New York Giants Capture Home Field Advantage

The New York Giants showed what their offense is capable of with a healthy Brandon Jacobs, they can dominate at any time.

Basically average for the first half, the Giants' offense exploded for 21 points in the second half to take the game in overtime. Giants fans were leaving the stadium with one question on their minds.

Plaxico Who?

The Giants had lost their last two games without Plaxico Burress, but they also had lost them without a healthy Jacobs in the lineup, as he was injured in the first half of the Eagles game. 

Jacobs' impact was felt in every facet of the offensive game. Eli was more comfortable in the pocket, the offensive line played with confidence, and late in the game the self-dubbed 'Wind' was able to get in his normal late game carries when the defense has been warn down by 'Earth'.

Derrick Ward exploded for 215 yards in the game, and 82 on three carries on the last drive of overtime, which saw a drive starting from the 12 yard line become the Panthers' 36 yard line in one play. Ward was handed the ball every play on that key drive, save for an Eli Manning incomplete pass, a three yard run by Jacobs, and the eventual game winning touchdown by Jacobs.

The run by Jacobs capped a six play 87 yard drive, that only took 2:23 to score.  Ward had rushes of 51, 17, and 14 on the drive.

The Giants rushed for 301 net yards, giving them their best rushing performance since the 50's.  Ward's 215 rushing yards ranks him second on the Giants all time list, only behind Tiki Barber.

Overall this was a dominating performance by the offense.  The defense stepped up when they needed to and allowed the Giants to come away with the victory, and home field advantage.