Giants-Cardinals: New York Rolls Even Without Burress & Jacobs

Returning to the site of their Super Bowl win this past February, the Giants beat the upstart Arizona Cardinals 37-29 and improved their record to 10-1. 

With a three game lead it would appear that the Giants have the inside track to having home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Ironically, that presents a stark difference from last year when they got into the playoffs as a Wild Card and had to win on the road.

What a difference a week makes when it was believed that Brandon Jacobs was removed from the game against the Ravens after the first quarter to "save" him.  This week we find out that he has an injured knee and didn't suit up.  Hmmmm....

Then there is #17, Plaxico Burress. Apparently, he injured his hamstring and was only able to make it through one series. 

The best thing for the Giants is how all of the other receivers stepped up again in his absence. 

Just as he did against the Seattle Seahawks, Domenick Hixon made an impact in all phases of the game. With two huge kickoff returns, a punt return and big receptions, Hixon compiled over 260 all-purpose yards.  Perhaps the wrong guy got the big million dollar contract going into this season.

With Jacobs' absence, Derrick Ward carried the load with 69 yards in 20 carries.

A true sign of a championship team is when they click on all facets of the game; offense, defense and special teams.

The question is, how far can the Giants go?  What team in the NFC can knock the Giants off in the playoffs? 

Time and five more games will tell.