- The game opened with the Giants and Packers trading opening drive touchdowns thanks to a couple big plays from Ahmad Bradshaw and Jordy Nelson. The screen to Bradshaw was a perfect mix of great scheme, perfect blocking and an amazing individual effort by Bradshaw. He’s one of several Giants players (see: Hakeem Nicks) that obviously benefited from a perfectly-timed bye week. He looked energized all game and set the tone for the offense with his running. The Packers touchdown came after Webster bit badly on Nelson’s fake stop route, but he made nearly the same play later in the game and picked off a real stop route, so all is forgiven.

- The offensive line. Holy crap were they amazing. Eli was only sacked once (although I honestly can’t remember it) and had plenty of time in the pocket to pick apart a pass defense that was below-average even before they lost 4 starters for this game. The line also opened up huge holes for Bradshaw and Brown (more on him later), who averaged over 5 yards per carry between them and scored 2 touchdowns on the ground.

- The O-Line looked even better when compared to that of the Packers. The Giants’ D punished Aaron Rodgers to the tune of 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 1 interception. Rodgers was pressured on 17 of his 33 dropbacks, which is unbelievable, but I was actually more impressed by the secondary than the defensive line. There were a few times in the first half when Rodgers had all day in the pocket and no one to throw to, forcing him to either throw the ball away or tuck it down and run. When the score got out of hand in the second half, that’s when the D-line took over.

- We have to talk about Eli’s 13-yard run. On 3rd-and-7 from the Green Bay 34-yard line, the seas parted and Eli had a clear path to run for the first down. But our hero didn’t run to the first down line and slide, oh no. He lowered his shoulder into Tramon Williams and plunged forward for another yard. I’d like to believe that Eli fought for that extra yardage to inspire the team, but I think the much more likely explanation is that he’s afraid to slide after this. In a perfect world, I’d like to see him slide – properly – in that situation, but I honestly don’t know if he’s capable. After the game, Eli said he didn’t slide because he wasn’t sure whether he had the first down even though he was 6 yards past the marker, which is so Eli. I also don’t believe it for a second.

- The only damper on the evening was obviously the news of Andre Brown’s broken fibula, which puts his season in jeopardy. Brown has been great as a handcuff for Bradshaw, who always seems to be less effective when asked to carry a heavy load. Brown actually had more carries than Bradshaw last night (13 vs. 10), but Ahmad will obviously be the workhorse from here on out with David Wilson serving as the primary backup. Back in September, I wrote that the Giants may have wiffed on Wilson if all he turned out to be was a decent kick returner and he continued to be irrelevant on offense. Ignore that. He’s super important now.

That’s it for now. The Giants have another big game coming up next Monday night versus the suddenly second-place Redskins with an opportunity to put some real distance between themselves and the rest of the NFC East. The sun is shining and the Giants are 7-4. Today is a good day.

Jonathan Vilma

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell showed no mercy to the New Orleans Saints coaches and management and he is showing no mercy to the Saints players. He has finally come to a decision on the fate of Saints players who were involved in a cash-for-hits bounty system and these are some of the heaviest penalties in NFL history. Here are the penalties and the players who received them:

LB Jonathan Vilma: Suspended for all of 2012 without pay. This is effective immediately and runs through the playoffs and the Super Bowl. It is reported that Vilma placed $10,000 cash on the table in the team’s meeting room and said he would pay anyone who knocked Brett Favre out of the NFC Championship Game in January of 2010.

DL Anthony Hargrove: Eight-game suspension without pay. The NFL said that he targeted Favre in the NFC Championship Game. The NFL says, “Hargrove also actively obstructed the league’s 2010 investigation into the program by being untruthful to investigators.” Hargrove later confessed to his role in the bounty program. Hargrove is now with the Packers.

DE Will Smith: Four-game suspension without pay. Smith helped to create the bounty program with former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

LB Scott Fujita: Three-game suspension without pay. He participated in the bounty program when he played for the team. Fujita is now with the Browns.

In the statement from the NFL Roger Goodell stated, “It is the obligation of everyone, including the players on the field, to ensure that rules designed to promote player safety, fair play, and the integrity of the game are adhered to and effectively and consistently enforced. Respect for the men that play the game starts with the way players conduct themselves with each other on the field.”

Goodell also stated, “In assessing player discipline, I focused on players who were in leadership positions at the Saints; contributed a particularly large sum of money toward the program; specifically contributed to a bounty on an opposing player; demonstrated a clear intent to participate in a program that potentially injured opposing players; sought rewards for doing so; and/or obstructed the 2010 investigation.”

The Raiders announced Tollefson’s signing Saturday. The 29-year-old had a career-high five sacks last season while playing in a reserve role with New York.

Tollefson’s contract is for two years and $2.5 million, according to ESPN business analyst Andrew Brandt.

Tollefson provided the Giants with great depth at defensive end, but the Giants weren’t going to pay that much with Justin Tuck, OsiUmenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul at defensive end and Mathias Kiwanuka playing both linebacker and defensive end.

Tollefson was drafted by new Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie in 2006, when McKenzie oversaw scouting for the Green Bay Packers. He also was on Oakland’s practice squad in 2007. Tollefson also visited with the Packers last week.

Tollefson, who grew up in the Bay area, follows Brandon Jacobs and Mario Manningham to the area. Jacobs and Manningham signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency.

The Giants have always enjoyed great depth at the position of D-Line, and with the development of Linval Joseph and the return of Marvin Austin from injury, the team had to decide where to spend some money.  As with all Giants leaving, we wish Dave the best for he and his family, and Thank Him for all that he has done for the team and the fans.

Click the link below for a great roundtable with Matt Jergensen from RavensGab, Daniel Budick, and Joe Tufaro from GMENHQ.COM

NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF RECAP

Earlier today we wrote a post about how the Giants needed to apply pressure on the Packers and steal 2 possessions to have a chance to win.  They actually stole four possessions, but Referee Bill Leavy gave two of them back to the Packers.  No matter, instead of getting credit for a 37-6 win, and keeping the high flying Packer offense out of the end zone, the Giants settle for a 37-20 win and a trip to San Francisco for their 5th NFC Championship game.  Tomorrow we will break it down play by play.

So, First the “experts” picked the Eagles to be the team of the year. Then it was the Jets and the Cowboys. Then the darlings of the media were the Packers and of course the “Great at Home” New Orleans Saints.  And yet the Tom Coughlin led New York Football Giants will try to make it to their 2nd Super Bowl in 5 years….Rex Ryan must be beside himself.

The Giants travel to Grren Bay this afternoon with one thing on their mind: PRESSURE.  Pressure on Offense, Pressure on Defense, and Pressure on Special Teams.

The Giants, much like the 49ers did yesterday, must apply pressure in all phases of the game to be successful today.  They  must pressure the wide-outs of the Packers, and make them fight to run their routes.  The must not allow them free releases to run timing patterns at will. The Giant defense must pressure the running backs.  They must make them decide who to block in pass protection, and allow them no room to run.  They must pressure the offensive line and Aaron Rodgers into mistakes, poor throws, and indecision.

On Offense the Giants need to apply pressure to the weak secondary of the Green Bay Packers.  Force them to make tackles on short and intermediate passes, and then take deep shots to apply pressure on the back end.  The must be aggressive when the situation dictates, and patient when it doesn’t.  They must run the ball with authority, applying pressure to linebackers and safeties to make tackles on two of the toughest running backs in the game.  Eli and Kevin Gilbride must pressure the Packers into coverage mistakes, and costly penalties.

The Special Teams for New York must continue to force the issue up front on punts and field goal attempts.  Forcing the issue by playing the likes of Chris Canty, JPP, Rocky Bernard, and Justin Tuck on punts.  Pressure the unit for the Packers to figure out blocking schemes and not allow them to relax at any moment.  Steve Weatherford must continue his great play of the past few weeks by pressuring the returners towards the sideline, by making them decide when a fair catch is necessary, and pinning the Packers deep in their zone whenever possible.

The Giants can win this game if they continually apply pressure in all phases of this contest and force the Packers to play perfect.  I think the Giants must steal two possessions from the Packers to be successful today.  Two possessions where they get a turnover, block a punt, block a FG, intercept Rodgers, or force a fumble.  Two possessions where they change the outcome from success to failure for the Packers, and then capitalize.  They will need to score in the red zone, and play a clean game.

So, when you are watching today…..look for the key to victory…..Pressure. Pressure in all phases, that leads to a two possession difference.

I had a chance to ask Ray Rivard from Lombardi Avenue a few questions about today’s Giants Packers showdown at Lambeau Field

Q. The Giants are suddenly the most balanced team remaining in the playoffs.  With a healthy running game, a big play passing game, and a defense that looks ready to make a statement.  Could they be the most dangerous opponent for the Packers?

I think all football fans have been debating that all week. Because the Dec. 4 game came down to the last second and the way the Giants have played during their final three weeks, as well as their dismantling of the Falcons, everyone is acutely aware of the danger the Giants bring to Lambeau Field Sunday.  What really scares me about the Giants is the running game. I feel the Packers will handle the Giants defense, but if New York is able to control the line of scrimmage when they are on offense and gets its running game going, that could spell trouble for the Packers. If the Giants control the clock with the running game and keeps the Packers offense off the field, that’s trouble with a capital T. Needless to say, I feel this could be a monumental battle for both teams and the difference could come down to turnovers and special teams.

 Q. Does anyone expect the Packer defense to suddenly come alive, or are they only going as far as the offense can take them, which admittedly could be very far?

A. The Packers defense is what it is. I don’t see them “coming alive” at this point. It’s a group that has given up huge chunks of real estate through big plays, has allowed teams to run roughshod over them between the 20s, but seems to keep teams out of the end zone – at least enough to allow the offense to score more points than the opponents. The defense has also been opportunistic. Though they rank last in the league in passing yards allowed, they also lead the league in interceptions. Again, it will be an interesting matchup between the Packers defense and the Eli Manning-led Giants offense.

Q. What do you see as the keys to the game from the Packer perspective?

A. #1. The Packers have to move the ball and they have to score a lot of points because everyone on the planet knows that the Giants are going to do the same – the Packers defense is porous. #2. The Packers have to get at least one or two turnovers … it’s the turnovers that change the momentum during a game and it seems to be that much more important when playing at home. #3. The Packers have to win the special teams war. If Randall Cobb can tip the field in the Packers direction with some decent returns, that could make a huge difference.

So, to wrap this up, the Packers have to score, the defense has to get a couple of turnovers and the special teams have to perform well.

Q. Is there a point in the game where Mike McCarthy would change offensive linemen if the Giants pass rush is just too much, or is he committed to the veterans like Chad Clifton?

A. He might, but only if Clifton is struggling mightily. I’m sure he will have packages in that will provide blocking help from the tight end and running backs, so I think that if Rogers can get rid of the ball quickly, if the Packers can execute some screens, draws and rollouts, and if the Packers can get a semblance of a running game together, the offensive line Will be OK.

Q. Prediction on how the game plays out?

A. I feel it will be a close first half, but like all games (with the exception of the Kansas City game), the Packers will get its game on track in the third quarter and coast to a win in the fourth quarter.

No doubt, the Giants will score and will probably have some big plays in doing it. That’s just been how things have been for the Packers this season. However, unlike the Falcons, the Packers will score more than two points, I can guarantee that.

In the end, I feel the Packers will come away with a 35-24 win.

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Please click on the link below and watch the discussion between Jeremy Fuchs and myself, Joe Tufaro.  We talk about all the match-ups and keys to the game.  Including predictions!

Packers Giants Preview

I sat down with Spreecast Producer Chris Delgado and discussed some of the keys for the upcoming matchup this Sunday at Lambeau Field.  Click the link below to see the whole show.

Giants Packers Playoff Preview

Yesterday we had the pleasure of speaking with Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press Gazzette.  Rob has covered the Packers since 1997.  Click the link below to see the full interview

Q and A With Packers Beat Writer

More good news as the Giants injury report remains extremely short.  Only real decision might be concerning D.J. Ware.   Bradshaw always rests on Wednesday.

Week 16 in the NFL used to be the final week, now with television revenues being the driving force we have week 17.  But 25 years ago the Giants faced the Green Bay Packers in Giants Stadium for the chance to finish the season at 14-2 with a 9 game winning streak, and secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  In 1986 home field for the Giants was a huge factor in their success as you will see in the weeks to come.

The Giants played a strange game in week 16.  All season long the defense continued to rise to every occasion and win games in spite of the struggling offense.  On this day, the score at halftime was 24-17 Giants, and the defense looked like they had taken the day off.  Sparked by a blocked punt by ex-Packer Tom Flynn the Giants steamrolled in the second half and won the game by the score 55-24.

The New York Football Giants had won the NFC EAST and had secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs.  The week off seemed like forever, and the Giants really didn’t need it, but it was fun to know we would be able to watch the road to the Super Bowl in our own stadium.

This one hurts alot. To come so close and come up short…Well, let’s take a look at the various components of the Giants’ effort last weekend. On offense, the G-Men did ok. Manning was able to hook up with his receivers and exploit the Packers pass defense. Other than the pick six that he threw, Manning had a good game. His receivers were open, and he hit them consistently. Travis Beckum showed up with a 67 yard TD reception and run that had me comtemplating the headline Bend It Like Beckum. Victor Cruz and Hakeen Nicks were open all day, and the patch work line kept Eli upright. The refs blew the TD call with Ballard, and the running game got untracked. Bradshaw’s return was a huge benefit.Defensively, the Giants rushing defense showed up, but the pass D took a breather. Chase Blackburn’s INT pretty much cancelled out Eli’s INT, but the defense should be able to find a way to stop their opponents and force OT with only 58 seconds on the clock. (more…)

“just saw a picture that made me sick to my stomach’’ and the fact that the Giants coach believes what’s in the picture validates his case didn’t help ease his queasiness.

Giants 100 yards rushing:  The Giants finally showed a semblance of a running game.  The re-made Offensive Line looked good, the tight ends blocked well, and the wide receivers got into the act also.  The difference Ahmad Bradshaw makes is palpable.  He even made Brandon Jacobs look like his old self.

Packers leading rusher is Rodgers: The Giants knocked RB Starks out of thegame, and held Ryan Grant to 13 carries for 29 yards.

Eli was 23/40 for 347 and 3 TD’s: Eli throws the long ball as good as anyone, and he used it all night to move the Giants down the field.  He also has great touch and chemistry near the goal line with Hakeem Nicks. Victor Cruz continues to impress as he went over 1,000 receiving tonight, and Jake Ballard is just tremendous at times.

Giants were 6/12 on offensive drives:  The Giants scored on 6 of their 12 offensive drives.

All in all the game WAS as close as the score:  The Giants had 447 total yards, The Packers had 449.   Third down conversions, one extra turnover, and having some inexperience on the field prevented a Giant win.  When the game was on the line Green Bay threw against a rookie linebacker, a third string corner that shouldn’t even be on the team in Wil Blackmon if everyone is healthy.  Give them credit, they had a minute to beat us and they did.  the Giants need to play with this focus, passion, and urgency on their last 4 games.  The Wild Card is still in play, and the Cowboys have beaten the Redskins in OT, beat Miami by one, and lost to Arizona in OT.  The Giants need to continue to show how good they can be.

In his weekly press conference today Perry Fewell seemed to bring more heat than his defense has in the past few weeks.  When asked what he had told his troops this week Fewell didn’t hold back:

“Obviously we need to play with more energy. We have to play with more passion. That was a game against a playoff football team, we have aspirations of being a playoff team. Sometimes it’s just the will. It’s the will to get it done. We didn’t will ourselves to get it done. ”

When asked how he felt about the teams play last Monday in New Orleans where they surrendered 49 points:

“I was pissed, okay. I was getting them going Monday night and we’re getting going this week. Player friendly or not, it’s all about winning. It’s all about being successful on the football field. I think that they got the message and we all understand what’s on the line for us.”

Both Fewell and Head Coach Tom Coughlin praised the play and hustle of Jason Pierre-Paul.  They explained that that is how the entire team needs to play to be successful, not just one player.  He stated that he thought his players did not go all out on every play. When asked if he saw his players stop short on a few plays: (more…)

Defensively, the Giants came out of the game banged up a little, with Osi and Michael Herzlich sporting sprained ankles. Generally, the G-Men got little to no pressure on the QB, falied to cover the receivers, and the result was a number of big plays for the Saints offense. Special Teams were OK, and we can’t blame Steve Weatherford for failing to pick up the first down. The snap was low, and the effort to generate some offense was necessary.

From the standpoint of preparation, Kevin Gilbride appears to be unable to establisha running game, Perry Fewell seems to be unable to come up with a solid defense, and Tom Coughlin will again be forced to deal with the prospect of another late season collapse. The Giants are now a game behind Dallas, with five games to go. The only positive is that two of the games are against the Cowboys, but Dallas has been playing very well of late. Next up: the undefeated Packers are coming to town. Once again, a tough opponent looms, and the Giants are behind the eight ball.