Giants Journal

Playing For Real

December

I’m not always a big believer in what players say in regard to team strategy before games. But going through this week and listening to them, I’m starting to believe the Giants will play this one for real for as long as possible.

I’m not saying a guy like Ahmad Bradshaw or Sinorice Moss is going to be rushed in there while injured. Tom Coughlin will be smart about those things. But certainly if a guy can play, even if a little nicked like Brandon Jacobs or Antonio Pierce, they’re going to be out there.

The reason I think this way is because of something Amani Toomer said. The Giants historically don’t do well after bye weeks. Well, if Coughlin rests key regulars early, it would be tantamount to giving this team a week off. With the Giants, that’s almost a sure way to go down in the first round. Besides, Eli Manning needs to get turned around before the postseason starts, and success against the Patriots would prove an enormous boost for his confidence. And don’t you think Jacobs would like to notch a 100-yard game against an undefeated defense, or Osi Umenyiora sack Tom Brady once or twice?

There’s a lot here that could provide an emotional springboard heading into the playoffs. But continuity is just as important. That’s why I think Coughlin will leave his starters in at least for a half. If it’s still a game by then, I’ll bet he plays his best players a whole game. And that means Plaxico Burress, too.

Just trying to connect dots here, but it makes sense.

What do you think?

Ciao for now.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 28th, 2007 at 12:32 pm by Ernie Palladino.
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4 Responses to “Playing For Real”

stuart December 28th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
If it is close they will play there starters.. I dislike that this game is a big deal to the pundits(announcers etc.) say new england wins but loses in the playoffs!!Then in history this game will mean nothing, this game only matters to the pundits if the Giants win…

I read the articles on why the giants should play hard and basically it is so the writer of the article can enjoy the game, that is not a reason the Giants should play hard.
Paul December 28th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I just hope no one is injured. I’d rather that they lose 36 to nothing and have no injuries than make it close and lose key players for the playoffs.
Del 85 December 28th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
I think “yes.” I said so below in a comment last night. The starters who are not banged up will play until or
unless the game becomes a blowout.

Some of the press is now singing a different song, when
all week they were saying the Giants should rest
everybody but the equipment manager. Now, they figure
people won’t remember what they wrote three days earlier.

Typical media nonsense.

That’s not a reference to you, Ernie.
Tom December 29th, 2007 at 9:24 am
I hope they do play it for real, and that they do the same thing they did to the then 14-0 (and eventual SB champion) Denver Broncos back in ‘98.

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