New York Giants: The Team Has Finally Come Full Circle

For the second time this season, the New York Giants defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-14. 

This game, however, was for all the glory. The NFC East Division was up for grabs and it was go big or go home as it was a win-and-in situation for the postseason. 

What made this game different from their Week 14 game is the fact that Giants are now playing a complete game with all of their key players on the field. 

Regarding the offense, Eli Manning's 2011 season has been the best of his career. With a 63.2 completion percentage and a quarterback rating of 102.3, Manning has made his case for being one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

It became an all-too-familiar sight to see Manning have to put together game-winning drives in the fourth quarter to get the win. Manning is one of their most valuable assets who I expect to make a huge impact in the playoffs.

Victor Cruz, after nearly being cut by the Giants, has made himself a key component in the Giants offense. With speed, agility and the ability to make catches long downfield, this offense isn't the same without him, as his 76 receptions for 1,358 yards and eight touchdowns attest.

Cruz, being the huge piece of the offensive puzzle, isn't the only wideout that should scare teams. Hakeem Nicks, one of the best route-running receivers in the league, posted his second 1,000-plus-yard receiving season. 

Jake Ballard, after having a roller-coaster history with the Giants, finally came to play this season at tight end. 

Posting 67 receiving yards and a touchdown catch against New England back in November, Ballard has shown the ability to not only be a good blocking tight end, but also a reliable receiving one, as he has posted four touchdowns this season.

Ahmad Bradshaw being the number-one running back on the Giants has always been a given and he is capable of running for for short and big gains. Bradshaw posted eight touchdowns, carrying the rock for 602 yards.

It was Brandon Jacobs who was the worry and even the distraction early on in the season. 

Jacobs, whose numbers have slipped and subsequently, his playing time also, since his impressive 2008 season which saw him rush for 1089 yards on 219 carries with 15 touchdowns, has always been in the spotlight interviews.

He has said he does not see himself on the Giants in the future, which has led many to question if he even wants to be in New York anymore. Jacobs has also criticized fans for not being supportive of the team when they have not played well. 

Despite Jacobs being wrong for saying those things in the first place, his production has increased in the last few weeks of the season. Paired with Bradshaw, it will be hard for defenses to stop the Giants rush.

The Giants defense has come into its own and has been a force to be reckoned with. The pass rush has been unstoppable as Jason Pierre-Paul uses his huge frame and athleticism to beat defensive linemen and get to quarterbacks.

Justin Tuck, despite being injured for a large part of the season, still finds ways to be effective. However, when he is healthy, as he displayed against the Cowboys in Week 17, he is just as dominant as Pierre-Paul rushing the quarterback.

Osi Umenyiora, who missed four games due to an ankle sprain, is always effective on the gridiron. Posting seven sacks in eight games, Tuck, Pierre Paul and Umenyiora have made the Giants defense, which was once suspect during the season, more of a complete attack. 

The Giants showed they can play elite football in Week 17 against Dallas. They brought Green Bay to the brink in Week 13. They've shown flashes of being able to beat elite teams. 

If the Giants can continue to play well, they'll be able to make a deep run into the playoffs this year.