The ball was right on target to a wide open Jeremy Shockey. Fourth down and 2 and the Giants are going for it at midfield with time running short in the first half. Without a soul around him, the whole Giants season is on the line as the ball drifts through the air in slow motion. Shockey has used the media to air his frustrations with Coach Tom Coughlin, and his latest NY Post column before the game made a sarcastic reference to the Giants quitting before his not so reassuring reassurance that they would continue to fight hard. Well, he didn’t fight the demons in his mind hard enough as he tried to start running before catching the ball and then didn’t catch it. On a day where, incredibly, the Giants would not run a play in Saints territory all day, this was their best chance and could have given the Giants a 14-13 lead at the half if they got the endzone.
Instead Shockey’s drop was just another nail in a 30-7 coffin built for the Feel Bad Giants by the Feel Good Saints. Of all people who would lose concentration and drop an easy ball, bouncing softly off both hands, Shockey might cause the most anger to a Giants fan. Shockey’s mind was running down the field like a hero, but his hands were hoof-like and clumsy like the limbs of a goat. After losing 6 of their last 7 games (only beating the Panthers with crummy backup Chris Weinke), Giants are humiliating and disgracing themselves to new lows.
On the opposite side of the ball, look at the joy created by the Saints. My first memory of the Saints was the Sports Illustrated pic of a fan with a paper bag over his head from their worst-ever 1-16 season. The Saints have known true humiliation and have suffered in small market anonymity while the fat cats laughed. That they would turn around the whole image of their franchise in one season is amazing – that the one season would take place in the year after Hurricane Katrina is an incredible storybook moment for the league and the people of Nawlins.
The Saints are even led by a short, underdog QB who was castoff by the Chargers, Drew Brees. Brees showed incredible poise leading his team and great skill with his passes, such as the fade to Marques Colston in the corner of the endzone in the second quarter – totally untouchable to the Giants db McQuarters, totally pluckable from the air for Colston. While the Giants blew their fourth down conversion, Saints converted all three of theirs, on the patience in the pocket and the arm of Brees or on the strong legs of the line-samshing Deuce McAllister.
And lets not forget super-rookie Reggie Bush. One play after getting popped backwards by Giants safety Will Demps, Bush got the ball again, ran into traffic, and seemed to momentarily disappear, only to re-appear, Matrix-like, 10 feet away with confused defenders attempting to catch up.
Saints show what heart and determination can do. Giants show what bickering and selfishness can undo.
Which is why Grind It Out Sports is predicting a BIG Redskins victory tonight. Skins have had a lost season but have a lot of talent and are licking their chops at the Giants limping into town. Knocking the Giants out of the playoffs would be a season highlight for the Skins. Meanwhile, the Giants have quit. They want the season to be over. They don’t even want to be in the playoffs, they think an 8-8 record and first round loss would be an even greater humiliation, so they have declined to even try. (Brandon Jacobs in a frank interview confirms this). They all want Coughlin fired and their mutiny will be evident tonight. Look for a big loss.
Beavers….Damn!
Changing gears, how awesome was the Oregon State Beavers victory over Missouri in the Sun Bowl. Trailing by one with 24 ticks remaining, Beavers eschew the easy tie and boldly go for the two point conversion, and their running back Bernard smashed it through right into the teeth of the D on one huge play for their program. Gotta love a coach who isn’t afraid to put it all on the line. This is the Beavers second stirring splash of the season after their victory over USC. How much of a joy was it to have the Trojans’ loss take the wind out of the hype-blown sails of the all-villain, Alien vs. Predator match of USC vs. Notre Dame. The little sticks of the Beavers efforts have come together to create a mighty favorite-blocking dam this year.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Eagles Fly Off With Giants Mojo
Tiki Barber swung his arm like a baseball bat, while leaping and lunging at the same time, in a flailing attempt to prevent an interception. Tiki whiffed, actually missing the fluttering duck completely, his arm passing over the ball like a baseball player swinging right through a nasty breaking ball. Eagles defensive end Trent Cole grabbed the interception and pranced 19 yards for the game-ending, Giant-deflating TD. Strike three on Tiki and the Giants. Looking stiff and uncoordinated, Tiki, fittingly, could not prevent NY’s demise to a squad of Eagles with more heart and guts. Although both offenses showed a willingness to go 12 rounds, it was Philly’s veteran toughness on D which grabbed them an insurmountable four turnovers, and had the Eagles licking the Blue blood off their feathers back at the nest later.
In a game where momentum seemed to trade off one possession at a time, Giants got out of the box first with a rare Tiki touchdown. If the sight of the grinning Tiki getting mounted by Jeremy Shockey in celebration got Giants feeling positive out of the gate, a capable and efficient drive from Eagles QB Jeff Garcia took some of those early smiles away, tying the game 7-7. Eli and the Giants got the ball back and started off on a drive when Jeremy Shockey could be seen pointing to his head in reaction to a late hit by Eagles LB Dhani Jones. Which is ridiculously comic when you think about it since Shockey’s brain is probably the last organ anyone should emulate. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Shockey was earning a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct of his own. Which makes me think maybe the finger point at Jones was telling him: “you just acted as stupidly as me!”
The Giants drive, sailing along with 10-yard Tiki scampers, capsized moments after Shockey’s cranial indication, on the first of three huge plays by Eagles veteran Safety Brian Dawkins. Brandon Jacobs, rambling into the secondary, appeared to go extra low in anticipation of the contact with Dawkins. Dawkins, much smaller and nimbler than Jacobs, went even lower. The resulting sharp shoulder from Dawkins rippled Jacobs body and the ball oozed out like toothpaste from a tube that had just been pounded by a fist. Despite a 55 pound weight difference somehow Dawkins crushed him. Momentum Eagles.
Later Giants seem to have momentum again with a 29-yard arcing arrow from Eli to Plaxico. Then Eli, who had gone back to back games with no INTs, throws a bullet into the head of an Eagle, bouncing it high in the air. So high in fact that Fox announcer Joe Buck had enough time to inform the viewers “this ball is up for grabs” before it gently fluttered into the waiting arms of that Dawkins guy again. Leaving Philly in great field position for another drive, mostly running with Westbrook, and touchdown. Momentum Eagles.
But Giants again rise from the mat of defeat and turn the tables with some fiery play. Safety Will Demps ran right through Garcia like a mean kid trashing another kid’s sand castle, and the ball, like that beach kid’s plastic pail, was tossed aside for the G-men to pounce upon. Shortly thereafter the Giants drive was capped by their third straight field goal and suddenly its 16-14 Giants. Momentum Big Blue.
Eagles jump right back with a 64 yard kickoff return and a 28 yard Westbrook draw play through the hyper-blitzing Giants D for a touchdown. Then, as the Giants attempt to answer on the following drive, it’s that Dawkins guy again. This time as backup TE Visanthe Shiancoe rumbled forward after picking up a first down, the sneaky Dawkins slipped his hand up underneath his arm like a master pickpocket, poking the ball right out. Looked at that moment like the momentum had shifted to the Eagles for good.
Only then Jeff Garcia’s loss of concentration just HANDED the momentum back to Big Blue. Following a 10 yard first down scamper Garcia felt the need to spike the ball at the sprawled Giants defenders, earning him a 15 yard penalty for what the ref described as an “unsportsmanlike taunt.” Moments later the flustered Garcia was flinging the ball into the waiting hands of Demps. Giants were in great position after the interception and runback, including dangerous lateral to McQuarters, and quickly turned the opportunity into a Jacobs TD, and a 22-21 advantage. Momentum Giants.
The next Eagles drive, however, could only be described as effortless, as the tired Giants D returned the momentum like an unwanted Xmas gift. Eagles didn’t even need to make use of the third down, as their productive use of first and second downs had them sailing down the field, capped by a 27 yard strike to a rambling LJ Smith. Suddenly its 29-22 Eagles, but wait, Eli prepares to take the ball again on one final game shifting drive. Only problem is, first pass is batted into the air, Tiki whiffs, Trent Cole prances. 36-22 Eagles. Match Momentum Philly.
That the Giants missed so many opportunities is frustrating. That they allowed themselves to get goaded into a shootout was disappointing. Most valuable player on the field was Dawkins, whose veteran reactions netted three turnovers, and whose veteran leadership set the tone for a Philly team that had more continuity and cohesion than the Giants. While the Giants have pointed a lot of fingers this year, Shockey finally pointed the right way towards his own dome.
In a game where momentum seemed to trade off one possession at a time, Giants got out of the box first with a rare Tiki touchdown. If the sight of the grinning Tiki getting mounted by Jeremy Shockey in celebration got Giants feeling positive out of the gate, a capable and efficient drive from Eagles QB Jeff Garcia took some of those early smiles away, tying the game 7-7. Eli and the Giants got the ball back and started off on a drive when Jeremy Shockey could be seen pointing to his head in reaction to a late hit by Eagles LB Dhani Jones. Which is ridiculously comic when you think about it since Shockey’s brain is probably the last organ anyone should emulate. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before Shockey was earning a 15 yard unsportsmanlike conduct of his own. Which makes me think maybe the finger point at Jones was telling him: “you just acted as stupidly as me!”
The Giants drive, sailing along with 10-yard Tiki scampers, capsized moments after Shockey’s cranial indication, on the first of three huge plays by Eagles veteran Safety Brian Dawkins. Brandon Jacobs, rambling into the secondary, appeared to go extra low in anticipation of the contact with Dawkins. Dawkins, much smaller and nimbler than Jacobs, went even lower. The resulting sharp shoulder from Dawkins rippled Jacobs body and the ball oozed out like toothpaste from a tube that had just been pounded by a fist. Despite a 55 pound weight difference somehow Dawkins crushed him. Momentum Eagles.
Later Giants seem to have momentum again with a 29-yard arcing arrow from Eli to Plaxico. Then Eli, who had gone back to back games with no INTs, throws a bullet into the head of an Eagle, bouncing it high in the air. So high in fact that Fox announcer Joe Buck had enough time to inform the viewers “this ball is up for grabs” before it gently fluttered into the waiting arms of that Dawkins guy again. Leaving Philly in great field position for another drive, mostly running with Westbrook, and touchdown. Momentum Eagles.
But Giants again rise from the mat of defeat and turn the tables with some fiery play. Safety Will Demps ran right through Garcia like a mean kid trashing another kid’s sand castle, and the ball, like that beach kid’s plastic pail, was tossed aside for the G-men to pounce upon. Shortly thereafter the Giants drive was capped by their third straight field goal and suddenly its 16-14 Giants. Momentum Big Blue.
Eagles jump right back with a 64 yard kickoff return and a 28 yard Westbrook draw play through the hyper-blitzing Giants D for a touchdown. Then, as the Giants attempt to answer on the following drive, it’s that Dawkins guy again. This time as backup TE Visanthe Shiancoe rumbled forward after picking up a first down, the sneaky Dawkins slipped his hand up underneath his arm like a master pickpocket, poking the ball right out. Looked at that moment like the momentum had shifted to the Eagles for good.
Only then Jeff Garcia’s loss of concentration just HANDED the momentum back to Big Blue. Following a 10 yard first down scamper Garcia felt the need to spike the ball at the sprawled Giants defenders, earning him a 15 yard penalty for what the ref described as an “unsportsmanlike taunt.” Moments later the flustered Garcia was flinging the ball into the waiting hands of Demps. Giants were in great position after the interception and runback, including dangerous lateral to McQuarters, and quickly turned the opportunity into a Jacobs TD, and a 22-21 advantage. Momentum Giants.
The next Eagles drive, however, could only be described as effortless, as the tired Giants D returned the momentum like an unwanted Xmas gift. Eagles didn’t even need to make use of the third down, as their productive use of first and second downs had them sailing down the field, capped by a 27 yard strike to a rambling LJ Smith. Suddenly its 29-22 Eagles, but wait, Eli prepares to take the ball again on one final game shifting drive. Only problem is, first pass is batted into the air, Tiki whiffs, Trent Cole prances. 36-22 Eagles. Match Momentum Philly.
That the Giants missed so many opportunities is frustrating. That they allowed themselves to get goaded into a shootout was disappointing. Most valuable player on the field was Dawkins, whose veteran reactions netted three turnovers, and whose veteran leadership set the tone for a Philly team that had more continuity and cohesion than the Giants. While the Giants have pointed a lot of fingers this year, Shockey finally pointed the right way towards his own dome.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Giants De-Claw Cats, Reclaim Hope
First, the Giants had the big game against Da Bears for Conference Supremacy. That didn’t go so well. Then they had the big game against Dallas for Divisional Supremacy. That didn’t go so well either. Sunday, they had another big game, this one to stay pace with the wild card front runners in the dredges of the mediocre NFC. Eureka! Giants found a matchup much more to their liking and defeated the Carolina Panthers, thus ending their four game losing streak. Their effort in fact pretty much put the game away in the first half. Could the sky still be the limit for these Big Blue warriors?
The game was furiously contested, back and forth (in the first half). It wasn’t decided until the final whistle (of the first half). Tiki Barber was the most dominant player (of the first half). The Giants were able to gain the momentum with their 17-10 advantage right before the break, and in the second half they provided an opportunity for Giants fans to wrap holiday gifts and happily check in with the score once in a while as Big Blue coasted to victory, led by Eli Manning’s second straight strong, mistake-free performance.
Carolina was without their starting QB Jake Delhomme, and had to clear the cobwebs off the arm of untested former Heisman winner Chris Weinke, and this Cat coughed up intercept-able passes for the Giants D like they were furballs. Furthermore, both starting Carolina cornerbacks were out with injuries, so when five minutes into the game backup CB Christian Morton goes down with a hamstring himself, it was obvious there would be every opportunity for Eli and Plaxico Burress to shine against third team pass protection.
The histrionics of Burress commanded center stage as the petulant pass-catcher pouted then preened in front of cameras and mocking Carolina fans throughout the first half. Fox commentator Joe Buck referred to the “familiar shot” of Plax moping on the sideline with his Giants visor askew, and indeed this pose was often struck in reaction to balls not being thrown to him or perceived penalties. The complaining of Plax was so annoying after a perceived “catch” in the dirt that Coach Coughlin somehow caved in and tossed his red challenge flag, later causing him to hesitate to throw his final challenge flag of the game on a more advantageous opportunity, when Carolina seemed to fumble on the Giants 10. Could have been significant if the game didn’t get away from the overmanned Cats.
Plax did break through beautifully after his clamoring and yammering. There was the 45-yard rainbow from Manning as Eli was getting pinballed around in the pocket by mighty bumpers of the Carolina defensive front, Peppers and Jenkins. This game changer was rapidly followed by Plax’s 28-yard TD grab while backpedaling in traffic at the open of the second quarter.
Plax’s turn from sulky to bulky set the tone for Jeremy Shockey, who was able to flash his garishly patriotic tattoos in victory as he delicately tiptoed the endline for the last TD of the first half, putting the G-men ahead for good, 17-10. Then in the third quarter the final blow was struck on D, as Gibril Wilson ‘s quick reaction to a floating tip turned into an interception and 25 yard return to the Panther 14, and shortly thereafter an insurmountable 27-10 advantage. Gibril, whose name sometimes sounds like “gerbil”, and who sometimes plays like one, was more like a hamster this time.
After losing four in a row, joy over the Giants victory injects hope into the Big Blue Nation. Just how realistic is the thought that the Carolina victory signals any kind of positive trend? Coming in as fellow 6-6ers, Giants got the advantage on Carolina, and stayed pace with the now 7-6 Falcons and Eagles. Eagles are without starting QB McNabb, and unless you have faith that The Redemption of Jeff Garcia will one day be a major motion picture starring Mark Wahlberg then you have counted them out of any major contention, and have chalked up today’s Eagles victory to the lameness of the Skins. Meanwhile, Grind It Out Sports reporters have learned that the Falcons, while victorious, had their entire running game carted off the field, as Warrick Dunn and his backup Jerious Norwood were both unable to return from injuries. Clearly, Giants seem to have the edge over the NFC wildcard slop bucket.
After losing four in a row, all the discussions of playoff possibilities had to create the constant grumbling caveat: “assuming we ever win again” in the minds of the Giants. Now that they’ve won one, would Big Blue really be a serious contender? After the Giants weren’t dressed up enough to get in with the Cowboys and Bears at the swanky Club NFC, they’ve found a nice barstool right next to the jukebox at the Wild Card Bar & Grill, where they are much more comfortable. Only problem is, someone put in a song by the Eagles, whom they hate more than Lebowski. However, Giants can Take It Easy and rely on their home bar advantage in the upcoming Wild Card Darts Match with Philly -- plus, finally, a little winning momentum.
The game was furiously contested, back and forth (in the first half). It wasn’t decided until the final whistle (of the first half). Tiki Barber was the most dominant player (of the first half). The Giants were able to gain the momentum with their 17-10 advantage right before the break, and in the second half they provided an opportunity for Giants fans to wrap holiday gifts and happily check in with the score once in a while as Big Blue coasted to victory, led by Eli Manning’s second straight strong, mistake-free performance.
Carolina was without their starting QB Jake Delhomme, and had to clear the cobwebs off the arm of untested former Heisman winner Chris Weinke, and this Cat coughed up intercept-able passes for the Giants D like they were furballs. Furthermore, both starting Carolina cornerbacks were out with injuries, so when five minutes into the game backup CB Christian Morton goes down with a hamstring himself, it was obvious there would be every opportunity for Eli and Plaxico Burress to shine against third team pass protection.
The histrionics of Burress commanded center stage as the petulant pass-catcher pouted then preened in front of cameras and mocking Carolina fans throughout the first half. Fox commentator Joe Buck referred to the “familiar shot” of Plax moping on the sideline with his Giants visor askew, and indeed this pose was often struck in reaction to balls not being thrown to him or perceived penalties. The complaining of Plax was so annoying after a perceived “catch” in the dirt that Coach Coughlin somehow caved in and tossed his red challenge flag, later causing him to hesitate to throw his final challenge flag of the game on a more advantageous opportunity, when Carolina seemed to fumble on the Giants 10. Could have been significant if the game didn’t get away from the overmanned Cats.
Plax did break through beautifully after his clamoring and yammering. There was the 45-yard rainbow from Manning as Eli was getting pinballed around in the pocket by mighty bumpers of the Carolina defensive front, Peppers and Jenkins. This game changer was rapidly followed by Plax’s 28-yard TD grab while backpedaling in traffic at the open of the second quarter.
Plax’s turn from sulky to bulky set the tone for Jeremy Shockey, who was able to flash his garishly patriotic tattoos in victory as he delicately tiptoed the endline for the last TD of the first half, putting the G-men ahead for good, 17-10. Then in the third quarter the final blow was struck on D, as Gibril Wilson ‘s quick reaction to a floating tip turned into an interception and 25 yard return to the Panther 14, and shortly thereafter an insurmountable 27-10 advantage. Gibril, whose name sometimes sounds like “gerbil”, and who sometimes plays like one, was more like a hamster this time.
After losing four in a row, joy over the Giants victory injects hope into the Big Blue Nation. Just how realistic is the thought that the Carolina victory signals any kind of positive trend? Coming in as fellow 6-6ers, Giants got the advantage on Carolina, and stayed pace with the now 7-6 Falcons and Eagles. Eagles are without starting QB McNabb, and unless you have faith that The Redemption of Jeff Garcia will one day be a major motion picture starring Mark Wahlberg then you have counted them out of any major contention, and have chalked up today’s Eagles victory to the lameness of the Skins. Meanwhile, Grind It Out Sports reporters have learned that the Falcons, while victorious, had their entire running game carted off the field, as Warrick Dunn and his backup Jerious Norwood were both unable to return from injuries. Clearly, Giants seem to have the edge over the NFC wildcard slop bucket.
After losing four in a row, all the discussions of playoff possibilities had to create the constant grumbling caveat: “assuming we ever win again” in the minds of the Giants. Now that they’ve won one, would Big Blue really be a serious contender? After the Giants weren’t dressed up enough to get in with the Cowboys and Bears at the swanky Club NFC, they’ve found a nice barstool right next to the jukebox at the Wild Card Bar & Grill, where they are much more comfortable. Only problem is, someone put in a song by the Eagles, whom they hate more than Lebowski. However, Giants can Take It Easy and rely on their home bar advantage in the upcoming Wild Card Darts Match with Philly -- plus, finally, a little winning momentum.
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Tuna Tartare
Big Tuna Parcells was in rare form against the Giants Sunday, as his Cowpokes turned in a sushi-grade performance, lightly searing New York and seizing control of the NFC East. It was another bitter loss for Big Blue, who fittingly took the field in the wrong (red) colored uniforms. It also turned into a chance to get misty-eyed about the Giants glory days of yore under the Tuna Administration of the 80s, as one chess move after another by Parcells reminded Giants fans of bygone Sundays when the “Chunk White” master of strategy and attitude used to patrol OUR side of the Meadowlands.
It’s amazing how much football has happened since Parcells returned to coaching after his first retirement “for health reasons,” right after winning his second Super Bowl for the Giants in 1990. We’ve seen Drew Bledsoe get the Pats to the Super Bowl in their US Postal Service soccer uniforms, Keyshawn Johnson get drafted and dissed, Terry Glenn get called a woman. Amazingly, years have passed and these three guys are old school NFL vets, and now we’ve seen Bledsoe get dissed (benched in favor of Romo), Johnson get dissed again (ditched in favor of T.O.) and Glenn trading in his panties for a Dallas blue star design protective cup. Parcells isn’t just a bridge to football’s past, but the fact that he has been a consistently dominant coaching force in the NFL, as it has evolved through multiple eras, really reminds one how his unique personality was at the heart of the Giants’ two championships.
The emergence of Romo bears the stamp of Parcells, more impressively the gradual muting of the T.O. circus showed a Tuna that was not afraid to wade into the shark infested media waters. Only referring to Terrell as “The Player” was humorous and the media chuckles set the reporters a couple of steps back, reminding everyone that the Tuna really is serious, yes, it’s the team first, even above this obsequious popinjay. Cutting Vanderjagt – wow, that one was really out there. Dump the cash, forget we ever made a big deal about this guy and move on! That’s the beauty of Parcells, he’ll admit something isn’t working rather than proudly going down with the sinking ship.
So after the shocking dismissal of the “most accurate kicker in NFL history” he yanks this quirky Gramatica guy off the golf course who hasn’t kicked a field goal in two years, and THAT’S the guy who boots the totally clutch 46-yard game winner. Of course. Supposedly Parcells, who notoriously hates kickers, said he chose Gramatica because he “liked” him in the interview. Tuna just has a feel for football that you can’t explain, and ultimately the “most accurate” kicking weapon proved to be Parcells’ mind.
The Tuna had his team hustling and working hard. The goal line D was huge, keeping the Giants hand out of the red zone cookie jar like a mean, hand-slapping Mom. Romo’s scramble and 42-yard dagger to tight end Jason Witten was a gorgeous yet potentially risky play, and reflected the confidence by the coach who has seen it all in the young QB whom he knows has the ability to step into an unknown realm. After the teams fought just about to a draw, Tuna was left holding the last card, and it was an ace. (In a game in which an ace would result in a win, of course, or just a metaphorical ace).
New York at least had a bounce back performance from Eli Manning and remained competitive to the final whistle. Yet in a close game such as this, seemingly small mistakes are magnified. I was agog at the sloppy turnover by the Giants’ Mathias Kiwanucka while attempting to unnecessarily change hands on an interception return. Don’t these guys read my blog? Apparently not. That was a key turnover, just the first quarter, but a very rare golden opportunity that was given back. Here’s a word of advice – fall down, dude. You fall with the ball after catching it Sunday and you fall with Vince Young in your grasp last week and we could be discussing two wins.
Did I also see the dreadlocked braids of RW McQuarters suddenly stop flapping as he inexplicably held up while closing in on a chance to sack Romo? Did Gebril Wilson envision a sweet pick-6 and miss defending the play? Did the petulant Plaxico Burress spaz out and give back 15 yards so he could have another tantrum? Yes, these things happened, the Giants, desperate for a win, did not show the mental toughness to take this heavyweight bout that was fated to go the distance.
Coach Coughlin was certainly fuming throughout, but his sideline fits are becoming increasingly tiresome. Both Coughlin and Tuna are the “Angry Guy” style of coach, but Tuna is listened to, laughed at, respected and loved by his players in a way that Coughlin is not. Both coaches will tell you that no one ever does anything right. But somehow Parcells will tell it to you in a way that makes you want to fight for him, and want to tell him you love him by spontaneously dumping a bucket of cold Gatorade on his head. Sunday’s latest heartwarming display of Tuna Loyalty underscored the weakness of Coughlin, whose endless anger doesn’t inspire his team at all.
It’s amazing how much football has happened since Parcells returned to coaching after his first retirement “for health reasons,” right after winning his second Super Bowl for the Giants in 1990. We’ve seen Drew Bledsoe get the Pats to the Super Bowl in their US Postal Service soccer uniforms, Keyshawn Johnson get drafted and dissed, Terry Glenn get called a woman. Amazingly, years have passed and these three guys are old school NFL vets, and now we’ve seen Bledsoe get dissed (benched in favor of Romo), Johnson get dissed again (ditched in favor of T.O.) and Glenn trading in his panties for a Dallas blue star design protective cup. Parcells isn’t just a bridge to football’s past, but the fact that he has been a consistently dominant coaching force in the NFL, as it has evolved through multiple eras, really reminds one how his unique personality was at the heart of the Giants’ two championships.
The emergence of Romo bears the stamp of Parcells, more impressively the gradual muting of the T.O. circus showed a Tuna that was not afraid to wade into the shark infested media waters. Only referring to Terrell as “The Player” was humorous and the media chuckles set the reporters a couple of steps back, reminding everyone that the Tuna really is serious, yes, it’s the team first, even above this obsequious popinjay. Cutting Vanderjagt – wow, that one was really out there. Dump the cash, forget we ever made a big deal about this guy and move on! That’s the beauty of Parcells, he’ll admit something isn’t working rather than proudly going down with the sinking ship.
So after the shocking dismissal of the “most accurate kicker in NFL history” he yanks this quirky Gramatica guy off the golf course who hasn’t kicked a field goal in two years, and THAT’S the guy who boots the totally clutch 46-yard game winner. Of course. Supposedly Parcells, who notoriously hates kickers, said he chose Gramatica because he “liked” him in the interview. Tuna just has a feel for football that you can’t explain, and ultimately the “most accurate” kicking weapon proved to be Parcells’ mind.
The Tuna had his team hustling and working hard. The goal line D was huge, keeping the Giants hand out of the red zone cookie jar like a mean, hand-slapping Mom. Romo’s scramble and 42-yard dagger to tight end Jason Witten was a gorgeous yet potentially risky play, and reflected the confidence by the coach who has seen it all in the young QB whom he knows has the ability to step into an unknown realm. After the teams fought just about to a draw, Tuna was left holding the last card, and it was an ace. (In a game in which an ace would result in a win, of course, or just a metaphorical ace).
New York at least had a bounce back performance from Eli Manning and remained competitive to the final whistle. Yet in a close game such as this, seemingly small mistakes are magnified. I was agog at the sloppy turnover by the Giants’ Mathias Kiwanucka while attempting to unnecessarily change hands on an interception return. Don’t these guys read my blog? Apparently not. That was a key turnover, just the first quarter, but a very rare golden opportunity that was given back. Here’s a word of advice – fall down, dude. You fall with the ball after catching it Sunday and you fall with Vince Young in your grasp last week and we could be discussing two wins.
Did I also see the dreadlocked braids of RW McQuarters suddenly stop flapping as he inexplicably held up while closing in on a chance to sack Romo? Did Gebril Wilson envision a sweet pick-6 and miss defending the play? Did the petulant Plaxico Burress spaz out and give back 15 yards so he could have another tantrum? Yes, these things happened, the Giants, desperate for a win, did not show the mental toughness to take this heavyweight bout that was fated to go the distance.
Coach Coughlin was certainly fuming throughout, but his sideline fits are becoming increasingly tiresome. Both Coughlin and Tuna are the “Angry Guy” style of coach, but Tuna is listened to, laughed at, respected and loved by his players in a way that Coughlin is not. Both coaches will tell you that no one ever does anything right. But somehow Parcells will tell it to you in a way that makes you want to fight for him, and want to tell him you love him by spontaneously dumping a bucket of cold Gatorade on his head. Sunday’s latest heartwarming display of Tuna Loyalty underscored the weakness of Coughlin, whose endless anger doesn’t inspire his team at all.
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