Ahhh, so that’s what crow tastes like… by Blue-Blooded
There were brisk, windy, miserable conditions outside the stadium for the Giants primetime match-up against division rival Washington. Considering the conditions outside, I was very surprised at how much energy there was surrounding the stadium. It must have been 30-or-so degrees, which by Meadowlands standards means there was a wind chill of what probably felt like -10. But the fans were there in full force, ready to see their G-men win themselves in to the playoffs. I haven’t heard so much “big blue!!!!” being shouted at random times on the way up the escalators since the playoff run of 2000. This was the game when the Giants were going to silence all their critics and finally show up in a big game in a big way. All the doubts and skepticism would be put to rest. This was a playoff team showing the country on network primetime that is was for real. The fans were ready. The celebrations were ready. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite seem like the Giants were.
Now, normally I don’t feel so personally hurt by a Giants’ loss, but this one really stung. I mean, I stuck my neck out the last few weeks talking about what a great situation we were in, how ugly losses were still losses, and finding every possible reason why fans should appreciate, not hate, Eli Manning. So, I felt personally let down.
I understand it was nasty out, but so what?? This team plays in East Rutherford! Even when it’s warm the wind plays a factor. Eli should never have thrown so many passes in that weather. However, it seemed like he had to just to increase the probability that one of those balls might actually get caught. Also, someone should teach him the definition of a touch pass. When Brandon Jacobs is three yards away, there’s no reason for Eli to rifle it in there like he was throwing a 20-yard bullet. Just not smart. And Eli, I know you don’t want to risk getting hurt, but when there’s nothing but green pastures in front of you and all your receivers are covered, please don’t be afraid to scramble for a few positive yards. The ground might hurt a little when you slide, but you’ll get over it. It’s better than wasting a play by throwing the ball into double coverage in the back of the end zone.
Another exciting part of Sunday night’s game took place in the stands. Apparently, some “bad apples” were caught throwing snow/ice balls at one another and some security guards. In their defense, it was a Sunday night, freezing, and they were at the stadium for some entertainment. Well, they certainly weren’t getting their money’s worth on the field, so they resorted to entertaining themselves. At least they weren’t throwing snowballs at Santa.
I was thinking about the last few weeks, and they weren’t really “come-from-behind” victories. I mean, technically yes they were, but not really. The Giants put themselves in those deficits by not executing, so really they were just trying to save face. As it turns out, is was a very good thing we were playing mediocre teams that let us hang around and win at the end. Clearly, a team like Washington, with a strong defense, wasn’t about to repeat what happened to them when we faced them on their home turf.
If the Giants wanted to make a statement, next Sunday would be a good a time as any. Buffalo is a good team, make no doubt about it. And if the Giants thought it was tough playing in cold Meadowlands conditions, well, we all saw the Bills/Browns snow bowl last Sunday. And it certainly seems like there will be a very hungry Patriots team looking to complete an undefeated season waiting for us the next week. We have got to win one of those two games, and if we expect to do so, it’s time for the team to wake up and get motivated. No more just-barely-wins. If we want to be taken seriously as a contender, it’s time to show the league why.
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