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Around SBN: The Most Dangerous Division in Sports

Can Lightning Strike Again? Giants Hope So

Amani Toomer of the New York Giants makes the winning touchdown reception on Dec. 13, 1998 as the Giants defeat the previously 13-0 Denver Broncos. (Photo by Ezra O. Shaw /Allsport)

Dec. 13, 1998. The 5-8 New York Giants vs. the 13-0 Denver Broncos at Giants Stadium. Final score: Giants 20, Broncos 16.

If you are old enough to remember that game you know that no one gave the Giants a chance to beat the mighty Broncos, who would go on after that to finish the season 14-2 and win the Super Bowl. Lightning struck, though, when the hardly immortal Kent Graham heaved a 37-yard touchdown pass to Amani Toomer with less than two minutes to play, giving the Giants an improbable 20-16 victory.

Feb. 3, 2008, Super Bowl XLII. The New England Patriots enter 18-0, fully expecting to finish a perfect season with a Super Bowl title. Final score: Giants 17, New England 14.

The Giants have cut down Goliath before. Can they do it again today?

Star-divide

Forgetting the Super Bowl for now, probably the more apt comparison is the 1998 game against the Denver Broncos. It occurred at a similar point in the season, with the down-trodden Giants not given much of a chance against the mighty Broncos of John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe and Co.

Sure the Giants had Toomer, Tiki Barber and Michael Strahan. It was early in the careers of those players, though, and -- aside from Strahan -- they had not become the stars they would be in later years.

That day Graham outplayed Elway, going 21-of-33 for 265 yards and two scores, while Elway went only 19-of-36 for 180 yards and interception.

The Giants used that game, which turned into their second straight victory, as a springboard to finish the season with four straight wins and wind up 8-8.

We know this Giants' team is not as good as the Packers' team that will be on other sideline Sunday afternoon. Can this Giants team, with vastly superior talent on offense than that 1998 team had -- Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz -- pull off a shocker like that 1998 team did, though? Can it, at least, play well in this game and come away with some positive momentum heading into the season-defining final four games?

That, likely, is what everyone connected with the Giants is hoping. That, win or lose, the team can get its groove back in this game against the best team in the league, finish strong and make the playoffs for the first time since 2008.

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Sounds like AB and Michael Boley are playing today

Let’s hope we see a FIRED UP Giants team with the return of those guys. GO GIANTS. Everyone needs to let go of last week’s game and get back to bELIeving!!!

GO BIG BLUE!!! I am an unapologetic Eli supporter. Haters aren't welcome in my corner of the world!

by telcochik on Dec 4, 2011 10:06 AM EST reply actions  

The positive momentum

is definitely the most important part, even though it would be fantastic to see them come away with a W. I just want to see some consistency on both sides of the ball for a change.

by ineliitrust on Dec 4, 2011 10:15 AM EST reply actions  

Goddamn, I miss those Unis.

I support the Giants like bras support Kim Kardashian's boobs. It can be a struggle, we've had some jiggles, but we're still firm.

by BigBlueIntervention on Dec 4, 2011 10:25 AM EST reply actions  

Uniforms

Happen to agree. Like them 10 times better than what they wear now. I hate those gray pants.

by Ed Valentine on Dec 4, 2011 10:35 AM EST up reply actions  

Why does it seem that the Giants are the only team in the league to not wear throwbacks?

"Winning is the most important thing in my life, after breathing. Breathing first, winning next."

by Larry Soprano on Dec 4, 2011 10:43 AM EST up reply actions  

+1

they should do something other than those horrid red jerseys!

FIRE Perry Fewell

by bleedblue12 on Dec 4, 2011 10:59 AM EST up reply actions  

They should bring back the "Giants" logo on the helmet

At least for one game a season. I like the NY logo but players get psyched for throwbacks. Today would be a perfect day for that.

by NCGiantFan on Dec 4, 2011 2:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Disagree

the Giants have been wearing gray pants since the beginning and while I like the 80s unis the ones we wear now are nicer IMO.

FIRE Perry Fewell

by bleedblue12 on Dec 4, 2011 10:58 AM EST up reply actions  

I agree

Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden
[Jake Ballard] has 4 speeds actually:
Stop→Slow→Truck (he shifts into that when its time to carry 4 defenders for another 4 yards)→LEAP!
-Raptor 22

by Willgfass on Dec 4, 2011 11:01 AM EST up reply actions  

+100.

Osi is king. All other DEs must bow down.

by LoNJDTechnology on Dec 4, 2011 11:16 AM EST via mobile up reply actions  

Me too.

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

No more score predictions...

by tommy d. on Dec 4, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions  

ENERGY!!!!! LETS GET A WIN!

by weejer on Dec 4, 2011 10:34 AM EST via mobile reply actions  

20-16

has a lot more to do with offense than defense!

We have to hope beyond hope that the Giants defense does what it hasn’t been able to do all year (except against the Eagles, who got 16.5 ppg).

This defense has to pull a rabbit out of its ass hat and hold the packers to at most the low 20s.

Details of the operations of an interstate dog fighting ring were revealed, with some portions involving drugs and gambling. Gruesome details involving abuse, torture and execution of under-performing dogs ... He admitted to being involved in the destruction of 6–8 dogs, by hanging or drowning...
Bye Bye to PF, Spend a draft pick or 2 on LBs (not 6th rounders either, in the first 4 rounds) and find a DC that will actually adjust gameplans in the middle of a game, and use the players strengths instead of forcing them to use weaknesses.

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 4, 2011 10:43 AM EST reply actions  

Well because of the resent losing streak im down to the last TV in the house .

Should be fun watching the game on a 22" in my basement weight room.

I may not be the most noble of men but in a town of lepers, im the one with the most fingers.

Giant LB'zz SUCK!! Mark Herzlich, Jacquian Williams,...Maybe .. Sadly this has been modified.

by Troy O on Dec 4, 2011 10:52 AM EST reply actions  

As bad as they've looked

and as vulnerable as they are in cerain areas, I fully expect the Giants to get trounced today. On the other hand, should theyn win, I wouldn’t be shocked. For the past several years the team has too often lost games they should have won and occasionally won one they figured to lose. Maybe today they’ll accomplish the latter. Maybe they’ll even get into the playoffs. I have mixed feelings about that. If they make the playoffs, changes I believe are necessary just won’t happen.

by blue gonz on Dec 4, 2011 11:01 AM EST reply actions  

Well said

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

by costanza! on Dec 4, 2011 12:15 PM EST up reply actions  

We can win this game

if the rest of the offense gets out of Eli’s way.

Eli threw for 400 yards, but we only got 24 points. Why?
Aside from the first drive with the interception, the drives that didn’t end with points had a penalty on 2nd or 3rd down that put us too far out to consistently convert, or dropped passes.

On one drive we even had all of the above!

If the o-line doesn’t get called for idiotic penalties and the receivers and runningbacks limit it to maybe 1 drop the whole game, Eli will score enough points to put us in position for an upset.

Self-praise is for losers. Be a winner. Stand for something. Always have class, and be humble.
-John Madden
[Jake Ballard] has 4 speeds actually:
Stop→Slow→Truck (he shifts into that when its time to carry 4 defenders for another 4 yards)→LEAP!
-Raptor 22

by Willgfass on Dec 4, 2011 11:04 AM EST reply actions  

Hope is not a method! They must execute in front of their "Ring of Honor" predecesors.

They better not have a bad first half or the comparison to Webster, Bavaro, Van Pelt, Banks and Jennings will be all the more embarrasing for the current team.

by Hank4910 on Dec 4, 2011 11:16 AM EST reply actions  

This one's on the D

Eli & Co. will get theirs. The question is can the D keep GB from putting up 21 pts in the 1st half and getting everyone dejected. Let’s hope Boley’s actually good to go and Tuck can summon some Old Tuck. Looking forward to Osi’s injury forcing efewell to put JPP at RDE and let him loose.

by TNYFBG on Dec 4, 2011 11:21 AM EST reply actions  

yup

nygmen123: Again, without Vick or Maclin, or Cromartie. Injuries don't seem to bother them. They just bring in guys to make plays
nygmen123: Stopped the Pats on the first series. Planted Brady twice. Guess what gang? This team isn't quitting. Or making excuses.
Simms-McC: Yeah -- I wish the Giants were more like the Eagles
nygmen123: In intensity and fight? Right now, so do I.
EAGLES LOSE, 38-20.

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 4, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions  

does the voice of reason support

after the play, hip-toss judo throws that end a guy’s season?

nygmen123: Again, without Vick or Maclin, or Cromartie. Injuries don't seem to bother them. They just bring in guys to make plays
nygmen123: Stopped the Pats on the first series. Planted Brady twice. Guess what gang? This team isn't quitting. Or making excuses.
Simms-McC: Yeah -- I wish the Giants were more like the Eagles
nygmen123: In intensity and fight? Right now, so do I.
EAGLES LOSE, 38-20.

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 4, 2011 11:54 AM EST up reply actions  

keys to winning

eliminate turnovers. we cant afford to give them the ball AT ALL. Defense needs 3-4 sacks, 2 turnovers themselves & hold GB to less than 24 points all game. Eli gets 300+yds & 3TDs. AB gets us 80yds on the ground. That is how we win. Unfortunately, I’m not expecting much. Ive had high hopes the last few weeks and its ended badly. Maybe if I go in expecting dissapointment, I wont be. Here’s to hoping.

Nobody wins the Superblow in November.
Talk is Cheap! Play the Game!
You can't spell Elite without ELI.

by 1giantlion on Dec 4, 2011 11:30 AM EST reply actions  

JPP & Prince on D

a little AB, Ballard and a sleeping Giant (Barden) on O and we’re good to go

by Cruz Control on Dec 4, 2011 11:31 AM EST reply actions  

impossible to get a read on this team

Are they talented enough to take this game? No doubt at all. But it’s less about talent with this team, this season, than it is about commitment to winning. Too many players have shown zero will to compete at the level they’re capable of competing.
When the DC comes right out and accuses players of quitting, it’s nothing short of ugly.

I love my Giants, win or lose. I won’t ever not pull for them, but this team is testing that loyalty. I don’t want to see Emo Tuck. Don’t want to see Rolle and the secondary playing 10 yards off the Green bay receivers. What I want to see is aggression. I want to see them laying hits on the Green bay offense, even if they get a flag or two. I want to see them fight for their coach. That guy is a beauty and if we lose him he will be hard to replace. But if this team keeps on throwing in the towel there won’t be any choice but to let Coach go.

I’m gonna go with my gut and say the Giants pull off an upset today. I don’t think GB is as formidable as they’re being sold as. All it takes is a few good men getting a few good wallops on Rogers and anything can happen.

Go Giants!!

Bloozer

by blooz on Dec 4, 2011 11:34 AM EST reply actions  

damn!

can i get some fries with that shake

Nobody wins the Superblow in November.
Talk is Cheap! Play the Game!
You can't spell Elite without ELI.

by 1giantlion on Dec 4, 2011 11:41 AM EST up reply actions  

Fester McDougal,

I love you.

nygmen123: Again, without Vick or Maclin, or Cromartie. Injuries don't seem to bother them. They just bring in guys to make plays
nygmen123: Stopped the Pats on the first series. Planted Brady twice. Guess what gang? This team isn't quitting. Or making excuses.
Simms-McC: Yeah -- I wish the Giants were more like the Eagles
nygmen123: In intensity and fight? Right now, so do I.
EAGLES LOSE, 38-20.

by Simms-McConkey on Dec 4, 2011 11:55 AM EST up reply actions  

Thats not a full house

thats just ace high. & 1 big one dont beat 2 bare ones. Altho Fester loses points cause his cards are red suited.

Nobody wins the Superblow in November.
Talk is Cheap! Play the Game!
You can't spell Elite without ELI.

by 1giantlion on Dec 4, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions  

I know

there really is no comeback for his last performance, but I try, I try.

by TNYFBG on Dec 4, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Thats a brick sh!t house

not a full house

I got a GIF for that!

by Fester McDougal on Dec 4, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions  

I love to see all the positive energy here!

Makes me almost start doubting my gut feeling that the Packers at about a touchdown favorite is maybe the best bet I’ve ever seen in my life.

The big difference between the Giants vs. the Patriots in the Superbowl and this game is that the Giants were a terrific team that people didn’t believe in. I think the Packers compare favorably to that Patriots team, but I’m not seeing the comparison between this Giants team and that one. Did our offensive line get better this week when I wasn’t looking? Sigh.

I hope you guys are right.

by JTMacc on Dec 4, 2011 12:03 PM EST reply actions  

Nope - Lightning wont strike twice

Lets see:

1) We got torched by Drew Brees and co with absolutely no effort away, where we play well.

2) We are playing at home, where we do not play well.

3) Half our team is hurt

4) Our terrifying pass rush is worn down, worn out

5) We are lost in the secondary and we are playing the best QB, wideouts and team in football…

6) Bradshaw is playing, but a broken foot does not heal in a few weeks of rest.

7) Perry Fewell is in a fog and Tom Coughlin in oblivious.

Every team in the NFL has a chance. Our chance comes down to if JPP can knock Rodgers out of the game early enough before he hangs the 50 on us.

Otherwise – Pack 52 Giants 27 and the Pack follow thru with an undefeated season.

by dubsrub on Dec 4, 2011 12:06 PM EST reply actions  

Giants can do this if .....

Send waves of pass rushers at Rogers, and trust our CBs singled up. Stay away from turnovers on offense, and get TDs instread of FGs.

by mkasanoff on Dec 4, 2011 12:50 PM EST reply actions  

Adamantly disagree on the Uniforms

I do love the two SB championships won with the 80s uniforms, but the Giants ARE the classic NY of yore, Ya Tittle, Gifford, Sam Huff etc. Any throwbacks worn, should be the 50s early 60s uniforms, like I believe they did for a road game in 1994. Barring that, the classic NY that they currently wear, are the way to go.

by mkasanoff on Dec 4, 2011 12:52 PM EST reply actions  

agreed

i love the unis they wear now

by Giants_Cover_2 on Dec 4, 2011 12:57 PM EST up reply actions  

I was 22 rows above that picture.

They were playing Lenny Kravitz’ s “I want to get away”, which I changed to “I want to get Elway”…..

One of my top 10 days in the Swamp for sure.

Blue is the color of melancholy and honesty
Green is the color of inexperience, envy and nausea.

by roguetrader on Dec 4, 2011 2:29 PM EST reply actions  

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