NY Giants down the Atlanta Falcons in Round One of Playoffs (January 8, 2012)

Giants take Falcons:  January 8, 2012

   A season of inconsistency, mediocrity, a team that just a month ago showed little speculation of their attendance in the playoffs, have won their last two big games of the final season defeating the New York Jets and then the Dallas Cowboys to clinch a playoff berth.  There is certainly no question that the New York Giants(9-7 in regular season) to showed up big and proved they are worthy of the playoffs. On a Sunday afternoon in East Rutherford, NJ the Giants did just that as they pounded the Atlanta Falcons in a 24-2 victory to secure round one and knock the Falcons out of the playoffs.

   There is no question that we saw a completely different team on the field Sunday than we did all year.  A team that fans doubted would make the playoffs made the playoffs.  A team that many fans see as lacking in many aspects of their game this year especially offensively saw an explosion in the running game.  An offense that lacked the consistency of pass-yard completions during the regular season saw an especially improved completion percentage particularly during third-down conversions.  A defensive-line that was dotted with injuries and given little hope held the opposing team to 0 points on offense.  Much of the New York Giants that we followed during this regular season completely redefined themselves in their impressive performance against the Atlanta Falcons.  There seems to be no doubt this moment for the Giants faithful out there of what this team is capable of especially in the playoffs.  In fact there is this feeling in the air that is very reminiscent and familiar to that feel that fans remember in the 2007 season.  


   Could the Giants simply have gotten lucky?!  Well ask the defense.  Justin Tuck leading that defense was a big part of that, "I just feel like we're playing together, sometimes in this season we were kind of divided in the fact that we just wanted to make plays and also alot of guys were trying to be individual out there, but now there's eleven guys playing at once, we are going to get efforts like this".  A defense that saw injuries all year held the Falcons to 64 rushing yards and 183 passing yards.  This defense stopped Matt Ryan and the Falcons rushing on 4th down attempts multiple times in Giant territory.  It seemed as if when the Giants needed a stop, they made a stop.  In fact the only points the Falcons put up were when they sacked Eli Manning in the Giants endzone during a defensive play resulting in a safety.  The Giants defense was so key and overly dominating that they allowed 0 Falcons points during their offensive possessions.  In fact, this is the first time in playoff history where a team scored as little as two points.  Credit Tuck, and Umenyiora on the defensive end.  The defensive stops and plays of Jason Pierre-Paul were key in this victory.  It was obvious the way the defensive end played, Matt Ryan almost had no chance in this game.  Luckily, that scary collision between Jason Pierre-Paul and Aaron Ross did not result in any critical injury although Ross returned to the locker-room.  


   The defense certainly highlighted this big win, but the offensive line did a great job as well.  Eli Manning went 23-32 in pass completions and threw for 277 yards.  The rushing game deemed huge for Big Blue.  A team that averages around 89 yards a game had a total of 172 rushing yards well over their average in this win.  Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were a huge part of that combining for 155 of those rushing yards.  The rushing really opened up the field for the passing game as well.  It opened up wide-receivers such as Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Victor Cruz.  The offense showed up as Nicks put it, "we know what we're capable of doing, we gotta step up make plays on offense, we came out second half and that's what we did, running game came out pretty good and the offense was clicking".  Hakeem Nicks had 2 touchdowns including a 72 yard touchdown run.  When asked about the "dirty-bird" dance in the endzone, he said, "Antrel Rolle told me to do it".  The offense proved effective with the running game doing the its job as well as the passing percentage and conversions.  The Giants are sure a playoff team.  Giants fans as well as the team have to be happy and very pleased with the way they played.  


   However this only the first week folks.  This big win over the Atlanta Falcons only means what is next for the New York Giants, the 15-1 Green Bay Packers.  That is right, the Giants travel to Lambeau field next Sunday to face off against this strong Packers team which beat them 38-35 the last time the teams met earlier in the season.  This will surely be quite a matchup especially this time of season with the New York Giants winning impressively their last three games and heating up at the right time.  This would be the perfect challenge for the Giants defensive line to prove themselves against the high powered offense of Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.  The Giants know they have been in this spot before back in 07' when they defeated Brett Favre and the Packs in the Conference Championship.  The ice cold weather will again pose a big factor in Lambeau field.  The Packers with 3rd in passing yards and the best record this NFL season will welcome in the Giants.  Big Blue will be bringing in a new look, new surge and fired-up defense and offense line.  Can the fired-up New York Giants surge and continue to explode in the playoffs or will Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers claim the crown in the NFL this season?




To Lambeau Field, Wisconsin they March!
B.C

The New York Giants Make Playoffs

Giants in Playoffs:

January 2, 2012

  What seemed to be a foreseen disappointment for a team that has struggled in the second half of the season in recent years, Big Blue found a way in all their possibilities to avoid such a disappointment this year again.  It would once again come down to a deciding game where the Giants would have to pull off a big win.  The Giants 31-14 victory over their division rivals the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday was huge and propelled them into the playoffs.  With the win, the Giants clinched the NFC East and move on to round one of the playoffs at home against the Atlanta Falcons.

 With the season coming down to its final game, it would be either the Giants or Cowboys locking up the wild card.  With both teams tied for first, it would make it the most important game of the season.  Playing against an arguably less than one-hundred-percent Tony Romo and a defensive-proned Cowboys team, the Giants would have to be relatively be more accurate in completions, yardage, conversions, and making key stops in the game.  There would be no one better to spark the Giant offense early on than rookie wide receiver Victor Cruz who took an Eli Manning pass completion for 74 yards to give NY an early 7-0 lead.  With a 21-0 lead at the half, it seemed the Giants would make a statement and make this one look easy.  Not so fast as Romo and the Cowboys get on the board in the third quarter with a completion to Laurent Robinson taking it for 34 yards to the endzone.  Trailing by 14 in the fourth, Romo and the boys would cut the lead to 21-14 with another touchdown pass again to Laurent Robinson.  It was crucial the Giants had made several defensive stops to the Cowboy offense in the second half.  However with the Cowboys not going away and right on Big Blue's tail, it would be Victor Cruz again with a huge 44 yard pass completion from Eli Manning which lead to a Lawrence Tynes 28 yard field goal giving NY a 24-14 lead.  Eli would throw for another touchdown to Hakeem Nicks in a later possession giving the Giants the key victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

  Eli Manning threw for 346 yards and three touchdown passes, and now leads NFL quarter backs for most touchdowns in the fourth quarter in a single season with 15.  The Giant defense showed up big sacking Romo six times, and Victor Cruz who already leads Giants receivers all time in single season receiving yards continued to impress in his rookie season.  Just the way Giants fans and the community liked it, coach Tom Coughlin was pleased.  The Giants would have to pull off two wins in the last two games of the season.  The Giants went out and did what was expected, they came out and beat the Jets last week, they came out yesterday and played big against the Cowboys, they put that devastating 4-game losing streak behind them and now they are looking at round 1 of the playoffs against the Falcons next week.  All in all, the Giants are back in the playoffs! A way to kick off the new year!

Until the NFL playoffs, Go yard!
B.C


 

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.

The Value of "Tebowing" in the NFL (December 17, 2011)

     
   It has been the talk of the NFL for the especially the past six weeks, none perhaps more unbelievable than last Sunday's game against the Bears.  Down 10-0 with just over 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, it seemed this remarkable winning streak would sure be over for the Denver Broncos, and criticisms of Tim Tebow not being able to match up against playoff contending teams would surely hold true.  


   However Tim Tebow's stats and fourth quarter numbers would surface once again as Tim Tebow threw a touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas with slightly over 2 minutes remaining in the fourth.  Broncos' defense would stop the Bear's offensive possession with a quick 3 and out.  This means the Broncos would have only 53 seconds on the clock for their scoring drive.  Somehow, someway, Tebow did it again.  Perhaps it was the pre-game prayers, or Tebow's constant coaching in keeping the team spiritually in it with his "do not worry, God's got this" speech.  He would not need to throw another touchdown but get the Broncos within 41 yards from the end zone setting up a successful 59 yard field goal by Matt Prater with 3 seconds left on the clock.  The Broncos would win it in overtime with another field goal by Matt Prater, this one 51 yards.  This Broncos victory marks six in a row and keeps Denver in first place in their division at 8-5.  Six consecutive come back victories for Tebow and the Broncos signify something special in the NFL not because they were six come-from-behinds, but the way in which they won them.

   
   A bunch of fans may view this quirky phenomenon in the NFL as perhaps destiny.  Others say the Tebow and the Broncos win with simply "luck".  Although if you look at Tebow's stats, his passing percentage in the fourth quarter are at 60.9 percent this season, significantly 22 points higher than in the first three quarters of a game.  One may simply assess that Tebow's numbers prove his success in comebacks, but what is it that gives Tim Tebow the drive, the edge to persevere and rally in these come-back wins?  Tim Tebow leaves that up to his faith.


   Tebow's actions of expressing his faith on the field leaves audiences in criticizing and questioning his intentions.  Many critics and even sports analysts consider "Tebow-ing" to be a total act and a major disruption to the game itself.  However could this method of prayers in between and during the 60 minutes of playtime be the reason he spark of the Broncos come backs in these past games.  A big win against Miami marked Tebow's first victory this 2011 season as starting quarterback and since then, have led the Broncos to a road of unbelievable wins.  The victory over the Jets was quite impressive, as well as the win against Minnesota.  Most recently, the Broncos defeated a Chicago Bears team down 10-0 with just above 2 minutes remaining in the game.  The late game fumbles, the mistakes by the opposition, the sudden opportunities by these Broncos to capitalize, all these events during the past games seem to have fallen perfectly into place for this Denver team.  The way in which many of these late game plays have occurred seem to be unfathomable and mind-boggling to sports viewers.  Tim Tebow relies and puts his faith in God, his teammates, his coaches, as well as the strength given to him to persevere and face his opponents.  So far it has proven effective and seemed to have resulted in six consecutive wins.  The issue is and certainly something to get his critics all riled up is how he and his team will face up against Tom Brady and the 10-3 New England Patriots on Sunday.  Certainly an interesting and surely riveting game coming up, can victory and continued success be possible for the Denver faithful? Stay tuned...


Until Next Time, Enjoy Sunday Football!
B.C.

Albert Pujols Move to the West Coast - Angels Spark Offseason (December 8, 2011)

During this dramatic offseason so far for baseball, an offseason merely dominated so far by the Miami Marlins, the Miami Marlins, and maybe the St. Louis Cardinals, Albert Pujols is the center of attention.  It appeared once again that these new Miami Marlins would yet again within a week of making three big acquisitions that they might have put a "purchased" stamp on probably the most prized after free agent out there Albert Pujols.  Pujols was offered 10 years and slightly above $200 million by Miami.  However the Marlins' signing of Mark Buerhle in recent days put a huge blunder on the road and the heavy intentions on obtaining an Albert Pujols diminished.  It was then obvious that Pujols would return to the St. Louis Cardinals, a team that he played for his whole career for 11 years and a team who improved their offer to 10 years for $220 million.  Pujols is coming off a year where his .299 batting average, 37 homers and 99 RBIs lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a World Series Championship, second time in his career and second time for the team this decade.  However, Pujols made clear that he was mentally ready to leave his beloved team he has played for and move on.  The question was just "where".
   Late Wednesday, sources have talked about a third team possibly in the mix for "the Machine".  Well early Thursday morning, reports and breaking news rolled in that the L.A. Angels have swooped in and stole the crown in the major leagues this winter and it seemed just to be that.  Albert Pujols and the Angels agree on the terms on a huge 10 year, $250 million deal with a full no-trade clause which could have been the catalyst in his decision not to return to the Cards.  This mega deal puts Pujols at the top of the most-paid first basemens in the league and behind the most expensive contract in baseball: Alex Rodrigues-$275 million over 10 years. 

The Angels, a team that was sort of on the down low of things and Angels general manager Jerry Dipoto summarizing that the organization was going to walk away from the winter meetings in Dallas not making much happen in new acqusitions.  However shortly after the huge news of Pujols deciding to head west to  L.A., the team is not done and it is reported that the Angels have also agreed in terms of a 5 year, $77.5 million dollar contract for CJ Wilson.  The acquisition of these two players in the same morning have made the L.A. Angels the biggest news in baseball.  An offseason where the Marlins are making a buzz about their new owner, new stadium, new team, Jose Reyes and company, the Angels have signed the two biggest stars in the market, Albert Pujols arguably the best hitter in baseball right now, and CJ Wilson the best pitcher in the free-agent class this offseason.
   These two acquisitions highlight and deem big especially for the Angels.  Pujols will nestle in at first base as well as be the center and the third hitter in a lineup surrounded by Howie Kendrick and Torii Hunter.  Pitcher CJ Wilson will join an already formidable starting rotation featuring Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, and Dan Haren.  Adding CJ to the rotation would just solidify and put the Angels certainly as a top threat now in the West Coast Division.  The addition of Albert Pujols would certainly make the L.A. Angels a top contender in the American League.  All of a sudden teams would look at the Angels and no longer see them as a team that has lost steam especially in their starting lineup when guys like Chone Figgins and Hideki Matsui have dropped off and players such as Bobby Abreu and Kendry Morales have declined due to injuries.  This is a team that has certainly revamped itself, obtained the two most top star acquisitons, and created the biggest noise in baseball this offseason.

   What will this mean for the Cardinals?  How are fans in St. Louis reacting right now?  Obviously, baseball has changed and so has the strategy for teams still going about their holiday shopping this winter.


Until next time,
B.C.

Concern for Knick fans - 12/4/2011

Something big could be missing under the tree for the big apple this brief off-season. The Grinch could have already stole Christmas from the hopeful and there is something this town and other cities perhaps do not want to hear. What if neither Chris Paul nor Dwight Howard was available on anyone's "Christmas Wish-list".


Well according to sources, the Los Angeles Lakers could very well steal those presents from everyone this Christmas. It appears they intend to, it appears that they are willing. Yes, plans could be set in place in Lakers nation that will land the two biggest players in the market CP3 and D12 in L.A. Sources say the L.A. Lakers have a trade strategy forming in play to acquire both super-stars that any team making a run for it would be thankful to have just one of them. It is said that the Lakers are looking to re-shape the team and are willing to throw in any player on their roster of course with the exception of Kobe. That means Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and even Lamar Odom. What makes this formidable and even more of a reality is that the Lakers have the players, talent, as well as the resources to pull this blockbuster deal and compensate the teams at the other end for it. The possible plans consider moving Bynum and possibly Odom to the Magic for Howard, and Gasol to the Hornets in exchange for Paul, plus this might involve extra cash to the mix. L.A. dream-team here we come!


What will this mean for the other teams on the west coast? A season perhaps dominated and overpowered by the Lakers. They are their new big three on the coast. What does it mean for everyone else on the east coast? Sorry Knicks fans, our hope of acquiring another big star has just been erased. Bummer, I'm a Knicks fan too so I must share my fair amount of misery. Teams like the Knicks and the Nets will just have to toughen and play out the season. Of course there are the rest of the free agent class as well as other plans in the workings. Names like Tyson Chandler and Nene would be hanging around the holiday air. Of course this would be just only if the Lakers decide to steal Christmas!




Until next time,

B.C.

Giants v. Packers

With the New York Giants desperate for a win to keep their run for the playoffs alive, their performance at home against the Green Bay Packers would be crucial. The Giants having lost their last three games against teams looking good in the playoff standings would face perhaps the most impressive quarterback in the NFL right now, Aaron Rodgers. This is not to mention that the Packers are undefeated and in line for a perfect season!
The Giants take an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter when Eli Manning throws it to Travis Beckum for 67 yards. From then on it would be a roller coaster ride as the Giants trailed 21-17 at the half.


In the fourth quarter, Lawrence Tynes' 50 yard field goal would bring the Giants within one(28-27, Green Bay at that point). Later on, Aaron Rodgers would throw his fourth touchdown of the game making it 35-27, giving the Packers room. With just under 2 minutes left in the game, it was clear Eli Manning and the Giants would have to be pinpoint perfect to come back in this game. So Eli did what he does best in under 2 minutes, Manning brought the Giants down-field resulting in a touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks at 3rd down @ 2 in the Packer endzone. Now down 35-33, D.J. Ware rushed in for the 2 point conversion to tie it at 35. With 58 seconds left on the game clock, Giant defense would perhaps surely have no problem stopping the offense and forcing overtime. THIS IS AARON RODGERS! Even the Giant defense was unable to stop the high-powered offense of the Green Bay Packers who made some key first downs and take it all the way to the 20 yard line in Giants territory in under 58 seconds! With 3 seconds remaining on the game clock in the fourth, Mason Crosby kicked a 30 yard game winning field goal which would keep the Packers' perfect season in order. There is a reason the Packers are undefeated! They improve to 12-0. A disappointing loss for the Giants as they fall to 6-6 on a night where Dallas also lost which would have kept the Giants tied in first place in their division if they had won this game. Giants lose four straight.


Until next time,
B.C.