New York Giants News And Notes: What Second-Half Struggles?

by Ed Valentine on Nov 15, 2011 7:35 AM EST in New York Giants News

Good morning, New York Giants fans. Let's look at today's Giants-related news and notes as we turn our attention toward Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Sunday's loss to San Francisco puts Tom Coughlin's second-half of the season record as Giants coach at 24-33. Monday, Coughlin heard those 'why do your teams struggle to finish seasons?' questions, which he will likely continue to hear until or unless this team qualifies for the playoffs.

You have to take each year one at a time. You have to take each game one at a time. This is a game against a team that was 7-1 in the NFC. It's not that we played poorly. We didn't win the game," Coughlin said. "Does it have anything to do with the second half [of the season]? No. It has to do with the ninth game of the year, which I felt we had a great chance to win. With the ball on the 10-yard-line with a minute to play, I felt very good about it. It's been the same scenario that we've won game after game with. So here we are again and this time it didn't happen."

Coughlin struck an upbeat tone Monday regarding the 2011 version of the Giants.

"Despite some errors and so-on and so-forth, our effort is good and we do fight. We do battle. That's the key thing. As long as we continue to do that I think we can correct a lot of these other things," Coughlin said. "I know we can play better because many people who played yesterday didn't play as well as they did the week before."

Giants safety Kenny Phillips was asked Monday if he was annoyed by all of the second-half questions that keep being asked.

"I haven't even thought about it and in our locker room, we haven't even spoken on it. This is a totally different team, we are at a totally different place than we were a year ago. I think we are more mature and knowing the importance of what we have coming up, I think we are ready for this stretch," Phillips said. "You can tell by the morale we have in the locker room and just the way we handle this loss. Us as individuals, I think we are headed in the right direction."

Giants fans, of course, hope that the positive vibe turns into enough victories to end the team's two-year playoff drought.

NFL reinstates Jimmy Kennedy from suspension | New York Daily News
Suspended defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy has been reinstated by the NFL, following his four-week ban for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Palladino: Giants: Beware The Cowboys " CBS New York
See what the Cowboys did to the Buffalo Bills yesterday? Beware, Giants fans. While next week’s hated rival Philadelphia continues its 2011 implosion and falls further out of the playoff picture, the Cowboys appear very much alive.

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Comments

Don't look now, but Dallas won a game.

Time to crank up the hype machine once again for at least another week. Whatever.

Philly not only stinks, but we may face them without Vick or Maclin. DRC we already know isn’t playing with torn ligaments in his ankle.

I have thought for 3 weeks that the Giants would beat NE, lose to SF, and then beat Philly. Nothing has changed that thought.

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 22 SF 17

by tommy d. on Nov 15, 2011 7:55 AM EST reply actions

I knew we would lose a game out of the 3...

but I was holding out hope to winning all 3

by bdasilva7785 on Nov 15, 2011 8:33 AM EST up reply actions

We have played just two of the three so far and are one and one on it.

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 15, 2011 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

dallas has been looking pretty good

besides that egg they laid against the eagles. They are a very beatable team, but now they have a running game. Goo scheduling ob by the NFL… that last game of the year is looking like its going to determine the East

by Plaxico Burress on Nov 15, 2011 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

Hype Machine??

Don’t look now but the Cowboys schedule is super easy. Buffalo was one of the “toughest” games left on their schedule and they DESTROYED them. If the Giants don’t sweep them, it becomes very difficult for us to win the division.

by NYStateofMind on Nov 15, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

Is this a new discovery for you?

That the national media not only pays more attention to the Dallas Cowboys but also accentuates the positive?

AKA Hype Machine

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 22 SF 17

by tommy d. on Nov 15, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

Pallidino

Thank you for the blueprint
Tony Romo > Eli
comparing the bills at home to a 7-1 team on the road is laughable

You can see a lot just by observing-Yogi Berra

by greg a on Nov 15, 2011 7:57 AM EST reply actions

I commented yeaterday that the Cowboys are teo key games...

We need to beat Philly..Dallas has Washington…They will catch us if we lose..Unless somehow the skins pull a win out of butts..

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Nov 15, 2011 8:02 AM EST reply actions

*two

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Nov 15, 2011 8:03 AM EST up reply actions

Skins Cowboys

Is the closest the the skins get to a playoff atmosphere
My money is on the Skins

You can see a lot just by observing-Yogi Berra

by greg a on Nov 15, 2011 8:18 AM EST up reply actions

I hope your right...but the Skins are all beat up..

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Nov 15, 2011 8:27 AM EST up reply actions

All beat up.

I don’t even know who the QB is week to week.

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 22 SF 17

by tommy d. on Nov 15, 2011 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

TC

Yes he will be remembered for winning a SB.

But he also COULD be remembered for his team’s his inability to finish a season – except for one.

I have no facts to back this up but somehow I think this season will be different. I think his teams will play hard and they will compete right thorough the last game. There just seems to be a sense of urgency this year.

I see a minimum of 9-7 and maybe 10-6 and an NFC east title due to tie breakers against the Cowboys. After that, who knows?

Bring lawyers, guns and money to get me out of this one! Stand in the Fire.

by MSP Giant on Nov 15, 2011 8:06 AM EST reply actions

They dont quit, thats the difference you see

I just think the schedule is going to kill them due to the injuries.

by SFloridaMetsFan on Nov 15, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions

Hope Im wrong though...

by SFloridaMetsFan on Nov 15, 2011 10:04 AM EST up reply actions

i hope you are wrong

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 15, 2011 2:29 PM EST up reply actions

this game takes on added importance

This game against the Eagles is so much more important now because of the 2 teams we play leading in to the first Dallas game. I thought we looked like the better team on Sunday, and i wont lie, I was surprised that we didn’t end up winning that game.

So, now the Eagles game becomes a must win. i don’t see how we win both @ NO and vs. GB. i do think we match up well with GB, and because of that have a chance to beat GB. and in reality, i think we will more than likely split those 2 games. (call it a hunch)

Dallas has a pretty soft schedule going into that Dec 11 game, so momentum and the standings are a big deal. right now we are only a game up in the East and we have to assume that Dallas will beat inferior competition (really though, who knows what you will get with them).

so, beat the eagles, and the worst case is we go into Dallas down a game in the standings, assuming they do what they should do over the next 3 weeks. beat either NO or GB, we go into that game tied.. assuming Dallas does what it should @ Washington, vs Miami,and @ Arizona. But like i said, you never know with them… i could see Washington or Arizona surprising them but doubt it.

by B_Korn on Nov 15, 2011 8:20 AM EST reply actions

I think we have a good shot at beating NO...but..

Unless Aaron Rodgers Rodgers trips over a roller skate and breaking his leg, I don’t see us beating that guy…He’s a shoe-in for MVP..Eli is having a great year, probably is best ever..but Rodgers is on fire..The Saints on the other hand are not playing all that great this year..So it will all boil down to the two Dallas games..

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Nov 15, 2011 8:35 AM EST up reply actions

Let's just say that

Giants CAN beat a healthy Packers team with their starting QB playing that day.

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 15, 2011 2:34 PM EST up reply actions

Dallas isnt beating Miami

I dont know if anyone watched the Miami game against us…. They came to play. They are not a lost team, and Sparano is not going anywhere. Since us they are on a 2 game winning streak.

No way they let the cowboys beat them . That is a matter of personal pride. Same could be said with Arizona.

Giants are young, and injured... Most importantly they are winning.

by Skii31 on Nov 15, 2011 8:53 AM EST up reply actions

Because of lose to 49ers

Giants have to sweep Dallas in order to make playoffs…….all of the Giants loses are in the conference and Dallas has beaten those teams,so if it came down to a tie breaker they win it…….so to those that thought losing to 490ers because they are a good team is no big deal…..that loss was HUGE

by giantsbizzybody1 on Nov 15, 2011 8:29 AM EST reply actions

Not if we beat Dallas straight up.

Why is Tom Quinn still here? I loves me some Coach Clawfin.

by costanza! on Nov 15, 2011 8:36 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly..we need to beat them twice...

That damn DeMarco Murray scares me…where the hell did he come from?..

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Nov 15, 2011 8:39 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah Bobbie Murray is the real deal.

Why is Tom Quinn still here? I loves me some Coach Clawfin.

by costanza! on Nov 15, 2011 8:45 AM EST up reply actions

Obviously I have second-half concerns like any Giants fan, but I have a different attitude this year. This team FINISHES games. They stay in it and keep it close until the end, against a GOOD TEAM no less. With the playoff implications vs the Cowboys I actually believe the Giants can come out on top. Why? Tony Romo can never play under pressure, and Eli has shown he can make the most of the 4th quarter.

by beagrussive on Nov 15, 2011 8:33 AM EST reply actions

Romo won't have too

The last time Romo had such a balanced team around him……they where the number 1 seed……fast foward and now he has the experience from thos failures……I just hate the way the staff plays it so close to the vest…..Giants QB is playing at such a high level……they have to take advantage of it…..can anyone argue that the offense lacks creativity???…I’m confident in the talent and not ppl controling it…If not for the 4th qt eruptions(because the staff is forced to)this offense is avg like 14pts a gm, which in my opinion is ridiculous.

by giantsbizzybody1 on Nov 15, 2011 8:40 AM EST up reply actions

Giants only 7pt differential......why

I believe the coaching staff’s philosophy doesn’t match the personnel………I maybe a homer,but I think at certain positions ie(QB,WR)is superior to most in league…..gms that shouldn’t even be close are because of their philosophical approach…..that is the thing that seems to be very frustrating……

by giantsbizzybody1 on Nov 15, 2011 8:35 AM EST reply actions

please

Prove me, us, and all of them wrong TC.

You down wit JPP?
I got 99 problems but a Vick ain't one!

by Flynner on Nov 15, 2011 8:43 AM EST reply actions

Jerry Reese has faith in our team

Its time for The Giants to prove that they have faith in themselves.

Giants are young, and injured... Most importantly they are winning.

by Skii31 on Nov 15, 2011 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

Damn the Cowboys won a game

in blowout fashion… We dont stand a chance at winning the division… just pack it in, no reason to play at all… Where are all the blimps at?? I am calling for heads!!!

There now that I got that out of the way… I have maintained that this is the most exciting Giants team I have ever seen. Our ability to have relatively no-name players “step up and make big plays” has exceeded my wildest hopes for this season. I like the way this team plays, they could have very well, folded after the two quick scores by the 49ers and they didnt, heck, Eli almost overcame a 14 point deficit.

The one thing that will serve us well, going into the cold weather end of the season games, is our ability to play 4 quarters.. granted we kinda struggle in quarters 1-3, but we are still playing and keeping the game close. The cowboys do not know how to close out games, meaning if its close, my money is on the opposing team.

Just keep improving and learning. Our depleted depth keeps getting better and better.. Ex. Coe. Our Rookies keep on improving every game… This has the making of a very strong finish. One game at a time fellas.

Go Giants!!!

Giants are young, and injured... Most importantly they are winning.

by Skii31 on Nov 15, 2011 8:50 AM EST reply actions

Hahaha!!!..Good one Skii

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Nov 15, 2011 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

The one thing I love about this team

Is our ability to overcome mistakes. The 49ers had to play almost mistake-free (one tipped ball interception) to win. We had several missed opportunities and turnovers and were still poised to send the game to overtime. Not making mistakes is best, but being able to overcome them is a close second. I’m excited to see what we do from here on out.

In trying to scramble out of a hole, it sometimes digs it deeper. ~Wellington Mara
I always root for the defense. ~Wellington Mara

by DavidE on Nov 15, 2011 9:02 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Rec'd

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 22 SF 17

by tommy d. on Nov 15, 2011 1:00 PM EST up reply actions

Same here

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 15, 2011 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

Half glass full

The injuries have allowed Giants to get players to gain experience and still manage to win…..Coe has actually been pretty good

by giantsbizzybody1 on Nov 15, 2011 10:41 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

We have another guy to stop this week..McCoy..

Vick is going to be sore but I bet he plays..and his back-up burned us last year..I forget his name….

"When I was a boy and I had no sense..I got my pecker caught in an electric fence..Well it curled my hair, tickled my balls and made me shit in my overalls..."

by Bobbiblue on Nov 15, 2011 8:55 AM EST reply actions

I cant remember either

there have been so many back-ups that have just lit us up…. when I try to think back, I just see a sea of 2nd string QB faces… I think he might play for another team right now??

Giants are young, and injured... Most importantly they are winning.

by Skii31 on Nov 15, 2011 8:59 AM EST up reply actions

Kafka

But he’s third string now, behind Young. Young is healthy now, right?

by Fishhead202 on Nov 15, 2011 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

Players I want to see more of this week

Prince (I hope finally)
Barden
Scott

Less of Coe and none at all of Martin. He is in the Quinn category, must go.

Boley, who knows but he is essential.

All the Giants should play like Mark Bavaro.
Tom Quinn Must Go!
It is equally worthless when people are always optimistic or always pessimistic. Either way I take their opinion with a pound of salt because I know they only have one setting. I post my own thoughts, not what either side wants to read.

by UnknownJintsFan on Nov 15, 2011 9:00 AM EST reply actions

Boley

Boley is so often AWOL, can’t cover anyone coming out of the backfield, forget about chasing Vick, but alas, for lack of a better replacement, he needs to be there.

Shoot the puck Barry!!!

by dsteak on Nov 15, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

Boley has been pretty good this year

not sure what you’re talking about.

by mclaren_is_the_best on Nov 15, 2011 8:00 PM EST up reply actions

See what the Cowboys did to the Buffalo Bills?

Yes I did, I also saw what the Eagles did to this same Cowboy team a few weeks ago… There a good team but they have problems that can be exposed, like almost all the teams in this league.

Team TAWD:
The entire 53 man roster of the 2011 New York Giants

by The Always Well Dressed... on Nov 15, 2011 9:43 AM EST reply actions

Simple for some of us to comprehend

Difficult for others

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 22 SF 17

by tommy d. on Nov 15, 2011 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

I'm glad we have a few weeks until we see the 'boys

Gives us more film on DeMarco. The kid’s a beast, no doubt, but there are plenty of great RBs in the league, and those teams have been beat. At best, I’m thinking of them like the Texans. Great wideout, decent QB, and now a great back. Doesn’t mean that they’re unstoppable.

Our CBs have gone up against DeSean, Fitz…… And our run stopping has gotten better. Gore would have been a good test. If we can minimize the running game, and keep a rush on Romo, I have faith that the CBs can handle the backfield.

It should be a great game.

by Fishhead202 on Nov 15, 2011 10:31 AM EST reply actions

Amen

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 15, 2011 2:40 PM EST up reply actions

We need to win this game

Winning this game puts us at 7-3. If we play 500 ball the last 6 weeks should get us into the playoffs.

by GMen56-11 on Nov 15, 2011 10:44 AM EST reply actions

one troublesome issue

the disintegrating RB situation. A rushing attack will be needed in winter weather?

by lueeluee on Nov 15, 2011 10:58 AM EST reply actions

I think it got better in the SF game

"We borrowed golf from the Scottish as we borrowed whiskey. Not because it is Scottish, but because it is good." Horace Hutchinson

NYG 22 SF 17

by tommy d. on Nov 15, 2011 1:06 PM EST up reply actions

I agree

theres absolutely no talent at the running back position on this team currently. You can blame the OL but the backs are horrific as well.

by mclaren_is_the_best on Nov 15, 2011 8:01 PM EST up reply actions

The boys will kill the skins. skins are a mess and the boys have confidence now.

This is the most dangerous game of the year so far. Eagles are always hell to play in these situations. Eveyone says they suck, and maybe so, but they’re going to come out like gangbusters. These East games are never easy anyway.

Shoot the puck Barry!!!

by dsteak on Nov 15, 2011 11:27 AM EST reply actions

I wouldn't be so sure?

The Cowboys had a big win last week, it is a divisional game on the road. The "Skins are about
due to win a game at some point I would think? One more thing, the Giants need to take care of their own business, can’t worry about the Cowpokes until they play them twice in the last month.
Who makes out these rather dumb schedules anyhow? We know it’s not Roger the Dodger.
If Clawflin doesn’t want to hear about not finishing, win this week baby! Otherwise Coach,
unfortunately you will be peppered with those questions again.

"Beckum is Beckum, it's a hamstring".....Tommy Couglin

by Great Gatsby on Nov 15, 2011 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

its tough to not look ahead

i commend this team for sticking with a week to week mentality, so far it seems to have shown through on the field. i have to wonder if that would change if they lost 2 or more in a row though… lets just hope that doesn’t happen! anyway as a fan, i’m sticking to that program. dallas will be dallas, and i could just as easily see them dropping two of their next three as winning out, so i’m not going to waste energy now worrying about them. i’ve got enough concerns worrying about the eggs on sunday!

by The Quiet Man on Nov 15, 2011 2:18 PM EST reply actions

I look at the schedule a different way by trend of W and L

The last few years we were losing two games in a row. This year when we lose a game we do win the following week. So far we have been LWWWLWWWL

If they keep this trend we should not lose this week. I know this is a strange way of looking at the things but this year’s team does not lose two in a row.

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 15, 2011 2:45 PM EST up reply actions

strange, sure but...

…i’d gladly take it! following that pattern has us beating the Eagle, Saints, Packers, Jets, Skins and splitting with Dallas. can’t agree i see that happening, but it would sure be nice.

by The Quiet Man on Nov 15, 2011 3:10 PM EST up reply actions

What I see is that this year's team is not losing 2 in a row like we did for the last few years.

New York Football Giants Zindabad!
Let's Go Giants!

by BB1156 on Nov 15, 2011 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

strange, sure but...

…i’d gladly take it! following that pattern has us beating the Eagle, Saints, Packers, Jets, Skins and splitting with Dallas. can’t agree i see that happening, but it would sure be nice.

by The Quiet Man on Nov 15, 2011 3:10 PM EST reply actions

Oh no! Silver has us 4 in his rankings.

1. Green Bay Packers: Is this just me getting carried away during Big Game week or are there two ex-Cal players on the Pack who should be Pro Bowl selections this season?

2. San Francisco 49ers: When Jim Harbaugh threw his challenge flag after an apparent Victor Cruz(notes) first-quarter fumble on Sunday, only to be told the play was not reviewable because the receiver had been ruled down by contact, was the scoreboard operator tempted to show a clip of Jim Schwartz screaming, "Know the [expletive] rules!"?

3. Baltimore Ravens: What’s flatter – my bike’s rear tire after loaning it to Haloti Ngata(notes), or the Ravens coming off a big win?

4. New York Giants: Did Mario Manningham(notes) misjudge the trajectory of Eli Manning’s(notes) potential game-tying touchdown pass in San Francisco or is the wideout simply not a fan of planking?

by Hank4910 on Nov 16, 2011 12:57 PM EST reply actions