Giants vs. Patriots, Open Thread

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 9:53 AM EST in New York Giants News

Game: Giants (10-5) vs. New England Patriots (15-0)
Time 8:15 p.m. ET
TV: NFL Network (simulcast on CBS, NBC)

Whether you think the Giants should go all out to try and ruin New England's perfect season, or rest key players for next week's playoff opener against Tampa Bay, there are plenty of reasons to pay attention tonight.

Meaningless or not for the Giants in terms of playoff implications, there is a sense of anticipation and excitement building around this game. One way or the other, it will be a historic night in the NFL.

Can the Patriots become the only team other than the 1972 Miami Dolphins to finish unbeaten in the regular season? Can the Giants pull off the upset? For that matter, will either team play it to the end like they really care about the outcome?

Personally, I suspect each side would love to win this game. For the Patriots, it would be historic. For the Giants, it would be a memorable achievement.

Anyway, there are plenty of reasons to watch. Which, whatever the reason, we all thankfully get to do tonight since the NFL Network will simulcast the game to NBC and CBS.

I know that as the game has approached I've become more intrigued, more excited and more fired up about possibly ending the Patriots' historic run than I thought I would be.

How about you guys?

Anyway, consider this your open thread for tonight's game. If you're at home within reach of your PC during the game stop in and get a discussion going. I'll be checking in periodically.

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Excitement

I must say that I am really excited for the game tonight. I wish I were going, because I have a feeling that Giants Stadium will be electric tonight. The G-Men seem confident and energized. I would have liked to hear Eli with some words this week.

Anyway, I hope Bradshaw goes. Any chance that we can land a good backup in the off season? If Trent Green becomes available, would he be worth the money?

by scudagc on Dec 29, 2007 11:09 AM EST reply actions

Green

I'm not a Green guy at this point -- he's too fragile. I do agree, though, that an upgrade is needed behind Eli.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 11:11 AM EST up reply actions

Oh my

@ Trent Green. Let's look for the future guy. And it's not Eli (at least it hasn't been to this point). Two stupid fumbles tonight? He would be 'on average' if that's what we get from Eli.

by GAgiantfan on Dec 29, 2007 2:33 PM EST reply actions

I'll admit that earlier in the week

I was one of those "rest the key guys" people, but as the hype has built around the game, I now hope that they'll give it all they've got, at least until or unless the score gets out of hand.

I hope someone spoke to Brandon Jacobs about his ill-advised criticisms of any Giants fans who sold their tickets this week. He was way out of line with those comments, in my opinion.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 3:28 PM EST reply actions

Overheard in the Giants' coaches' room:

General Spagnola: Brady is heavily shielded and carries a firepower greater than half the star fleet. His defenses are designed around a direct, large-scale assault. A small one-man fighter should be able to penetrate the outer defense.

Osi U: Pardon me for asking, sir, but what good is a safety going to be against that?

Spagnola: Well, the Empire doesn't consider a small one-man fighter to be any threat, or they'd have a tighter defense. An analysis of the plans provided by Princess Mangenius has demonstrated a weakness in the battle station. But the approach will not be easy. You are required to maneuver straight down this trench and skim the surface to this point. The target area is only two meters wide. It's a small thermal exhaust port, right below the main port. The shaft leads directly to the reactor system. A precise hit will start a chain reaction which should destroy the station. Only a precise hit will set off a chain reaction. The shaft is ray-shielded, so you'll have to use proton torpedoes.

Tuck (Red 2): That's impossible! Even for a computer.

Strahan: It's not impossible. I used to bullseye womp rats in my T-16 back home, they're not much bigger than two meters.

Spagnola: Then man your ships. And may the Force be with you.

/ extraordinary uncalled-for geekiness

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 3:37 PM EST reply actions

That's hilarious!

Now, let's hope we can hit the target. LOL

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 3:52 PM EST up reply actions

Watch the DBs Blitzing

I have it on good authority that Spag and Co. are looking to bring the safties and corners on obvious passing downs.

Ottis up the middle.

by baagaa18 on Dec 29, 2007 4:36 PM EST reply actions

I hope so

They can't be passive, or they will get picked apart.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 7:58 PM EST up reply actions

lets go g-men

im watching the game in downtown indianapolis with my shockey jersey on....talk about having the whole city behind me, eh?

hopefully the giants win so every colts fan in indy can buy me a beer.

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Dec 29, 2007 4:53 PM EST reply actions

Just out of general curiousity

do Indy fans root for Eli? I find myself rooting for Peyton sometimes just because I'm hoping something will transfer to Eli by osmosis or something.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 4:57 PM EST up reply actions

Visiting Seahawks fan

Go Giants. I hope you ruin the Patriots tonight!

by katal on Dec 29, 2007 6:26 PM EST reply actions

Big Blue Fan in Boston

That's right. I'll be out at the bars tonight with friends rooting obnoxiously for the Giants. Wish me luck and safe passage.

by Nick T @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 6:27 PM EST reply actions

Good Luck Blue in Boston

Be loud and proud.

Ottis up the middle.

by baagaa18 on Dec 29, 2007 6:34 PM EST reply actions

Brandon Jacobs with the....

nice hands.... ?

Yeah, boiiiiieeeeee!!!!!

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 8:25 PM EST reply actions

Aside from the desperation red flag

this game is off to a bee-yoo-tiful start.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 8:29 PM EST reply actions

Loving

the game so far, that was a beeeyoootiful long pass, Burress is just freaking amazing.

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 8:30 PM EST reply actions

And then

2 quick first downs for NE. Come on, defense!

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 8:31 PM EST reply actions

Visiting Cowboys Fan

Go Giants! Man, can't believe I'd ever say that. It'll never happen again.

by Nelson @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 8:31 PM EST reply actions

Amani, come on!

WTF?

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 8:45 PM EST reply actions

Kawika Mitchell out.

Better not be serious.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 8:47 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

O'Hara, too. Those guys should get shut down until next week. Wilkinson has been impressive, though, filling in for Mitchell.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 9:49 PM EST up reply actions

I can see we're gonna get the Ravens

treatment tonight. That was complete BS.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 8:49 PM EST reply actions

That call reminded me of John Starks

trying to guard Michael Jordan. He'd get a foul just for looking at him.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

check out this thread

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/12/29/202722/08/385/427766

hilarious

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by NYERinSF on Dec 29, 2007 8:59 PM EST reply actions

Woooooooooo

Touchdown on a kickoff! :)

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 9:00 PM EST reply actions

wow

The Giants came to play. Plus they just did one of the things that you have to do beat a superior opponent, get a special teams TD.

by DoctorK16 on Dec 29, 2007 9:00 PM EST reply actions

who the **** is Hixon?

and where has he been all year

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by NYERinSF on Dec 29, 2007 9:01 PM EST reply actions

Used to be in Denver

and was the guy who collided with Kevin Everett in the season opener in Buffalo.

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 9:04 PM EST up reply actions

GET ME A TURNOVER!

And another quick TD!

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 9:01 PM EST reply actions

Giants need to get their run game going.

We've got nothing there so far.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 9:16 PM EST reply actions

Could someone buy Belly a Kleenex.

He looks like a hobo out for pete's sake, wiping his nose with his hand.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 9:19 PM EST reply actions

Now Ohara's down.

Crap.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 9:31 PM EST reply actions

That looked a lot like Shockey's play too.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 9:31 PM EST up reply actions

That sucks

But at least he walked off and it didn't look too bad.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

Helllloo

Boss!

Another half to be played, but I'm liking it so far.

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 9:45 PM EST reply actions

Great first half

I am loving how well Eli is playing. I am loving the passion the Giants are playing with. I am loving Domenic Hixon and his kickoff return (I think we've seen the last of Reuben Droughns back there). I am loving Kevin Boss and Aaron Ross. And, I am loving the score. If we can just keep the defense from wearing out we might just pull this off. That would be cool!

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 9:47 PM EST reply actions

Just wanted to jump in real quick

I said it all week, you don't let the Patriots come in to your house and take history, you make them earn it. I am extremely proud of the way this team is playing, Eli's pass to Plax was a thing of beauty, and there is nothing better than watching the Giants play great defense

The Pats look a little shocked

the refs suck

I hate Collinsworth, he is the all time Giant hater, and I am sick of hearing him suck off Moss

I'm done, gotta go outside for halftime cig

Go Giants.....

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 29, 2007 9:50 PM EST reply actions

Smash Mouth....

Tell me the Bucs aren't watching this! An effort like this is making our playoff hopes brighter. Boss looks like the real deal! The Pats look tired.

I applaud Coughlin for this. Momentum...that's the name of the game and if we can keep it going we can go farther than anyone thinks we can.

I notice the Pats aren't resting anybody either. This is so far a great football game.

by giant fan since 57 on Dec 29, 2007 9:51 PM EST reply actions

I thought the Giants would have to dominate

time of possession to have a chance, but clearly the 1st half was not that way.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 9:57 PM EST reply actions

They never showed the Mitchell injury.

Any initial reports?

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 9:59 PM EST reply actions

I am pacing the friggin floor

pass the Tums

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 29, 2007 10:00 PM EST reply actions

Head on.

Apply directly to the forehead.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 10:02 PM EST up reply actions

Score

Plax is amazing.

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 10:11 PM EST reply actions

This is unreal

Somebody please SPEED UP TIME!!!!

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 29, 2007 10:11 PM EST reply actions

It's almost comical

If the Pats are anywhere near the end zone, Brady is going to try to force the ball to Moss regardless of how covered he is.

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by JasonB on Dec 29, 2007 10:20 PM EST reply actions

Brandon Jacobs, hands of stonee...

Horrible drop.

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 10:25 PM EST reply actions

the Refs in this game

Don't deserve to be paid, they are an embarassment

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 29, 2007 10:52 PM EST reply actions

Fkn ridiculous 30 yard penalty right there.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 10:53 PM EST reply actions

wtf on that call

Is Carey pulling a Donhagy.

by DoctorK16 on Dec 29, 2007 10:54 PM EST reply actions

Not a surprise that the refs would try to

screw us today. I fully expected that.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 10:55 PM EST reply actions

What the hell was that call anyway?

Collinsworth kept saying "keep your eye on Toomer" but I saw nothing. What was it?

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 10:55 PM EST reply actions

it was nothing

a true phantom call

by DoctorK16 on Dec 29, 2007 11:02 PM EST up reply actions

No holding call possible on the Rats.

I'm gettin' P.O.'d now.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 10:58 PM EST reply actions

That catch by by Stallworth

EVERY member of the Giants line was being held, and all Collinsworth noticed is how great Brady is

I could throw that ball if my linemen are all holding for me too

by Jim Schmiedeberg on Dec 29, 2007 10:59 PM EST reply actions

Jeez

Do that Pats find a way to convert every third down or what?

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by JasonB on Dec 29, 2007 11:02 PM EST reply actions

Hurry up, damnit!

Too much time off the clock, we're going to run out of time.

by NYinCalifornia on Dec 29, 2007 11:11 PM EST reply actions

I think they already decided

they're going to try to score and onside kick. There's no way they kick off to the Rats again.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 11:12 PM EST reply actions

I hope the refs are happy.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 11:20 PM EST reply actions

I think the Giants are better off

for having played this game like it mattered. They lost steam at the end there, but if they can match the kind of intensity they showed tonight they can beat the Bucs.

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by JasonB on Dec 29, 2007 11:25 PM EST reply actions

I would agree

The game just ended and the Giants lost, but I am tremendously proud of the way they played. They fought hard and made the Patriots earn everything they got, right to final minute. Good for them! I would hope this gives them confidence and helps them realize that they ARE a very good football team.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 11:43 PM EST up reply actions

Great game

Didn't turn out the way I hoped it would, but you have to feel good abotu what you saw as a Giants' fan. Eli played very well. Plax, Smith and Boss made plays. Jacobs was good. The defense was aggressive. Mostly, they played with pride. I just hope none of the injuries they sustained are too serious.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 29, 2007 11:45 PM EST reply actions

I agree totally.

It's interesting to listen to the post-game talk. The commentators, Coughlin, and younger players all seem happy with the effort and looking forward to next week. Toomer and Strahan are all frowns because they didn't actually win.

by Mr Met @ Big Blue View on Dec 29, 2007 11:48 PM EST up reply actions