It was agonizing to watch at times, to say the least. Particularly when Tiki was injured (it was a LOW ankle sprain, and he came back in later) and Griesen was down (he got hurt in the groin...and I mean literally). All in all, Kerry Collins played like it mattered, so I'm not surprised the Raiders' played as tough as they did...and the fact we have a weakened secondary and a linebacker corps that has lost all three of its original starters (and the 4th starter Blackburn) wasn't a big help. Also, I was particularly upset when Strahan got mugged in the eye and there was no penalty on the Raiders.
Eli was 50% accurate. Some incompletions were his fault, the others belonged to the recievers. He managed to get a touchdown, and he didn't commit any turnovers, which is good.
Tiki...he's the super soldier. ANOTHER 200-yard game, and the 95-yard run he had to score the game's first TD shattered a 75-year old team record, but he continued to show his worth as the ultimate player. He may not have as many TDs as Shaun Alexander (if only because Jacobs is here as the line-buster back to get in on goal line situations), but he's got FAR MORE yards from scrimmage than Seattle's back. When it comes to MVP, Tiki is definitely the Giants' most valuable player. And let's not forget Jay Feely's 3 field goals.
The defense, depleted as it was, still managed to get three sacks (two by Osi, who is 2nd in the league at the end of the regular season). Randy Moss may have had 116 yards and 2 TD (and Kerry Collins might have gotten 3 TD and over 300 yards passing), but it wasn't enough. The statement was made in the Giants stopped the Raiders on the goal line with minutes remaining.
4 downs. No go.
Once Tiki got the first down, it was game over.
Now the Giants first game is at Giants Stadium, which is big. We can use the week to rest and prepare for our Wild Card battle against whoever it shall be. As for BBI...well, most of the forumers there are from New York, and over 90% of New Yorkers are liberal, so their bitterness and pessimism isn't surprising. :P
And No Blue States, here's hoping your Cowboys make it in. I'd honestly rather face your Boys instead of the Redskins. Speaking of which, go Eagles.
Till then, I'll see you all in 2006. Hope you all have a Happy New Year!
*disappears in a burst of fireworks*
NY Giants:
Passing 191
Rushing 211
Looks like Eli did his part. Also several passes were good but dropped by the receivers.