a new one starts…You guys have a tough schedule ahead you need to win as many as you can, but your in decent shape..If you play the Saints close and lose..that is not the end of the world..You need to beat us, the Eagles and Washington..If you lose to the Chargers and Saints, no big deal..that becomes “Film for Fodder”..Just like we did with New England..The team built confidence and learned from it..The Saints running game is hurting right now..so lady luck is going to be on your side so long as your secondary steps up and defends the passing attack..Your run defense will be key against the Chargers..and your secondary needs to swat down River’s passes..Do that and your a shoe-in..If you don’t do that, your still going to get to the Tourney.
These are some great points
The Giants really did dissect how to beat the Pats.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
You guys are like 27th in turnovers I believe..
Don’t sweat it…make sure the passes are swatted down.and the QB gets a spanking..that’s football in December..Need not worry about turnovers they are nice but don’t go overboard taking risks for them..Just make sure the QB know he has some visitors ready to welcome him and swat the balls down..Don’t risk giving up a big play.
The only reason why the Cowboys get ripped
for December is becasue they never won a playoff game since they became a good team again in 05 so to the media types playing poorley in December has to be the reason for them.
Like the stats show above the Giants have not been very good in December under TC but they had the Super Bowl run in 07 so nobody brings it up. In fact in the 6 years TC has been the Giants coach they have faded the second half of the year.
04 5-3 first half 1-7 seceond half
05 6-2 first half 5-3 second half (0-1 in Playoffs)
06 6-2 first half 2-6 second half (0-1 in playoffs)
07 6-2 first half 4-4 second half (4-0 Super Bowl Champs)
08 7-1 first half 5-3 second half (0-1 playoffs)
09 5-3 first half 1-? second half (Playoffs! . .. Playoffs! . . .you want to talk about the playoffs!)
Also
remember when Peyton was the “never could get it done” QB. It took him something like 5 or more years to win a playoff game, then could never win the “big one”. All that changes once you get a ring.
Congratulations Bob Hayes
"I played for the world's greatest professional sports team in history. Once a Dallas Cowboy, always a Dallas Cowboy." - Bob Hayes
http://www.bloggingtheboys.com
by Raul Villaronga on Dec 3, 2009 5:47 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
No Doubt
Obviously as a Giants fan I’m not a fan of Romo but I do think he gets a bad rap to some degree. With the national media he’s either the next comming or the biggest mut to ever put on pads they can’t just describe for what he his as a very good top 10 QB in the league that struggles a bit with consistancy and decsion making but overall is very good and better than the majority of QB’s in the league. I guess what I’m saying he’s been overrated at times and underaprcaited at others. Football is such a team sport it’s amazing how much crap the QB’s take. Go back to 07 the 3 Giants Cowboy games. In all 3 games both Eli and Romo play pretty well but after the November game Dallas won in Giants stadium the NY media killed Eli when the deciding factor in the Game was Dallas rushed the QB better and protected Romo better. The playoff game complete opposite Romo played fine but his O-line got tired and slow in the second half and he could not get off a pass because he had a Giant defender in his face on almost every passing play. Thats why the Giants won not because Romo chocked or went to Mexico. Sure it’s fun to make fun of Romo for that as a Giants fan but I’ve wathced the game about 10 times and that is not the case.
Wow.
The playoff game complete opposite Romo played fine but his O-line got tired and slow in the second half and he could not get off a pass because he had a Giant defender in his face on almost every passing play. Thats why the Giants won not because Romo chocked or went to Mexico. Sure it’s fun to make fun of Romo for that as a Giants fan but I’ve wathced the game about 10 times and that is not the case.
This is exactly how I remember it; ironic that it’s a Giants fan (with all due respect) pointing it out.
It comes down to the line of scrimage
it did in that playoff game and it always does, if you have a good to great QB and your line dominates you’ll win. Romo made one bad throw in that game he missed an open TO on a drive in the second half which forced the Cowboys to kick a FG and he took a grounding penality ofther than that he was fine. I think Romo also gets killed because the previous year in the playoffs he botched the EP that would have won the game and in 07 they were the 1 seed. 0-2 in the playoffs is not awful, Eli was 0-2 then he won 4 straight. Rolthisberger was AWFULin his first two playoff games in 04 he won the first one but he almost gave the game away. Peyton Manning was 0-3 before he won one. Tom Brady and Big Ben are the only QB’s with really good winning percentages in the playoffs. If your hovering around .500 for playoff record your doing fine. It’s so stupid I don’t even watch pregame stuff anymore becasue of moronic stories like that.
Great Post Raul
Good chat too. Bobbi, Landeta and Bradshaw make good points to see things from another point of view. Thank you Gentlemen. I still hope the Giants lose, but I’m sure it will be interesting to look at the game from both sides after the contest. Look forward to seeing more from you.
Thanks oldboysfan..I appreciate that..
It should be a good game..they always are..and I enjoy chatting with you guys also..The team that runs best will win..I hope we win but it will be fun talking about it no matter what happpens. Afterall, when you boil off the fat..it is just a game..The better executing team on Sunday will win..and we all will simply have enough things to complain about and comment on..I’m sure we’ll all be typing away afterwards..I just want it to be clean and fun..The majority of our fan bases are alot of fun to chat with..I’ve met a bunch of folks out here that I like and respect opinions from..It doesn’t get any better than this. I love football..the only bummer is the season is winding down..It’ll be over before we know it..Let’s all enjoy it.
Hey thanks for the shout-out
I knew there were some good Cowboys fans out there somewhere , , , ha ha. Just kidding you guys know your stuff here. I hate to say it but I have a feeling this game is like the game last year when you guys came limping in in Novemeber without Romo and the Giants were looking to lay the hammer execept the rolls are reversed. Like last year one team is banged up and lacks confidence while the other has the playoffs in site and is looking to make a push. I also think Dallas will be motivated by the week two loss that loss must of really stung (ha ha). I see Dallas running the ball all day and converted a high percentage of third down plays not as much to Austin but a lot to WItten. Giants will try to run but our O-line especailly the Guards have struggled and Ratliff is playing like an all-pro so he’ll kill the running game. God do I hope I’m wrong but I see Cowboys winning 24-10.
There is one point that goes missing in these stats
The Giants have just suffered injury after injury after injury starting around midseason every single year. They get brutalized by injuries. Meanwhile, we have stayed much more healthy comparaitively, which imo gives us less of an excuse.
But just looking at those stats…epecially looking at the Giants second halves every year….you’d be shocked they get such a pass from the media. Does 1 playoff run and 4 years of december failures and 3 years of early exits give them a free pass? Maybe I put more value in continued success (Philly) then one SB and a lot of quick exits (Giants)
I guess that's in the eye of the beholder.
While there’s no denying that aside from teh SB years, the Giants have essentially been the Cowboys as far as playoff success.
Of course you get a free pass. You don’t write off a SB year.
You don’t think that if in between the Cowboys playoff exits that at least a SB appearance was in there, that the whole talk about it wouldn’t be?
"It ain't over till its over"---
by FreeBradshaw on Dec 3, 2009 10:16 PM CST up reply actions
Agree and disagree
I hear what your saying about consitancy but the ultimate goal is a Super Bowl and it’s a very hard thing to accomplish and 4 straight playoff appearances is conistancy. And since 05 Philly has not been as consistant as in the past there big run was 01-04 and a lot of that had do with the fact NYG, DAL, and WASH were never any good. SInce 05 the East has gotten A LOT more competative and the GIants have actually been the most consistant until this year. I’d take 6 playoff appearances 3 division titles 2 conference titles and a Super Bowl title (Giants) over 7 playofff appearances 5 divsion tittles and one conference title (Eagles) in the 2000’s any day of the week.
I don’t know if you remeber but in no way were the Giants getting a free pass from the media in 06 or 07 and Coughlin was going be fired if he did not win a playoff in 07 well he won 4 and a Super Bowl so the playoff failures of the past kinda went away. Last year was dissapointing but considering how a lot of Super Bowl teams have failed to make the playoffs the following season the 08 GIants look good becasue they made a great run to try and repeat kinda like the 07 Colts. And yes the media does give you a free pass a bit when you win a tittle.
Yea injuries suck and Dallas seems to get the most breaks out of all of the NFC East teams but you guys got killed last year in the middle of the year with Romo out. Maybe if you have him and Felix Jones you beat the Rams and get into the playoffs. The Giants lucked out in 07 they had some big injuries, Ward Shockey and Kiwianuka all broke their legs and ended their season but we had guys to fill in. We already had 3 very good DE’s without Kiwi and the 3 rookies played great, Boss Smith and Bradshaw filling in for Shockey and Ward there was really no drop off and Smith give the GIants a different look in the playoffs that teams had not seen. This years GIants remind me a lot of last years Cowboys. High expectations after a dissapointing playoff loss and a little overrated going into the season. Throw in some bad injuries and bruised ego’s and you have what were seeing.
good stuff......
and I do remember how the media was trying to bury Coughlin. Were the fans really wanting him fired or was that a media concoction? It’s funny how winning cures all ills doesn’t it? For some odd reason, it does seem like the media has lightened up a little on Wade lately though. However, the next big thing that they are trying to stir up is the fact that Jerry hasn’t extended Wade’s contract. Kinda feel sorry for the guy.
Hey Tex..
No Coughlin was in fact on the verge of being fired..in ‘06..He had to plead his case and they kept him..He is really starting to take some heavy dosages of heat this year. I don’t think they’ll get rid of him, but I suspect there will be alot of changes on the coaching staff at the end of the season.
I wrote a post on Wade Phillips out here on another blog..I think that guy gets a bad rap..If you look at his record as a coach he has one of the highest winning percentages in the history of the game..I feel sorry for the guy…and he is publicly frustrated by not getting a vote of confidence from Jones..Going into this year he said he was going to get tougher on the players and it shows..The best thing Jones could do to help is pick up his option year..that is pressure the guy doesn’t need right now, he already has enough pressure to deal with.
A little bit of both
but more the media, they hated TC from the initial hire so they looked for any reason to run him out of town. Both the NY and national media hated him remember Terry Bradshaw called him a jerk on the air and Shannon Sharp made some comments. His old school ways and his tough personality did not blend well. The 06 season when the Giants really stumbled down the streatch but still made the playoffs the media all but had him gone. It’s amazing becasue that year injuries played a bigger part. Strhahn, Osi, Tuck, Arrington (not that he did much) Sam Madison, Toomer and Petiguite had series injuries and missed most if not all of the season but the media focused on how TC “lost the team”. THrow in Eli’s awful performance the secon half on the season was more about personal than coaching. He was then forced to get a new DC in 07 and he ligtened up a bit. I think both things helped that led to 07. It was amazing because he’s a good coach but in NY if you don’t have a good personality and answer questions in a funny way they hate you. Why do you think the NY media loves Rex Ryan and the Jets because he always gives a ridiculous answre.
Yes that is a good list of valid points Land
You’ll never hear idiotic comments from Coughlin, nor will you see the man cry his eyes out I thought he was going to be a good tough coach for the Jets..He’s actually a big mouth blubbering whimp teary eyed pussy.
"Im not here to kiss Belicecks Rings"
Beliceck probably said: “Okay Rex..Just kiss my ass”
yeah, it looks more and more.......
like the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Rex seems to be very much like his jerk dad-Buddy. He’s the one that started all the extreme hate between the Cowboys and Eagles. He was such a jerk to Tom Landry, one of the classiest coaches to ever coach the game
I agree the New York
Media has been relatively easy on the Giants, but they can still and have ripped into them..The Dallas media has been alot tougher on the Cowboys..I don’t pay much atttention to Philly or Washington media to know how they are on their teams..I would suspect they are pretty tough..Man when you talk about a jinx..Philly has never brought it to the house ever, which is remarkable considering the talent they have had especially in recent years…Everyone talks about how nasty the Philly fans are..Dang who can blame them?..Years of life-long misery can get you a free ride to the ‘Nervous Hospital’..
You are not going to make me feel sorry for Philly..I refuse.
But you do make a good point. The frustration level of the fans of that team must be more than we can even imagine. IF they ever do win a SB, they’ll probably burn the city down.
Yeah Ben..
I don’t feel sorry for them either..and I’ll tell ya, I have been to games in Dallas, Washington and Philly and you never, ever want to wear your team’s hat or jersey in Philly..You’ll get your ass handed to you in that joint..I just showed up in plain clothes and kept my mouth shut..They are crazy nuts…In Dallas I was treated great, a little razzing and teasing but it was all fun..same in Washington..but Philly..Whew..
yeah.....
I think there’s a healthy rivalry between the Cowboys and Giants. However, the Philly fans are a completely different breed. I still can’t get over the fact that they cheered when Michael Irvin laid on the field paralyzed and almost died. It’s not just the Cowboys either. They are brutal
I hate Philly fans
they don’t deserve a champioship. They don’t deserve Reid or McNabb. They deserve the fate of the Clevland Browns. The team moves to another city and wins a SB then the NFL expands and forms a new Eagles and they fail miserably like the Browns have. That is what Eagle fans deserve. They are the most overrated group of fans in Sports.
if by over-rated, you mean the best.....
then yes, us philly fans are definitely over-rated fans….
"it's like i tell my ex-wife, i never drive faster than i can see, and besides it's all in the reflexes." -Jack Burton, Big trouble in little China
A positive way to look at it is
all four franchises have had a lot of success and that raises the fans’ expectations. Better that than what the Browns fans have to look forward to every season.
FREE THE OGLETREE!!!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Shutdown Corner - NFL - Yahoo! Sports
- Jim Irsay says he would welcome Peyton Manning back … at the right price
- Roddy White isn’t thrilled with Roger Goodell’s $20 million salary
- Could concussions actually kill football?
- J.T. Thomas arrested for possessing some marijuana
- Bucs hire Butch Davis as ‘special assistant,’ have no issue with his double-dipping
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
