In offensive lineman David Diehl’s case, it’s the only reason he still has a roster spot on the New York Giants.

The Giants announced yesterday that they had reached an agreement to cut Diehl’s salary from  a base of 4.475 million to 1 million. The move helps lower Diehl’s cap hit from 6.825 milion to 3.125 million.

On the surface, it’s a justifiable move. The Giants needed cap space and while Diehl ideally wouldn’t be the starting right tackle again, he can still function as a versatile backup, being able to play multiple positions on the offensive line.

There are a few major problems with this line of thinking. The first is that versatility only exists if the player is able to play the named positions at an adequate level. Diehl has proven that he is unable to play at even a below average level at any position.

Pro Football Focus ranked David Diehl as the worst pass blocking tackle in football from 2009-2011. Diehl gave up 116 pressures on only 1,191 snaps. That means on 9.7% of his snaps as a tackle, he allowed Eli to be hit, sacked or forced him to get rid of the ball quickly.  PFF’s number doesn’t even account for the fact that Diehl had extensive snaps at left guard during that time.

In 2012, Diehl was slightly better but still very much a liability at right tackle. He was far from the only problem with the Giants offense but it should not be taken as a complete coincidence that two of the worst Giants offensive games of the season (Week 1 vs the Dallas Cowboys, Week 9 vs the Pittsburgh Steelers) came with him as a starter. It also shouldn’t be taken as a complete coincidence that the Giants offense played much better after Sean Locklear replaced him in the starting lineup in Week 2.

Even after the Giants offense more or less flourished under Locklear, the Giants still put Diehl back in the starting lineup. The reasoning? “You don’t really lose your job because of an injury” according to Giants offensive line coach Pat Flaherty. Ignoring the fact that it happens all the time in the NFL, the Giants were playing at a higher level with Locklear than Diehl. The Giants took that as a blip and not indicative of something more.

If Diehl were being brought back as a strict backup, this move would not be so troubling. That’s the problem: Barring another draft pick or free agent signing, Diehl will be the starter at right tackle. 2011 fourth rounder James Brewer is viewed as a possibility to start but barring an injury or disastrous preseason, Diehl will start. That’s because the Giants organization views him as an asset and not a liability.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin publicly stated he wanted Diehl back, as did co-owner John Mara. It’s unlikely that the Giants would have been so public about a player they view as a backup.

Diehl represents a major blind spot for the Giants organization. They were quick to jettison Ahmad Bradshaw, Michael Boley, and Chris Canty this off-season. In the past, they’ve let veterans like Antonio Pierce, Shaun O’Hara and Rich Seubert go when it was clear they were past their prime. Diehl is long past his prime and actively hurts the Giants offense when he sees the field. Giants fans can see this. Impartial observers can see it. Advanced statistics spell it out clearly. Yet for whatever reason, the Giants organization just doesn’t see it that way.

It’s also not as if Diehl’s problems were solely on the field. Last June, Diehl was arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol. Many players better than Diehl have seen their careers turned upside down for crimes less serious than that.  Diehl received no reprimand from the Giants and it was essentially swept under the rug.

At age 33, Diehl is more likely to see his performance get worse rather than better. With Eli Manning at quarterback, the Giants offense will always be better than average but their potential will be always be limited by Diehl. There’s only so much a quarterback can do when facing constant pressure from pass rushers.

In the end, the Giants season won’t be defined by their right tackle, it will be defined by how their offense and defense as a whole perform and whether or not they make the playoffs. If they fail to do so, the Giants organization will ask what went wrong and will look at every aspect of the team, including the offensive line. It’s a good bet they won’t look in Diehl’s direction though.

The Giants will tender Victor Cruz at a first round level today.  This will cost the Giants a little under 3 million, and pretty much guarantee Victor is on the Giants for this season.  The Giants will continue to negotiate a long term deal with Victor.

The Cowboys have released LB Dan Connor and the Redskins have released DeAngelo Hall.

Connor at age 27 had played for the Carolina Panthers for 4 years before moving to the Cowboys.  He recorder 56 tackles last season in 14 games.

DeAngelo Hall is the story of what happen to an aging player in the NFL.  Your salary increases over time, until you just get too expensive to keep around anymore.  At age 29 and a salary of 6 million, the Redskins decided to get younger and cheaper, and use the money somewhere else.

Although, nothing was confirmed, it appeared Boley fell out of graces with the coaching staff late in the year as he was pulled from the starting line-up the last three games and was played sparingly in those contests, too. The move will save the Giants in the neighborhood of $4.5 million on the salary Cap.

At this point it appears the Giants will be looking to Jacquian Williams to be the starting outside linebacker.

Pathetic, awful, putrid, embarrassing, costly, the list could continue, but I won’t. Football fans and New York Giants fans know the range of feelings I’m describing. The ones that still linger after a team with everything right in front of them laid that type of egg in a real “statement” game.

One week after pounding down the New Orleans Saints, the Giants went down south to play the NFC’s best, Atlanta Falcons. It was definitely a statement game. Both teams made a real statement! The Falcons stated that they were among the NFL’s elite, regardless what experts say. They stated that in order to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, teams would have the go through them. The Giants, on the other hand, made a different statement, but a statement nonetheless. They showed that they are the most inconsistent team in the NFL. The paper champs, if you will. No one can argue the magnitude of talent they have on their roster, just like no one can argue how twisted and confusing the results are. I understand losing to an 11-2 team, on the road, in a dome, where Atlanta plays well, but come on. They didn’t even get on the plane, let alone get off of it.

Trying to piece together that game on Sunday, I’m left with one conclusion; What’s up with Eli? Now before you start going crazy, understand that since the time he was at Ole Miss to present date, I’ve always been a huge proponent and supporter of Eli. It doesn’t change the fact that he is having a strange year, in a stretch of his career that really is inexcusable. His numbers aren’t great, but the numbers don’t even tell the story. His play has mirrored the Giants inconsistent and sporadic performance and record. He’s been up, down and all around. Go back to week two, the Giants played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Eli played an ugly first half. With the Giants finding themselves down at halftime they, and especially Eli, came out and played nearly a flawless second half of football and went on to win. That game, much like the rest of the season makes you scratch your head. How is it possible to look so bad at one point and look so good soon after? Its difficult to find a comparison on the NFL at the QB position because no one has the cliff falls that Eli does, and only few have the dynamics Eli has when he’s playing well. It’s not a question of comparing him to Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers (mainly because those guys don’t really have bad performances, just not always spectacular) it’s a matter of finding out what’s responsible for such inconsistent play. He’s had this “mantra” since he came into the league in 2004, however given his success over the last couple years, its very surprising. So I ask, what is up with Eli? Any ideas? Anyone?

The craziest part is with the aftermath of Sunday’s game against the Falcons? The Giants are still in the drivers seat for the playoffs. It’s as simple as this, win out and they’re in. Even the NFC East is still in contention, though they would need help to win the division, but its still a possibility.

They go into Baltimore, who basically mirrors New York in the AFC with inconsistency. This should be some pretty angry football. Two of the more “physical” (at least the teams are touted as physical) both have been embarrassed recently with New York’s loss to Atlanta and Baltimore dropping three straight. The stakes are high, too. Baltimore is in danger of losing the Division lead in the AFC North and the Giants could be eliminated from playoff contention this week with a loss to Baltimore, and wins by Seattle, Washington and Dallas.

The Giants have their work cut out for them, its right there. Its been said all year, go out and take control of the season. They know what needs to be done, just get it done. Not looking great for them right now.

Lets see what the experts things:

ESPN 12(7)

They have squandered their lead and are in danger of missing the playoffs. Something’s just not there that was there before. (Graziano)

There is truth in that statement for sure, and where I feel very similar its hard to write them off until they are literally eliminated from the playoffs. Similar things were said about the Giants after last year’s week 15 loss to the Washington Redskins, then they got hot, got in the playoffs and won the Super Bowl.

CBS Sports 10(7)

They can win the next two and still get into the playoffs. But that game at Atlanta sure was eye opening. (Priscoe)

It sure was an eye opener, but could it be an eye opener for the New York Giants a team that seems like it just isn’t “catching”. Maybe it’s the kick to the teeth, the spark they need. We’ll find out.

Fox Sports 15(8)

The Giants were shut out this weekend and are still averaging 26 points per game over the last two. (Billick)

Not a really a big deal because they’re probably averaging around 30 points against over the last two weeks, you do the math. They need more from the defensive line. Where is Justin Tuck!? Unless they’re line steps up and Eli wakes up, they’ll find themselves in a better draft pick then they want to be.

Check back next week for more Rankings Review.

When you page Dr. Jekyll, you get Mr. Hyde, and vice versa. That seems to be the trend with the New York Giants in the second half of this 2012 season. After coming out and losing a game they really needed to win Monday Night, vs. the Washington Redskins, the Giants, at home, dismantled the New Orleans Saints 52-27. The 52 points scored by New York was the most points the franchise has put up since 1986.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Sunday’s game was the way it played out. Sure, they had a four-touchdown performance from QB Eli Manning. Sure, they had an eight catches for 121 yds. and a score from wide out Victor Cruz, but this game ball, undoubtedly goes to rookie David Wilson.

Right from the opening kickoff (Wilson returned it to New Orleans 46 yard line) this kid came to play. With Andre Brown on IR, Amhad Bradshaw nicked up, David Wilson knew he was going to get his shot, and boy did he take advantage. Wilson changed the game with his returns, oh and by the way he had 100 rushing yards and two scores, including a 52 yard run, a run that I’m pretty sure Usain Bolt couldn’t catch up to. Wilson finished with 327 all-purpose yards and three scores. That set a new team mark for the Giants.

His performance couldn’t have come at a better time. Giants players, along with the fans watched anxiously as the both Washington, Dallas and even Philadelphia, rallied with game winning field goals to really put the pressure on New York. It looked promising as Baltimore took and eight point lead into the final minutes against Washington, not to mention an injured Robert Griffin, but Kirk Cousins rallied the ‘Skins to win. Cincinnati had a couple chances to put the game away, failed to do so and Dallas hit a game wining field goal as time expired. No one really cares about Philadelphia’s win, but it was pretty unbelievable. Nonetheless, things could have gotten really hairy if the Giants went out and laid an egg against a sporadic Saints team.

The road to the playoffs continues its tough, rocky path for the Giants. They’re heading down to south to play the NFC’s best (record wise) the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta is a completely different team at home, so needless to say the Giants will have their work cut out for them. Dallas could have a tough game going up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re a team that resembles the Giants Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde look. However, Dallas could be without star wide out Dez Bryant, who has a broken finger. Washington goes up against the Cleveland Browns, which not judging by their record can be a difficult team to get around. The Browns may have the luxury of watching RGIII on the sidelines in street clothes. Griffin sprained his knee in the fourth quarter against Baltimore last week. It’s unclear whether he’ll play or not.

The Giants truly control their own destiny, it’s simply win and you’re in.

Lets see what the “experts” think.

ESPN 7(10)

Are they back in championship form? Road tests in Atlanta and Baltimore will be telling. (Graziano)

To someone who followed these rankings and the synopsis of them, you’d think Dan Graziano has been spending time in Washington state or Colorado. Look he’s probably just as baffled as the rest of the world when it comes to the Giants. One week they look like a wild card bubble team, the next week they look like the best team in the NFL. It s a good question, are the Giants backs against the wall so much that they’re taking the annual form of a SUPER team? What better way to find out then on the road, against the NFC’s top team and one of the top teams in the AFC?

FOX Sports 7(12)

If the NFL puts eliminating kickoffs up for vote, the New York Giants will be the first to oppose it. (Billick)

Its funny that a day or two after the rumors came out of the NFL’s competition committee exploring an idea of eliminating the kick off the Giants and David Wilson (even Jerrel Jernigan) literally used numerous kickoffs to constantly swing momentum in their favor. The kick off played such an integral part in that game; I don’t know how the subject could even be discussed further after watching it.

CBS Sports 7(11)

The offense had to come alive, and the Saints were the perfect tonic. David Wilson’s speed has to be used more on offense. (Priscoe)

I think for Giants fans and NFL fans, it became clear why New York used a first round pick on David Wilson. It may have taken a little longer to realize it, but this kid is so fast and shifty. When was the last time, if ever, the Giants had a guy that could do what Wilson can do and in such a short window of time. However, before anointing him the starting running back and the greatest thing since beer and pretzels, it needs to be taken in stride. He still needs to protect the ball, pick up blitzes and take care of assignments. With that being said you can help but gush a little when you think about what could transpire down this stretch.

Check back next week for more Rankings Review.

However, just as easily, the Giants could loose and the Skins and Cowboys could all win. This would leave the NFC East in a cluster and creating a final three game shot out. The Giants (FALCONS, RAVENS, EAGLES)  have the toughest schedule left  followed by the Cowboys (STEELERS, SAINTS, AND REDSKINS) and the Redskins (BROWNS, EAGLES, COWBOYS) have the easiest.  The mission for the Giants is very simple win this Sunday and then finish the season by winning two of their last three games and their golden. A loss to the Saints will put the Giants in a position they do not want to be in-needing to win and out and possibly needing help.

Sunday will be a great day to sit down, relax, pop open a quality beer and watching football from 1 till 10pm non-stop. GMENHQ will feature GameDay Essentials for both the Washington and Cowboys game. Both games are on at 1:00pm. If you do not have the Redzone network tomorrow may be the day to call your cable company and subscribe!

That was a tough one to swallow. A figurative shot to the gut. All these feelings describe what was felt by New York Giants fans everywhere Monday night. In a game that the Giants played well enough to win, they came up short against divisional rival the Washington Redskins.

This was a bad loss for a number of reasons, most notably because the Giants had a chance to, all but bury the Redskins season, maintain their lead over Dallas and put a stranglehold on the Division, while heading into what looks to be the most rigorous quarter of their season. In a perfect world…

The question I asked myself is ‘Did they pay well enough to win?’ Obviously not, and now the Giants are left with some pretty scary questions. What is wrong with the defensive line? How is Head Coach Tom Coughlin going to handle the right tackle situation? Are they going to make the playoffs? A different tone than my previous article, for sure.

To run back over the issues previously mentioned, I understand Robert Griffin III, better known as RGIII, is a difficult player to defend, but my issues with the defensive line don’t really pertain to him, it’s the fact that in two games against the Redskins, Alfred Morris has looked unstoppable. Every time he got the ball he seemingly picked up six, seven yards, every carry! From a viewer’s standpoint the way Griffin handled the ball, either handing it off, play action or running himself appeared to be difficult. However, with the staff the Giants have, it’s hard for me to believe New York wasn’t prepared for it. Reports came out the Giants D practiced a large part of the week without a football, to instill focus on carrying out your assignment, and your assignment alone. It didn’t work.

Now, the right tackle situation. This to me is the biggest blow of all, Sean Locklear, whom the Giants added this off-season played surprisingly well in filling in when starter David Diehl went out with an injury. In fact so well that he became the starting RT even when Diehl came back. The offense played better. He is a flat out better pass blocker than Diehl, who has been a disappointment this year when on the field.

These are just a couple of the issues that face the Giants going into the home stretch of the regular season. Going into this past week, people wondered what seed the Giants would get, not if they would even make the post season. Make no mistake about it, their schedule is not as favorable as Washington’s or the Cowboys. They host New Orleans (always gives NYG trouble), then go on the road to the NFC’s top dog in Atlanta, followed up with a road trip to the AFC’s second best team in Baltimore, only to return home and close out the year against divisional foe the Philadelphia Eagles, in who the Giants already lost this year. To top it off the Giants lose a lot of tie breakers within the division.

It’ safe to say the Giants control their own destiny, but that destiny is a difficult one in which they’ve got the “flip that switch” and steamroll into the playoffs, not fall backwards. I think they’ll rally and get in.

What to the “experts” think?

ESPN 10(8)

The Giants never make anything easy. They still lead the NFC East, but now must sweat it out. (Graziano)

In order for the Giants to make the playoffs they can’t take the approach of “sweating it out” the Giants need to see their schedule, know what needs to be done and go out a take it. Over the past years they have had the tendency to sit back and just “hope Philly and Dallas lose”. Enough is enough. As I said they control their destiny, go out and make it, don’t wait for it.

Fox Sports 12(8)

The Giants still lead the NFC East with a 7-5 record, but the Redskins and Cowboys are breathing down their necks at 6-6. (Billick)

In order for the Giants to allude Dallas and Washington changes need to be made, whether its to the blitz package or the timing personnel is on the field. They’re not applying enough pressure to the QB. The secondary is improving slightly, but the Giants need that cushion of rushers to cover up some more of those deficiencies. Unless, they can do that, it could be a very long December when facing, Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco, all of whom air it out anywhere from 25-50 times a game.

CBS Sports 11(8)

They are suddenly in a fight for the division title. They have to get that passing game cranked up again.

One positive thing to look at from the game on Monday how the Giants were able to move the ball in the first half. Eli Manning although missed a couple shots down field looked poised, comfortable and confident in the pocket. I understand Washington’s pass defense is atrocious but sometimes a team needs a little confidence booster like that. Hakeem Nicks is looking more crisp every game and Martellus Bennett has been a great addition to the offense. Let’s just up David Diehl can pick up the slack.

Check Back Next Week For More Rankings

Not this year. Forget the second half lull the New York Giants typically fall into, because it isn’t going to happen. Most people thought Cincinnati was the beginning of it, I say it was hiccup, on the road, against a team who hasn’t been playing too badly the last couple weeks.

The Giants haven’t typically had such a late bye week as they did this year and it showed. The team looked tire (not just Eli’s arm). They looked like a defending champion who just expected to win, merely by showing up. I’m not want to really put much belief in moral victories or defeats, but one has to wonder, was that loss something the Giants could build on? It gave them two weeks to stew about it. Oh and in the meantime, the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys continue squandering their respective seasons.

The entire Giant fan-base was very curious as to how the team would come out and perform against a red-hot Green Bay team. The Giants answered, in a very loud and clear way, stomping out the Packers 38-10, in a game that seemed even more one sided than the score indicates. They looked crisp on all levels, the defensive line harassed Aaron Rodgers all night. Randall Cobb, arguably the leagues hottest receiver, was held in check the entire night and Eli and company had their way all night.

Unfortunately there was some bad news to come out of the Sunday night win. Running back Andrew Brown broke his Fibula and the Giants were forced to put him on injured reserve. However they took advantage of the new IR system where the player has the ability to return. With the new rules, Brown wouldn’t be eligible to practice for six weeks and couldn’t play until eight weeks on the list. Not to look ahead but that would slate him a return for a pretty big game that goes on in February…

Before we pencil the Giants into the Super Bowl, lets take a look at where the “experts” penciled them into the power rankings.

ESPN 8(9)

When they flip that switch, the Giants look like the best team in the league. How do they decide when to flip it? (Graziano)

What the Giants really need to do is find that switch, turn it on and smash it. It’s hard not to see that they do have a mentality, and history, of “flipping the switch”. However, that can’t be done all the time, sometimes that switch doesn’t turn on. They need to play consistent great football. That’s how you train yourself to go out every Sunday with the same intensity and focus. That’s what helps you avoid the letdown games like the Giants had against the Bengals. If the Giants have a prayer of returning the Super Bowl, they better hope that switch got turned on, permanently during their bye week.

Fox Sports 8(14)

Welcome back, Giants! Tom Coughlin and his players must have been sick and tired of hearing all the talk about how they stink in the month of November. (Billick)

Look the analysts and fans call it like they see it and traditionally under Coughlin the Giants really have been terrible in the second half of the REGULAR season. It’s been as consistent as the sun coming up every morning. So naturally the Giants can’t get upset with anyone. They reacted just how they needed to, in order to shut up critics, it’s simple, win. I’m sure they are tired of hearing of the vaunted “second-half swoon” however, they need to prove its not true, and what better way then to beat division rival, when they go to Washington next Monday Night to play the Redskins, who may be the leagues new hottest team now that the Packers have lost.

CBS Sports 8(11)

The bye did this team a ton of good. That was dominant against the Packers. They looked like the Super Giants. Now they have a big road test with the Redskins. (Priscoe)

See Above….

One has to hope that the Giants aren’t overlooking this game next Monday night against Washington. It’s hard to believe they would after how much trouble Robert Griffin III gave them when they played earlier in the year at MetLife Stadium. Both Washington and Dallas are on the heels of the Giants, one going up and the other going down. With entire NFC East going head to head this week, its conceivable that the Redskins and Cowboys could only be a game off the division lead after Monday Night.

Its up to the Giants to prove their over their second-half season woes and put a clamp on the NFC East.

Check back next week for the Rankings Review.

Just like that, the New York Giants sit atop the NFC East. After beating up the San Francisco 49’s the Giants, led by Eli Manning, pulled another Miracle out of the hat. New York had their hands full all day with dynamic rookie Robert Griffin III and rookie running back Alfred Morris, but then as we’ve seen him do so many times before in the fourth quarter, Manning connected with Victor Cruz on a 77-yard touchdown to go ahead wit just over a minute to go.

Every game for the Giants seemingly gets bigger and tougher, and it will only continue with divisional games against Dallas (this week) and another game against Philadelphia and Washington. Also on that list is New Orleans, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, etc. If the Giants are going to get a chance to defend the Super Bowl in the playoffs, they will have certainly earned, playing just about every powerhouse the NFL has to offer.

We all have seen what they have been able to do, lets see what the experts have seen:

ESPN 2(3)

Befuddled most of the day by RG3 and the Redskins, the Giants still somehow managed to win. It’s what they do. (Graziano)

The Giants since Eli Manning has come into his own have really rallied when their backs are up against the wall, just look at their two most recent Super Bowls. The concern is are the Giants getting too comfortable with “come from behind” mentality. If they truly are it could very well end up haunting them in the postseason. There are teams in the NFC that are very capable of stomping them out upon building a lead (anybody seen the Packers the last two weeks?). The Giants need to find more consistency. While Washington is a good, young team, there is no reason they should have taken the Giants down to the wire like that. The Giants are a more talented and more experienced team.

Fox Sports 4(5)

Eli Manning’s 23rd fourth-quarter comeback came on a 77-yard catch-and-run to Victor Cruz. To put that into perspective, Tom Brady has 25 fourth-quarter comebacks. (Billick)

That’s a pretty unbelievable statistic when considering Brady has been in the league longer, played in an inferior division and for the majority of the years had a more explosive offense than Eli. One of the most intriguing parts of that stat is three of those comeback wins have come against Tom Brady and two of them were on the biggest stage in football, the Super Bowl. Where many will argue that Manning is not the best QB in the league, or even playing the best in the league, no one can argue that there is another QB a team would rather have in the fourth quarter.

CBS Sports 4(5)

They have to get out of the habit of playing down to the competition, especially at home. That defense still has some major problems. (Priscoe)

Whatever it is, the Giants do seem to have a lot of trouble playing 1 o’clock games at home. This goes back a couple years. You saw it last year against inferior teams (Seattle, Miami, Buffalo) and you’ve seen it this year against the Redskins and the Buccaneers. Whether it is the lack of spotlight this is an issue that really needs to be corrected. New York has more games at home slated for 1 o’clock. The Giants’ defense only has one major issue and it’s injuries. I think the defensive front is starting to take form. It’s a difficult task defending a guy like RGIII, no one in the league has been able to do what he can do (Vick has never even been close to this guy). Washington clearly got a steal with Alfred Morris, especially when combined with Head Coach Mike Shannahan, who traditionally rings every ounce of talent from his running backs.

The upcoming game against Dallas is the biggest game of the Giants season and New York feels they have something to prove.

Check back next week for more rankings.

The Giants are dancing into their pivotal week six match up with the San Francisco 49’ers, after beating the Cleveland Browns Sunday at Metlife Stadium. It didn’t always look like they would be dancing either, rather more, limping into the game, literally and figuratively. After digging themselves a hole to the winless Browns 14-0 in the early goings of the first quarter the Giants turned it around, and turned it on, winning 41-27. Behind Amhad Bradshaw’s career best 200-yd rushing performance and Victor Cruz’s 3 TD day, the Giants offense had there way with a chippy Browns defense.

Fortunately for New York, both the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles lost Sunday as well, leaving the Giants in a first place tie with the Eagles. Dallas was idle on the bye.

This Sunday marks the first time the Niners and Giants will meet since the NFC Championship heavyweight match in San Francisco last season. San Francisco, outside of losing to, what appears to be, a pretty good team in Minnesota, has looked like one of, if not the, best team in the NFL. They have arguably the most physical and dominant defense in the league and their offense capitalizes on that and rarely makes mistakes itself. Make no mistake about, San Francisco circled this game on their calendar when the schedule came out. Especially Kyle Williams. Williams, you’ll remember was the return man who botched a couple punts, leading to the Giants advancing to the Super Bowl.

Leading up to this game, we’ll find the Giants have climbed in just about every Power Ranking. Let’s take a look at where they stand after week five.

ESPN 7(10)

If the champs can run the ball the way they ran it Sunday, they could have the best offense in the league. (Graziano)

It’s clear that the Giants have a way with developing their receiving corps. We’re seeing it first hand. Just about anyone they put in the mix, will have the opportunity to shine. However, having a consistent running game is the key to having long-term success for the Giants. Eli Manning is one of the best QB’s in the league, and maybe the best QB off of play action. Bradshaw ran angry and when given the opportunity, rookie David Wilson showed why the Giants were so excited when they drafted him. It’s unclear whether Andre Brown will be ready to play this week after suffering a concussion but it appears the Giants are deeper at RB then anyone thought.

FOX 7(11)

I have been somewhat hesitant to call Ahmad Bradshaw a feature back in the NFL, but he did his best to prove it to me on Sunday. His 200 yards rushing were good for a career day. (Billick)

It’s hard to disagree with Brian Billick on this one, Bradshaw has never really been the sole, feature back. He’s always shared the load with Brandon Jacobs. I don’t think that should change. Bradshaw, traditionally has been pretty injury prone, although he still plays through them. However, with Bradshaw, aging its important to share the load with the younger backs. Bradshaw has the ability to cut back and dance at the line, which sometimes can be great, and sometimes can be unproductive. This league has turned into a two-back format. Anything offenses can do to keep opposing defenses on their heels is important.

CBS Sports 7(11)

They found a way to get the running game going. But at some point, the defense has to play better. They let Cleveland do too many things. (Priscoe)

The Giants defense is under quite a bit of scrutiny, and they’ll be the first to tell you why. Their front four haven’t been playing well. There is a bigger picture. With the rash of injuries the Giants have sustained has limited the amount of aggressiveness they Giants can bring into a game plan. They can’t afford to leave the secondary and linebackers out on islands because they’re not capable of keeping up with opposing tight ends or receivers. We’ve seen this time and time again. Getting Chris Canty back in the next week will be a huge boost for that front. On the other hand, it’s no secret Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora, simply have not played well, at all. If the Giants are going to do anything, they’ll need more. Leave it to a big game, like the one coming up, for one, or both, of them to shine.

Side Note: The Giants will see some familiar faces Sunday when they travel out to San Francisco. Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs both left New York via free agency and signed with the niners this offseason. Don’t look for the Giants to show a lot of love. They are there for business. Just ask Antrel Rolle.

Check back next week for more reviews.

The focus for the New York Giants going into the 2012 NFL regular season, was to break the habit of going through the motions, and squeaking into the playoffs. The NFC East got better and the NFC overall is just a powerhouse. It was no secret to the NFL or the Giants that the type of regular season they had last year, probably wouldn’t be good enough to punch their tickets to the playoffs. So naturally, everyone thought there was no chance it would happen. But look at us now. The Giants are not only replicating last year, they’re starting worse off.

The Giants are 2-2 going into week five. The worst part about their sluggish start, their two losses came in the NFC East division (to Dallas and Philadelphia). Arguments can be made the Giants could have/should have won both of those games; but the fact is, there are no style points in the NFL.

New York really shot themselves in the foot on Sunday night in Philadelphia. The strangest thing is where the blame should fall, and it’s not a place we’re used to seeing. That place is on the shoulders of Head Coach Tom Coughlin. The last 35 seconds of that game was mismanaged by Coughlin, plain and simple.

Take a look back into the crystal ball. Why are you taking a deep shot in that scenario. Why aren’t you play more conservative to give a your kicker (who by the way was perfect on the year up until Sunday) an easier field goal. Coughlin knows it too. That’s why he took responsibility for it Monday during a press conference. So many times coaches will do that to take to focus off his player, but this time he, knows, the team knows, and we all know it should’ve gone differently. The Giants could have lived with Tynes missing a field goal, heartbreaking yes, but it wouldn’t have given the feeling that New York just beat itself.

Go even farther back in the game, where was Andre Brown? Right the hot hand, huh? Bradshaw had a couple of nice runs in the early part of the first and second half, and then was not heard from again. It was a strange game, it was not the same Gilbride and Coughlin New York has been accustomed to seeing. The defense I thought played pretty well, but they got worn down and McCoy gashed them in the second half.

To top it off the Giants sustained another injury to their secondary, starting Safety Kenny Phillips. If Phillips is unhealthy the remained of the year, this will cripple the Giants, he really is the main guy they cant afford to lose. Ask the entire defense. He and Rolle’s play making allows the rest of the defense to be as aggressive as they want.

Enough on my rant, lets look at what the “experts” have on the Giants.

ESPN 10(6)

Same team as last year. Lots of holes and reliant on the QB to win it at the end. Kenny Phillips injury could hurt.

Couldn’t be more right on this, but I’ll challenge and say with the injuries the Giants have now, with the schedule they’re looking at, they’re much worse off then last year. The bright spot being that Dallas looks more dysfunctional than just about any team in the NFL, outside of New Orleans. Philadelphia, though posting a 3-1 record, has done nothing to make you believe they’re for real. Phillips could be a huge blow. If he and Nicks continue to be hampered throughout the year, the Giants will need a miracle just to make the playoffs.

Fox Sports 11(5)

For all the hype the Giants’ defensive line had leading up to the season, the only true intimidator I see in that group is Jason Paul-Pierre. Osi Umenyiora consistently lost outside containment and allowed both LeSean McCoy and Michael Vick to get to the edge throughout Sunday night’s loss.

I’m glad this is being brought into the light. Where is Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora? The only thing I can remember from Tuck is being blown up on that Demarco Murray run, in week 1. As for Osi, the only notable thing he’s done this year involved Lesean McCoy, off the field. Anyone who saw Umenyiora on Sunday night knows McCoy got the best of him, as did Michael Vick. Both Tuck and Osi got sucked inside multiple times leaving big gains for both McCoy and Vick and in pretty big spots, too. Now I understand that the defense was worn down but these two have been all but invisible since opening night. Now JPP can compensate for some of it, because he’s without question one of, if not the best defensive player in football right now. They’ll need Tuck and Osi to step up to compensate for the injuries across the board.

CBS Sports 11(8)

Despite the loss at Philadelphia, this is still a good team. Injuries are starting to undermine the secondary.

They are a good team, but there are so many injuries this team can take, especially wit the schedule they have in the pipeline. Essentially after this week (and make no mistake Cleveland will be tougher than you think) New York really has no “gimme” the rest of the year. I guess that’s to be expected of the defending champs. I just hope when it’s all said and done, the Giants truly have a chance to defend their title, not miss out due to yet another, lackluster regular season.

Side Note: Is anyone else overly concerned with Hakeem Nicks and his rash of injuries? Bar none, he is the best receiver on the Giants and is probably top 3-5 in the NFL. You have to think that with Nicks in the game on Sunday night there is probably a different outcome. His specialty is getting off the line against the bump and run coverage. He needs to get healthy in order to restore this Giants offense to what is truly is.

Check back next week for more reviews.

When the New York Giants took the field last Thursday night, no one knew what to expect. They had a running back in Andre Brown, who had been cut by ¼ of the NFL teams, a wide receiver in Ramses Barden, who hasn’t accrued more than 13 catches since entering in the NFL, years ago and who knows playing at corner back. On top of that they were going up against one of the more dynamic QB’s in the league, Cam Newton, combined with the game being on the road during a short week.

How did they respond?

They destroyed the Carolina Panthers. Newtown was invisible throwing three INT’s and the vaunted Giants defensive line was unstoppable. As for Brown? He had 113 yards and 2TD’s. Barden? 9 catches for 138 yds.

What a difference a three days makes. This is the Giants we expect to see. If they continue to play like this, I don’t think anyone would have a problem declaring them the best team in the NFL. Let’s see where they rank among the “experts”.

ESPN 6(8)

The champs clicked on all cylinders in Carolina. Can they do same this week in Philly?

The surely did, they looked unbeatable on Thursday night. The level Eli Manning is on right now leaves he and Matt Ryan looking down on the rest of the QB’s in the NFL. To take unproven Andre Brown, Ramses Barden, Martellus Bennett and put together that offensive performance is why he is a 2-time Super Bowl MVP. Combine that with the defensive performance the Giants turned in and the they look to have a real chance of repeating. At this point it’s a matter of staying healthy (or getting healthy). Sunday night is a bigger game than normal for week 4, as they already are down 0-1 in the NFC East.

Yahoo! Sports 4

That was a pretty thorough stomping that the Giants put on Carolina Thursday night. They were injured and on the road in a short week, and still, their domination was total. They usually wait until about Week 16 to look that good.

If you remember the Giants following their Super Bowl season of ’07 they were hands down the best team in the NFL, until Plaxico Burress shot himself. Now granted they lost to Dallas week 1 and had a tough time with Tampa Bay in week 2, but I would look for the Giants to continue this type of play. I hear everyone say “they play better when they’re the underdog” and maybe they do, but the truth is that they seem to play pretty well defending their title too. Giants fans need to hope Hakeem Nicks or Victor Cruz to fire a round into their leg.

Fox 5(7)

The Giants have 1,021 yards of total offense over their last two games. 417 of those yards came this past week against Carolina in which they were missing their starting running back and top receiver. Eli is playing the position better than anyone else right now.

The fact that the Giants have racked up 1,021 yards in the last two games is pretty remarkable but what’s more impressive is that they’re fourth in the league in points allowed. Its clear the Giants have turned the page on being a defensive-only team since the emergence of ELI & Co. especially with the way the league is now, so when you see that stat it certainly jumps off the page. The defense needs to continue to put the stronghold on opposing offenses and keep them out of the end zone.

The Giants, for the last six quarters of football, have looked unbeatable, but unless they can win their division it could be very difficult to earn a playoff spot. Once they get in the playoffs, we’ve all seen how the can end. The Giants face a tough team in Philadelphia this Sunday Night, and they need to come out and punch their rivals right in the mouth, with the whole world watching.

Check back next week for another edition.

The Philadelphia Eagles are chirping, what else is new. It’s become an annual event, whenever the Giants play the Eagles, there is weeklong “chatter” leading up to the game. So naturally, Lesean McCoy picked up right where the two teams left off.

McCoy sparked a dying flame in the feud he and Giants DE Osi Umenyiora over the last year, or so.

“Osi, to be honest, he is a good player,” McCoy said, “I think he thinks that he is better than what he really is. I think he is a ballerina in a Giants uniform. Other than that, that is all I got to say about Osi.”

The “beef” as McCoy called it, started back when Umenyiora was embattled with New York’s front office regarding a new contract. The Eagles outspoken running back took to the social media world and personally attacked Umenyiora via twitter saying “he’s the third best defensive linemen on his team.”

Osi, never short of breath, has fired back at McCoy over the past year. Umenyiora, also taking to twitter wished McCoy a “Happy Mother’s day” and referred to the running back as “she” and “lady gaga”. When asked about the latest shot by McCoy Osi was pretty reserved,

“I might be a ballerina in a Giants uniform,” he said. “I’m lucky to be playing 10 years in the league, to have won two Super Bowls. All that is pure luck and I’m happy for him, I’m happy he got his contract and I’m happy everything is working out well for him in Philadelphia.”

Call it a high road if you want, it just may be the most sarcastic high road, ever. But Osi makes great points, McCoy can talk all he wants, he doesn’t have any hardware in his trophy cases.

At the end of the day this really means nothing, what matters is how the teams play, on the field, and who wins a tough divisional game. Make no mistake about it, these two players DO NOT like each other, at all. These two teams hate each other, and their fans hate each other.

Lucky for us, we’ll see it all unravel this Sunday night.

It took nearly a flawless half from Eli Manning to notch the Giants first win of the 2012 season, Sunday. Of course the hole New York had to dig themselves out of, was in large part to Mannings sub-par play in the first half. Manning looked like the “Early Eli”. The Eli that everyone wasn’t sure could hack it in the big apple, not the 2-time Super Bowl MVP that he is. However, he got it done. He proved yet again he is the most clutch QB in the league, when the game is on the line. So, first half aside, they won. Let’s see where they landed in the Power Rankings.

ESPN – 8(7)

The champs barely avoided an 0-2 start, thanks to Eli Manning, but where’s the pass rush?

Not many people can argue this. They won, which is the main things, but boy did they look pretty bad for 30 minutes. This post raises a good question. Where is the pass rush? Has anyone heard Justin Tuck’s name two games in? How about Osi Umenyoria? Anyone? Bueller? Jason Pierre Paul is excluded, he may not have the statistics to show for it, but he’s a disruption on just about every play. I know the Giants are thin on the D-Line and getting back young talent Marvin Austin will help, but there is no excuse for the lack of production. Combine that with an absolutely depleted secondary and it makes for a bad combination. Tuck and Osi need to show up and fast, the Giants season depends on it.

CBS Sports – 15(13)

That defense is really struggling on the back end. And Eli Manning is making mistakes he didn’t make a year ago. That has to be a concern.

Tell us something we don’t know, Pete. News flash the Giants were decimated in the secondary going into last year too. Look at this ranking, the Giants are one of two teams the fell in the rankings after a win, the other team? The Bengals. Just in front of New York is Chicago, and look at the nightmare Jay Cutler and Co. have turned that team into already. New York didn’t just beat the Jags, they beat a much-improved Tampa Bay team that looks like it will compete in the NFC South for a few years to come. 98% of teams would have folded upon finding themselves down three scores, the Giants didn’t, Pete. Lets cough up some credit, shall we?

Fox – 7(9)

Eli Manning threw for 510 yards . . . 243 of them in the fourth quarter. He threw the Giants right out of the game in the first half, and then right back into it in the second. There may not be a better NFL QB in the clutch.

Billick makes a good point and is right on point in the rankings. The teams that sit in front of the Giants may or may not deserve to be there but you could certainly make a case either way. The only other 1-1 teams in front of the Giants is Green Bay and Baltimore. Green Bay hasn’t looked crisp on offense but lets be serious, as long as Aaron Rodgers is there, they can beat anyone, and easily.

Baltimore is interesting. Living in NY, we don’t have a lot of access to Baltimore games outside of the national spotlight, so when CBS switched to the end of the Ravens vs. Eagles game, needless to say I was intrigued. I wanted to see Flacco. I wanted to see what all the hype, the turmoil, whatever you may call it, I wanted to see what it was about. As I watched him try to orchestrate a good drive to put his team in a position to win, I realized how lucky the Giants are to have Eli Manning. Flacco looked bad, I mean very poor. No question about it, he’s got a gun but many it appears as though he just shrinks when its time buckle down. Take nothing away from Philadelphia’s defense, they played well, but Flacco’s throws, in some cases weren’t close. I say this with confidence that Joe Flacco is not at a level where he could win a Super Bowl.

Side Note: I read an interesting piece today regarding power rankings and the basis was San Francisco should not only be the number one team, but should be two, three, four, and five, because no one is close. Let’s be honest, can anyone disagree? I try to convince myself differently as many was as I can; Alex Smith is their QB, It’s a passing league, Frank Gore gets injured, etc. I can’t. This team looks unbelievable in the early going and the thing with Smith is he protects the football better than anyone in the league, and look at his numbers, he’s been nothing short of spectacular thus far. It’s going to be fun to watch the Niners and Giants go head to head in a few weeks.

Check back next week for the updated reviews.

After opening up the season at home, with a loss vs. Dallas the New York Giants look to rebound when Tampa Bay comes to Metlife stadium this Sunday. New York’s record isn’t the only thing that took a hit following the week one debacle. Both Washington and Philadelphia were able to win, leaving the Giants a nice sole placement in the NFC East basement. The Giants also found themselves trending downwards in just about every NFL Power Ranking. Let’s take a look at where they “fall”.

ESPN – 7(4)

A loss to Dallas in the home opener raised the old, pre-Super Bowl questions.

You’ll hear a lot of people say “The Giants lost their opener to Washington last year, look what happened.” Now I understand this may present a level of comfort after the performance on Wednesday night, but truth be told, The Giants were disgusted after losing their first game last year as well. New York needs to shake this off and get some wins. The mentality going into the season was that 9-7, sneaking into the playoffs, wasn’t going to cut it this year. They couldn’t be more right. All in all, ESPN seems pretty appropriate dropping the G-Men 3 slots here.

CBS Sports – 13(2)

They need to tighten up the back end of that defense or even their vaunted pass rush won’t save them.

As I’m trying to think of every way to bash Pete Prisco for this ridiculous ranking, I come up with one thing, He’s absolutely right! Ranking aside the Giants will continue to fall in every power ranking, the division, the NFC and the NFL if they’re unable to clean up their secondary. It’s clear they are decimated in the defensive backfield (what else is new?) however that excuse won’t cut it. Either they need to get healthy, and fast, or they need to figure out a way to bring in some new personnel. The fact that the Giants slipped 11 spots here is pretty foolish, however. A couple notables here; The Cowboys jumped 8 spots (and in front of the Giants). Green Bay dropped 6 spots and the Saints, who lost at home, to a rookie QB playing in his first NFL game both are ranked in front of NYG.

Pro Football Talk – 7(2)

They’ll be sliding more than five spots per week if they can’t find four (or five) defensive backs that can cover receivers.

This is the clear-cut theme for New York, and it should be. The other issues form week one, expect the Giants to clean up (Cruz dropping balls, rookie fumbles, lack of continuity on the O-Line). The secondary though, that may be a mess not even Tom Coughlin can mop up. Where the Giants fall in these power rankings again makes sense, its tough to make an argument against the teams ranked ahead of them.

Side Note: Who saw the Philadelphia game? What a joke, first off thanks Cleveland, all you had to do was stop one drive and you couldn’t do it. With that being said, Michael Vick looked scary bad. Andy Reid continues to try and preserve, and make Vick something he’s not, a drop-back, pocket passer. His completion percentage was terrible and he threw four interceptions, and by the way they were playing Cleveland. I understand that it’s week one but this issue stems back to when Vick started going under center in Philly. He’s not that type of QB. He’s too inaccurate and too small to sit back there. When they do stray way from this, and Vick does roll out, exposing himself to yet another injury, I hope Jason Pierre-Paul is sitting, waiting, hungry.

Check back next Wednesday for Week 2 review.

I don’t know how many questions remain after RGIII’s first NFL game today. Griffin left nothing to be desired after going 19/26 for 320 yds. and two scores (both passing) on his way to winning his first NFL start. He was incredible. He moved around the field like he’s been in the NFL for years. This kid didn’t play like he was a rookie; he played like a guy who has arrived. Just about everyone thought Griffin was going to be special, just not this soon or in this situation. In a league full of knee-jerk reactions, we’ll have to wait and see if he can play like this all year. With the evidence we have right now, the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles better take note.

When you look at the Redskins win, just about everything was stacked up against them. They opened their season at the Superdome, taking on the New Orleans Saints. Yes, the same Saints that were literally, unbeatable at home last year, in fact not just unbeatable, unstoppable. The Saints scored more than two times as many points as their opponents last year at home. Not only that, this marked the first game since “bounty gate” and the first game since all players “involved” were re-instated. Needless to say, the Superdome was a wild environment.

Guess how Washington combated that? Griffin came out and completed his first eight passes. His seventh? That was only a throw across the middle, to newly acquired WR Pierre Garcon for an 88yd TD.

New Orleans was able to chip away at the lead, here and there, but never was able to claim the lead. It felt like they just couldn’t keep up with Washington and their young offense. Griffin wasn’t the only rookie to impress for the ‘Skins. Rookie RB Alfred Morris, a sixth-round racked up 96 yards and punching in two scored.

Keep in mind, Washington’s defense is no slouch, statistically they weren’t great last year, and the Saints were able to move the ball and score, but they’re a younger unit for the most part and added some depth to their secondary. So Griffin may not to be this great week in and week out (although I’m sure everyone in DC hopes he is).

If he can be consistent and protect the ball, the NFC East is going to be much tighter than I think anyone expected, but enough with the knee-jerk, lets wait and see.

Witten suffered an injury to his spleen during the Cowboys first preseason game against Oakland, less than a week ago.

It’s unclear what Witten’s status will be for the opener, but he is out for the remainder of the pre-season.

“It’s a very serious injury and we’re really taking this thing day by day,” Garrett said. “He has to be very still and idle for the next week to 10 days, so you won’t see him out here on the practice field. He won’t play in the game this week or next week. We’ve just got to make sure he heals as well as possible, as quickly as possible.”

The hit, in which Witten supposedly was injured on, looked like an ordinary football play. It certainly wasn’t something you would sit back and think ‘Witten could be out for the year’.

The Giants have taken notice too. DE Justin Tuck, on a phone interview, wished his NFC foe a speedy recovery, just after week 1.

“You definitely don’t want to wish for anything but the best for your opponents in the NFL. Jason’s been a staple in that offense in the NFL. We do wish him a speedy recovery. (Pause) Hopefully it comes the week after we play them.” Tuck said.

As if Metlife Stadium wasn’t going to be hard enough to play in. Now, with a receiving core, already decimated by injuries and domestic violence’s, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys could have an even tougher time “beating the Giants asses!”

 ”I’m seeing him do what you almost expect from him,” Jones said Sunday, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN.com. “What I want him to do is, and we want to do, is be able to do that all year long, all game long. That hasn’t happened. He’s disappeared at the end of some ballgames, and then we haven’t had at him because of injury in the season.”

The Cowboys knew what they were getting into when they decided to draft Bryant with a first-round pick in 2010. His physical talent is not just good, it’s freakish. He has ability to be the game-changer their offense needs. However, it’s his problems off the field that have everyone looking at him for all the wrong reasons.

Jones is going to keep the pressure on Bryant to perform and stay out of trouble. He took a huge chance on drafting Bryant and wants to make sure he gets more of a return on that investment from him instead of only the flashes he’s shown.

It might be exactly what Bryant needs right now at this stage in his career, someone who cares enough to let him know it’s time to get it together or find somewhere else to go.

The object of the story was to compare position players of all the NFC East to see who the “Beast of the East” were in the Division by talent level. His conclusion Dallas far outweighed the Redskins but also the Eagles and the Super Bowl Champion Giants. Okay let us go to his first ridiculous statement in which he writes; “I have listed as a tie between Eli Manning and Tony Romo. Although in my opinion Romo is the better QB by far. Romo has a higher QB rating, completion percentage, and more TD’s per game then Manning. In fact without the luck of a David Tyree miracle helmet catch, a Wes Welker 2nd down Super Bowl bobble with 4 minutes left in the game, or a Miles Austin dropped wide open 50 yard game clinching TD pass, it isn’t even a debate.” Okay we all know that statement is just plain stupid but I am not going to respond as a fan, I will respond with what their NFL colleagues have stated. In NFL Networks Top 100 players, Romo was rated 91, Vick 71 and Manning 31. So according to their fellow NFL players Romo is not even close to a tie with Manning and in fact is closer to Vick, the better QB, at 71. Call us all when Romo wins more than one playoff game in 9 years. These statements by itself needs no commentary. Anyone reading it will know how foolish it is or did Romo win 2 Super Bowls and more than one playoff game when I fell in a deep sleep?

Now let us go to this writers erroneous facts. First off I hate comparisons this early in the season when we do not know players health or standing on the team. So first mistake I saw was this writer placing David Diehl as the Giants LT. In fact Diehl is slated as RT. Then this writer, out of god knows where, places Prince Amukamara as the Giants starting CB. Prince might not even be the Giants nickle corner this season. Just for this writers’ edification Terrell Thomas and Corey Webster are the Giants starting CBs. You might remember Webster, the number one Corner for the Giants last year and the starting CB for the Giants the last 3 years. I know I am concentrating on the Giants and ignoring the Eagles and Redskins but this writer should be comparing his Cowboys to the Super Bowl Champs with some type of knowledge. Okay next mistake he places Chase Blackburn as starting MLB for Giants when in fact both Tom Coughlin and Jerry Reese have said that is a open position and Michael Boley may start there. There are more factual mistakes concerning the Giants, Eagles and Redskins but I do not have the stomach to get into it and do not want to write a 2 page article.

I will not rate which team has the better players at each position because it is quite frankly stupid. We do not know where these players will be at the end of Training Camp, who the surprises will be and the changes in line ups. I will tell this writer the next time you present an article like this; tell the reader this is written from the heart of a Cowboy fan and not as a analyst. To show you the difference I am a big Giants fan but judging pure talent I think the Eagles easily take that crown but it is about winning which by the way Romo has a lot to learn even this late in his career.

“It has always been my belief that it is an honor and a privilege to be the head coach of the New York Giants,” said Coughlin. “I’m thankful to John Mara and Steve Tisch and their families for their support and the recognition of what our players and coaches have accomplished. And I’m grateful for the working relationship Jerry Reese and I have. We’ve got a lot of work left to do.”

As I stated already, this was expected but it is still exciting to have it confirmed that Coughlin will

“Tom is the right person in the right job at the right time,” said Chairman Steve Tisch. “I just really appreciate how our players respond to his leadership, and obviously our organization has benefited tremendously because of the relationship Tom has with his players.”

“I wanted Tom as our head coach going all the way back to the early ‘90s,” said John Mara, “so it was with great confidence that Ernie Accorsi and I recommended to my father and Bob Tisch in 2004 that we hire Tom. Of course, my father didn’t need to be convinced. He saw what we have all seen, a man who has a singular focus and incredible dedication when it comes to his work. In so many ways, Tom represents to me who and what the head coach of our franchise should be.”

Coughlin’s 74 regular season Giants victories are the third-highest total among head coaches in team history, behind only Owen (153) and Bill Parcells (77). His eight Giants postseason victories tie him with Parcells for the franchise record. Coughlin has led the Giants to two NFC East titles and five playoff berths in eight years.

Coughlin has eight postseason victories, the same number as Bill Parcells and also the franchise record. Under Coughlin the Giants have won two NFC East titles and have made it to the playoffs five times in eight years.

He’s also coached the Giants to 74 victories. This ranks him third in victories behind Steve Owen with 153 and Bill Parcells with 77.

The following stats were provided by Giants.com:

The 2011 Giants gained a franchise-record 6,161 yards. The former mark of 6,085 was set in 2010. Those are the only two 6,000-yard seasons in Giants history.

The Giants shattered their franchise record with 4,734 net passing yards. The former mark of 4,019 was set in 2009. Those are the only two 4,000-yard passing seasons in Giants history. In 2011, the Giants also set a team record with 359 pass completions and had at least 200 passing yards in every game for the first time in their history.

Last year, the Giants won five regular season games in which they trailed in the fourth quarter, tying the franchise record they set in 2002. They tied Denver and Cincinnati for the NFL’s second-highest total. Arizona led the league with six.

In the last six seasons, the Giants’ regular season records have been 11-5, 8-8, 10-6, 12-4, 8-8, 10-6 and 9-7. Their six-year streak without a losing record is the Giants’ longest since they had 10 in a row from 1954-63.

The 2011 Giants were unique Super Bowl champions. They were the first team to win the title after a) losing seven games in the regular season; b) losing four consecutive games in the regular season; c) finishing with a negative scoring differential (394-400) in the regular season, and d) finishing last in the NFL in rushing in the regular season. They did so thanks to the resilience, toughness and tenacity which characterize Coughlin-coached teams. In their four postseason victories, the Giants defeated 10-6 Atlanta, 15-1 Green Bay, 13-3 San Francisco and 13-3 New England to become the first team to beat four teams in the playoffs with better regular season records. The Giants are the first team to twice win four games in a single postseason (doing it in 2007 and 2011).