“We feel like we can beat anybody, whoever it is we play. We match up well with anybody, and we have a strong defense and a strong running game. And as long as you have those two things, you can beat anybody.”
In an interview on Coughlin’s Corner yesterday, Coach Tom Coughlin looked forward to the challenge of defeating the unbeaten Patriots:
the fact that you have an opportunity to play against a team that is as good as the New England Patriots, that are 15-0, and you have a chance to go play them in a game. If you are not sparked, if your interest isn’t sparked by this, I don’t know when it will be. We have watched this team and what separates the team out. Really it has been their execution. They are an exceptional execution football team. And so if you are going to have a chance to beat them, you are going to have to execute at the same or a higher level. That is quite a challenge. They make things look easy sometimes.
Giants Stats
Giants have won their final regular season game for the past three seasons. Unfortunately, they won the 2004, and 2006 games, because of Tiki Barber’s offense. Although the Giants are ranked fourth in rushing yards per game (137.9 ypg) — Brandon Jacobs, their leading rusher, has an ankle injury, and Ahmad Bradshaw, who seemed to improve each week, is ”doubtful” with an injured calf. Jeremy Shockey, whose blocking helps the running game, is out with a broken leg.
The Giants won’t win anything unless quarterback Eli Manning plays like a winner. Giants are ranked 21st in passing, and Manning has been awful. Veteran wide receiver, Amani Toomer, is unfazed, he said:
“We want to get our shot at playing the Patriots. We have a good team and we want to prove it to everybody on Saturday.”
Potentially Historic
Unlike Senator Leahy, defensive Co–Captain Michael Strahan, is unfazed by the hype. Strahan said:
“I just want to win the game.”
Potentially Anything
I want the Giants to win too, but it is not important. I want everyone to be as healthy as possible, when they face Tampa next week, in the first round of the playoffs.
Antonio Pierce, the other defensive Co–Captain, is ready for the playoffs, saying:
“That’s three games. If you break it down like that, it’s not too difficult. It looks reasonable.”
Giants – Patriots will be shown on CBS, NBC, and NFL Network, at 8 P.M. EST