Giants Continue Tradition of Second Half Misery

   An explosive performance of a comeback against the Dallas Cowboys last week was just enough to spark the fans and spur the Giants faithful.  Heroics of Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul last week gave Giant fans much to hope for in the coming weeks with only a few games left to go in the regular season.  The Giants comeback against the Cowboys brought them in a first place tie with Dallas and potentially first in the division.  With another come-from-behind victory by Eli and the Giants, there would be certainly a lot to hope for, much to be happy and pleased about, and no greater feeling of satisfaction for Big Blue in their standings as they entered this week facing off against a 4 and 9 Washington Redskins team.

   Well sports fans know that a huge celebration after a big victory would only last so long.  The Washington Redskins came into MetLife Stadium today in last place at 4 and 9 and they took the steam out of the Giants early.  The Redskins led 17-0 in the second quarter. The Giants offense in response only had a field goal to show for in the first three quarters.  It was not until a little over a minute remaining in the fourth quarter when Ahmad Bradshaw finally got the Giants their first touchdown of the night.  By that time, it was already way too late as the Giants fell 23-10 to their division rivals.  The Redskins take the season series from the Giants as Big Blue lost to this Washington team in their first meeting of the season. 

   Coach Coughlin, and the Giant QB certainly had much to be displeased about.  The defense did not play well although Osi Umenyiora sat out again.  The Giant offense seemed to have been horrendous as they struggled to convert on 3rd downs.  Eli Manning threw three interceptions including one in the end zone intended for Hakeem Nicks.  It was picked off and thus prevented what could have been a Giants comeback.  There were missed catches down field, and it looked as if the winter chill in the air might have stiffened up the hands of the receivers.  

  This is the NFL and the Giants players are well aware that they could well have let another one go today.  The Giants lose their fifth in the past six games.  This team that was 6-2 earlier in the season with one of the more impressive wins coming against the New England Patriots since have gone 1-5.  This is very reminiscent of the Giants from last year where their second half of the season was abominable and their poor performance cost them a spot in the playoffs.  The only incredible difference this year is the Giants still control their destiny despite the Cowboys winning one against the Buccaneers yesterday.  The Giants are now looking at the one game difference between them and their division rival Cowboys.  The Cowboys are now 8-6 and the Giants fall to 7-7, it is hard to believe with the miserable performance by the Giants this second half of the season, that they are still alive and can still make a vie for the playoffs with two games remaining.  This means they must win their final two games of the season, the first with their cross-town rivals, the New York Jets on Christmas Eve, and the very same Dallas Cowboys coming in the final week.  The  very big question is of course, how will Big Blue respond?  Can Eli and his offense gather themselves after a mediocre and somewhat inconsistent season?  Can the Giant defense finally show up big?  The Giants are now 3-4 at home, and their final games in the season will indeed be at home. 

One for the Giants faithful!


Until Week 16 in the NFL,
B.C.