Adding to the mounting argument of parity versus mediocrity in the NFL, the New York Giants have managed to qualify for the postseason a third consecutive year. Buoyed by an opportunistic defense and spirited running attack the Giants fended off the feisty Buffalo Bills, 38-21.
Despite another lackluster performance by Eli Manning the Jints punched their ticket for the NFL’s second-season, and here’s hoping they can avoid their recent history of playoff embarrassments.
With linemen Shaun O’Hara, Chris Snee, and Rich Seubert opening gaping holes, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for a combined 291 yards and three touchdowns. Not since 1959, when Big Blue ran for 351 against the ‘Skins, have the G-Men gained as much on the ground.
Begs the question: Is it the backs? Line? Scheme? Or a combination of all?
Whatever, it certainly could diminish the accomplishments of a recent Giant back who embarked on a melodramatic farewell tour, only to use the platform as a means of throwing various teammates and coaches under the bus, then backing up the bus, only to reenact the previous throwing under the bus, and thus earning the dishonor of having his name forever stricken from the text of the Clipboard.
Then there’s Eli.
Don’t know if it was the weather or the continuing influence of Kevin Gilbride, but Eli seems incapable of removing the ‘deer-in-the-headlights’ visage that continues to plague his career and cause every God-fearing Giant fan to lose any last vestige of hope that he can fulfill his draft choice ranking, and/or pedigree.
Thankfully the Giant defense picked off three Trent Edwards’s passes. Kawika Mitchell and Corey Webster both returned interceptions for touchdowns.
Hats off to a spirited Bills’ team. For the second week in a row they earned the dubious distinction of playing in the game-most-affected-by-the-weather. Last weekend’s battle in Cleveland marked the first occasion that a televised broadcast needed a yardage marker graphic. As snow off Lake Erie blanketed the field, CBS added sideline numbers on the screen to help announcers find the yard markings.
This week wind gusts of 40 mph and all the possible forms of precipitation had robust sideline reporter Tony Siragusa doing his finest Bob Dylan and ‘seeking shelter from the storm’ in the broadcast booth. (Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it’s gimme shelter from the storm. Gimme a little license wouldja?)
Many questioned the Bills when they drafted Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards. Dissenters expressed concern that the two California natives would not be able to handle December games in western New York. The two rookies give reason for hope to legions of Bills’ fans.
Great to see Kevin Everett make his return to Buffalo. Continued prayers go out as he continues to recover from a spinal cord injury.
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