Putting things in perspective

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Dec 27, 2009 5:40 PM EST

I'm not happy and I know none of us are. But let's put things in perspective, people.

If you're not a fan of the Colts, then your team isn't going to win 12+ games and make the playoffs every single year. That's the reality of the NFL. I think it's pretty encouraging that we're all this pissed off about a football team that kept its playoff hopes alive for sixteen weeks of the season.

Since 2005, the Giants have made the playoffs every year, won the division twice and won a Super Bowl. It was a pretty nice four-season run. Now it appears that's over and it's time to do more than the minimal tweaking we've seen in the past two offseasons (I don't care how much money Reese spent -- getting players the caliber of Canty, Boley, and Bernard is merely tweaking). There is some talent to build around, there are just some areas that need addressing.

Anyone calling for Coughlin's head is delusional. This, at worst, is an 8-8 football team this year. That means that in TC's six seasons, this team has finished .500 or better in all but one of them, gone to the playoffs in all but two of them, and won a Super Bowl. Say what you want about Bill Sheridan -- his first season has been poor, at best, and the Hindenburg at worst. I know a lot of people aren't too keen on Kevin Gilbride, either. But as for Coughlin, he's not going anywhere.

Hey, things could be worse...

The NFL has become a passing league, and unlike half of the teams in the league, the Giants have a quarterback. So those saying that this team is suddenly going to turn into the Knicks (sigh), you're mistaken. As for stopping the pass, that's going to be the major issue they have to address in the offseason.

The most disheartening thing about the blowout loss to the Panthers is not just that the Giants' 2009 playoff hopes went into the toilet, it's the fact that performance is the last impression made by the team at Giants Stadium. Funny how a team that didn't come into existence until the mid-'90s handed the Giants perhaps their two most embarrassing losses in the Stadium's fine history (see: 2005 Wild Card round).

I'm sad it had to end this way, but the world is not over. The Giants will be contenders again, and soon. This group and this front office has won before, there's no reason to think it can't happen again.

Step off the ledge my brothers (and sisters). The defending champion Yankees' pitchers and catchers report in two months. Oh and um, I hear Citi Field is really pretty (I didn't want to forget about you Mets' fans).

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If Kenny Phillips was healthy

the Giants go to the playoffs.

I am 100% sure of this.

I could chalk it up to a million different things, but that alone is fact.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Dec 27, 2009 7:49 PM EST reply actions

agree

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

by Ahmad Bradshaw on Dec 27, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions

little more then Phillips....

He’s just one man.

Him being out sure didn’t help.

But it was more then just no KP.

Little (to a lot..) from Column A-Z and the kitchen sink too.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 27, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions

If you throw Phillips in the mix

we win one of the games where our pass defense was shredded but the score was still close …take your pick. The Philly game, the San Diego game…one of ’em. In which case, at the VERY least, we end up not eliminated yet, and a damn good chance of taking A berth.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Dec 28, 2009 12:43 AM EST up reply actions

I see what your saying...

but he’s one player.

The Giants D as constructed…the LB’s and DB’s do nothing when there’s no semblance of a pass rush.

This is how they load up for the run then get back to cover the pass.

There’s no pass rush…they could have Ronnie Lott, Rod and Charles Woodson and Troy polamalu back there…this Giants D as their scheme runs…will let up plays and big ones if the pass rush is as stagnant as it was this season.

Brown, Rouse and Johnson stink….but they’d be servicable enough to help the Giants win more if the pass rush existed.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 28, 2009 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

Oh, I know other factors played in

it wasn’t even close to the #1 factor involved.

It’s just that, as far as small changes that could have altered a lot, it’s really, really up there.

The pass rush will return next year. The talent is so obviously there. I think a huge part is Osi’s injury…it’s supposed to take about 18 months for full recovery. The other problem is I just think Sheridan’s schemes sucked. Everything was picked up because he never really mixed up his blitz packages. It was the same crap every game. I hope Spags had fun in St. Louis. :(

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Dec 28, 2009 3:50 PM EST up reply actions

Correction

If Kenny Philips, Aaron Ross, and Corey Webster were all healthy, I’d say the Giants chances would have been much improved. But, truthfully, as the season wore on, it has become apparent that the entire defense needs to be re-built during the offseason.

by ejcal70 on Dec 28, 2009 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

I hope the Cowboys win their game

Dont kill me. The Giants dont deserve to be in the playoffs and have no right to take that honour from any team this season.

Some may have given up on the Giants this season, but they WILL make the playoffs.

by ChuckyofNorris on Dec 27, 2009 8:00 PM EST reply actions

Deserving has NOTHING to do with it...

and you should be ashamed of that.

Dallas loses…Giants win next week…the Giants sure are the sun coming up the next day deserve to get in.

That’s BULLCRAP to say that…..

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 27, 2009 8:12 PM EST up reply actions

You're Right

in my anger and borderline depression I wasnt thinking clearly. I feel terrible thinking I was rooting for the Cowboys for even a second.

Because the G-Men weren't good enough this season; GO CINCY!

by ChuckyofNorris on Dec 27, 2009 9:04 PM EST up reply actions

I just can't do it...

I CAN NOT pull for the Cowboys tonight. After today’s performance, I don’t believe we belong in the playoffs, but man, let’s go Skins!

by kingofatlanta on Dec 27, 2009 8:04 PM EST reply actions

No

fuck.
the.
cowboys.

any half decent human being agrees. not just giants fans.

fuck.
the.
cowboys.

by Caseys Kiss of Death on Dec 27, 2009 8:18 PM EST up reply actions

how anyone could ever root for the Cowboys

is baffling to me. i don’t give a shit about “belonging” – the playoffs aren’t the high school Key Club.

if Dallas lost out and the Giants won in Minnesota next week, i would be thrilled. it’s certainly unlikely, but i could care less about deserving or not deserving a playoff spot. all of that talk is complete nonsense.

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Dec 27, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions

they would deserve it

simply on the grounds that its how the system works. they won enough games to make it.

by cntrlalt on Dec 27, 2009 8:49 PM EST up reply actions

there's no such animal...

as a playoff team not belonging in the playoffs.

This is not the NBA..where the 8th seed has no chance.

No matter what…get in, you did something right over the course of the year.

The chances are gonna rely on a Skins win. So its pretty slim.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 27, 2009 8:53 PM EST up reply actions

correction:

“8th seed NOW has no chance”

i remember the good old best-of-five days, when the 8th seed actually did have a chance:

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Dec 27, 2009 9:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

great pic...

…now that’s what I call stepping up and making a big play.

Interesting, I think that’s a young Riley assistant known as Stan Van Gundy in the background of that picture…

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 27, 2009 9:57 PM EST up reply actions

yes that SVG

by DoctorK16 on Dec 28, 2009 12:15 AM EST up reply actions

+10

Love that memory, and could definitely use it today. Thank you!

"We were very much aware of that. There was a lot of phone call-type things going on in the room." -- Tom Coughlin

by Mr. Met on Dec 27, 2009 9:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Even a four-point play couldn't have saved us today...

However, if our guys came out and fought like Van Gundy on ’Zo’s leg, then perhaps the result may have been different…

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 27, 2009 10:09 PM EST up reply actions

NFL has become a passing league, but by and large, it wasn't the pass that did us in today...

…you can’t expect to win games when you turn the ball over and allow the other team to run roughshod over you. So many of Stewart’s yards were after contact…guys just weren’t wrapping up, weren’t stepping up and making the proverbial big plays. I got excited on our first offensive drive and with the shared sack by Tuck and Canty on the first play on D, but that intensity dissipated quickly and the opponent quickly exposed us for what we are — which is to say, lousy on D, lacking punch in the running game, and making too many mental mistakes (fumbles, dropped passes, costly penalties).

8-8 (or 7-9) is the very definition of mediocrity. Here’s hoping make some necessary changes in the offseason and don’t stay there long. I perish the thought of us becoming the Houston Texans of our conference…

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 27, 2009 9:55 PM EST reply actions

The Texans?

The team that has never had a winning season? Technically it’s impossible for us to sink to that level.

Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!

by bigbluethruandthru on Dec 27, 2009 10:50 PM EST up reply actions

yea...

c’mon man..

The Giants still have the shot to be 9-7, for whatever it will bring.

One 8-8 seasons doesn’t make them the Texans.

It just makes my every year prediction true. I always predict 8-8.

I would like to have Brian Cushing on the Giants tho…Mario Williams ditto, Dunta Robinson?

I have no idea why they are so medicore, they seem to have some nice players.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 27, 2009 10:54 PM EST up reply actions

I meant it in the sense of consecutive 8-8 seasons...

…and being able to step up when it matters the least. Hopefully we’ll not settle into such a funk and bounce back next year…

by Step up and make big plays on Dec 27, 2009 11:36 PM EST up reply actions

Love that pic of Zorn

thats freaking histerical!

by Landeta on Dec 27, 2009 10:23 PM EST reply actions

Agree with step up

by ZZZZMD on Dec 27, 2009 10:25 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Agree with Step Up...

the 3 most important things a team needs (and the Giants usually deliver on) to win in the NFL: Run the ball, Stop the run and win the turn over battle. This year, the G-men just did not accomplish any of these and hence, 8-8.

by ZZZZMD on Dec 27, 2009 10:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions

But that doesn’t mean they are a bad team. From an outsiders perspective, you still seem to have a ton of talent. They just didn’t play well this year. Next year might (and most likely will) be a different story. I just hate it when 8-8 teams call for the team wide blow up. Its a little extreme, dont ya think.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 27, 2009 10:34 PM EST up reply actions

since you are an outsider...

you can get the benefit of the doubt.

The way the defense played today..wasn’t the first time. Hell..they played like this last year against the Panthers, but they had the running game to match it.

The Saints..the Eagles (twice…), they really played this bad against Denver too..the scoreboard didn’t show it.

No one can realistically put a finger on it. Most will blindly scream fire the DC..but he’s not out there missing tackles and doing things they shouldn’t (double teaming the TE ALex Smith…letting Desean Jackson go)

Yes..8-7…and however they end up, is not bad. Its just the way they lost the majority of the games, in addition to squeaking by a few more.

If they had an average defense…they’d lock up the division already. That’s how good Eli and the pass O was for the most part.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 27, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions

Even though you’re bitter (and rightfully so), I can still see signs of optimism sprinkled throughout your post.

but they had the running game to match it.

Did the players who make up this talented running game magically disappear? Unless you consider Derrick Ward a big loss, I’d say no. There are still there. It just didn’t happen consistently this year.

The Saints..the Eagles (twice…), they really played this bad against Denver too

All three are playoff teams. And of your other losses, only Carolina isn’t making the playoffs. There’s less shame to be had losing to good teams.

No one can realistically put a finger on it.

This is usually a sign that there is nothing structurally wrong with the team. It just wasn’t their year. If you could identify areas of profound weakness, then replacement players can be sought. But I wouldn’t start calling for the heads of decent players or coaches because “somebody’s gotta pay”.

Look, I don’t want to sound so confrontational. I’m actually trying to help boost your morale. Because, believe me, I know the feeling. My loyalties lie with perhaps the most disappointing team in league history.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 27, 2009 11:07 PM EST up reply actions

this is all probably

true, but this NYC they will be hell to pay for this kind year.

by DoctorK16 on Dec 28, 2009 12:17 AM EST up reply actions

I agree with you Jay..

there was a ton of stuff, like penalties at the wrong time…Manningham fumbling after an absolute march of an opening drive.

The defense making plays for 2 drives..yet, some questionable penalties that allowed 3rd down conversions.

I’m probably one of the most optimistic on here…but the Giants season basically ended last night with the Pies winning.

The Giants took pride in 2008 of beating up on everyone, including playoff bound teams.

Yes..there’s talent here. I’m not gonna call for Coughlin or Gilbride’s head. And while I don’t think Sheridan is the sole reason for the D being what it is..it is what it is, so he’s gotta go.

And as for the running game? I think you’d should feel gratefull that Peterson came into the league with a big contract.

Cuz our big dude…Jacobs..pretty much got his money and did NOT run. He just falls.

"It ain't over till its over"---

3rd down + Steve Smith = 1st Down.

"I just saw Avatar, and Sean Avery was hands down the best character!"

by FreeBradshaw on Dec 28, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

Crap!

Now your team is gonna be pissed and will be looking for the knock out blow for my Vikings next week. Way to go Carolina. You’ve somehow managed to add misery to our defeat last week by angering the team we play next.

by Jayrome007 on Dec 27, 2009 10:31 PM EST reply actions

Remind me what happend in 2007 again?

yea thats what I thought, go troll elsewhere

by Landeta on Dec 28, 2009 12:25 AM EST reply actions

I agree about Phillips...

If Kenny Phillips was healthy all year, we’re already locked into the playoffs, probably as division winner. The impact of not having a safety of his ability is HUGE. Now that we have nothing to play for, I have mixed feelings on next weeks game. It’d be nice to put it to the Vikings but why risk getting some guys hurt?? It’d be nice to see Eli get some extra stats I guess, Smith too.

by sexyscottish on Dec 28, 2009 1:05 AM EST reply actions

Today's frustrations aside...

The problems on this team are all fixable. Retool an aging OL, a few additions on the DL and at LB, a blue chip running back. Between free agency and the draft, all can be addressed in the off-season. I can root for a disappointing team. I just can’t root for a badly-run organization. And the Giants’ organization is still first rate.

by django48 on Dec 28, 2009 2:48 PM EST reply actions