Unlike last week, where Giants started well before declining, Giants began poorly, and got worse.
Giants seemed prepared to lose on opening kickoff, when coaches advised Lawrence Tynes to kick ball away from rookie kick returner Percy Harvin, who had a 101 yard return against 49ers, and 88 yarder against Steelers.
Vikings started at their own 40. Mathias Kiwanuka was penalized for neutral zone infraction on the opening play, setting tone for Giants. Giants had more penalties than first downs. Has that ever happened?
Brett Favre hit Visanthe Shiancoe for 13, Chester Davis rushed for 10, before Giants let Percy Harvin run for 22 yards, giving Vikings first and goal. Vikings completely fooled Giants on next play, when Favre passed to Shiancoe on 8, who was never touched on his way to end zone.
Vikings gained 35 yards rushing on their first series – same as formally formidable Giants running backs gained all day. Brandon Jacobs was out with a knee injury.
Vikings led 31-0 at half. Cannot verify, but it might be first time Giants were ever down by 24 or more points at half for two games in a row.
Waiting For Next Season
Jason La Canfora, on NFL Blogs said their is a “strong chance” that some coaches will be fired this week. One common rumor is that Bill Sheridan will be replaced by Dick Jauron. Giants gave up 40 or more points five times this season! When was the last time that happened?
I also expect running backs coach Jerald Ingram and Special Teams Coordinator Tom Quinn to be fired.
Did Tom Coughlin hire all these geniuses?
Giants have collapsed at the end of two seasons in a row. I hope next season is different.
Update
NY Times reported that Bill Sheridan was fired; no replacement was named. Article quoted Giants President John Mara:
“We’re not making changes at the head coach or the G.M.”