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'Kudos' all around as Giants advance

New York Giants' cornerback R.W. McQuarters is surrounded by teammates after McQuarters' interception with 9 seconds left propelled the Giants into next weekend's NFC Championship Game. (Getty Images)

I have to dispense with the usual 'Kudos & Wet Willies' format this morning. As far as the New York Giants are concerned, there are only 'kudos' to be handed out today, as they revel in ousting Dallas and reaching the NFC Championship Game.

In Dallas, there are plenty of 'Wet Willies,' to be handed out -- and plenty of questions to be asked. We will leave all of that to those who write about the Cowboys, however.

Let's focus on Big Blue, and this amazing run they are on that has the Giants within a victory of their fourth Super Bowl appearance.

I'm still amazed that the Giants won the game, considering the situation. A depleted secondary, a pass rush that couldn't get to Tony Romo most of the game, the inability to contain Marion Barber. Yet, somehow they found a way.

Resilient, determined, workman-like and gutty are words that come to mind to describe this team, and that's a credit to Tom Coughlin. Quite often it isn't pretty, but the Giants keep working until they get the job done.

'Kudos' mostly to the Giants' defense. Torched for 45 and 31 points in two regular-season meetings with Dallas, and minus cornerbacks Sam Madison and Kevin Dockery there was little reason to believe the Giants could slow Dallas on Sunday.

Touchdown drives of 96 and 90 yards in the first half by Dallas seemed to indicate that the Giants had no answers for the Dallas offense, and the situation got worse when cornerback Aaron Ross went out with a shoulder injury.

Yet, somehow, when they needed it most the Giants were finally able to pressure Romo. All-out blitzes of six and seven guys, and some quality work late by Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora didn't give Dallas a chance to exploit the weakened pass defense.

Speaking of that secondary, 'kudos' to Corey Webster and R.W. McQuarters.

Webster gave up a touchdown pass to Terrell Owens, and dropped an interception, yet played a solid game. Asked to shadow Owens the entire game, the fourth cornerback on the Giants' depth chart did an admirable job.

McQuarters, of course, came up with the game-clinching interception for the second straight week. Also, it was his 25-yard punt return that set up the game-winning score.

'Kudos' also have to be extended to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. With a makeshift secondary Spagnuolo covered for it by selling out with the all-out pass rush that flustered Romo and allowed the Giants to hang on.

Offensively, the Giants also had plenty of heroes.

Let's start with Eli Manning. He had modest numbers (12-of 18, 163 yards, two touchdowns). There no turnovers, though, and the game-tying 71-yard drive in the final 47 seconds of the first half was a thing of beauty.

'Kudos' also to wide receivers Amani Toomer and Steve Smith. Toomer caught two touchdown poasses, including a 52-yard catch and run for the opening score. Smith, the rookie from USC, had his best game with 4 catches for 48 yards. His brilliant, leaping catch of a Manning pass set up the second Giants' touchdown.

I'm sure I've missed a few players worthy of 'kudos.' Let me know who else you think is deserving as we continue to celebrate moving on to the NFC Championship Game.

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Toomer
im not that old so i only have faint memories of the '86 team and i was still a kid during the '90 super bowl season, but i have to say toomer might be my favorite giant ever.  

he may not be the most-talented Giant ever or the best statistically, but the guy is a superstar.  he's a big-time player period.  

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Jan 14, 2008 7:28 AM EST   0 recs

you're right
He's really stepped up his game the last few weeks, ever since that awful game against Minny when he couldn't catch the ball. How many of us here thought he was pretty much done while watching that one? Now he looks like he could play for 5 more years.

Kudos definitely to Eli, that last-minute drive was incredible. But I'd have to give a small wet-willie to the O-line and Jacobs/Bradshaw for not being able to pick up a first down on the last 2 possessions, giving Dallas some life. They didn't score, but it would have been nice to ice the game without Romo being within striking distance of the end zone. If that happens against GB or God willing the Patriots, I guarantee Favre or Brady would have made the Giants pay.

by cjmulrain on Jan 14, 2008 7:43 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

1st down
I'd fault the conservative play calling on 2nd & 8 and 2nd & 7 when they still called running plays more than blaming the players. They should have just called a safe passing play, make sure of the 1st down (at least get 3rd & short), so that they could milk the clock.

by potroast on Jan 14, 2008 8:00 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Right, Pot
Not getting a first down either time made the game a nail biter.  Dallas was playing the run all six times.

by george cronin on Jan 14, 2008 10:12 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Next level for the running game
Is to get a first down when everyone know you want to run.  It's really tough, but that is what great running backs, and great o-lines do

by NYERinSF on Jan 14, 2008 11:42 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Hey, S Baker,
I'll be 75 on St. Patrick's day, so I go way back.  I saw my first Giants game the year of the first NY World's Fair at the Polo Grounds.  They're are two active players I would put on an all time Giants squad--Toomer and Strahan.

by george cronin on Jan 14, 2008 8:19 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Toomer
has been, and still is, a quiet force, unlike that Crayton sap-sucker. He is one of the best, most consistent Giants receivers I've seen in a long time.

by GAgiantfan on Jan 14, 2008 10:28 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Toomer
is one of the best, most consistent Giants receiver I've seen in a while. He quietly does it, too. Speaks for doing your 'jibber jabber' on the field, rather than doing it in press conferences.

by GAgiantfan on Jan 14, 2008 10:31 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

In a while?
Like since the 50's.

Seriously, I have been watching the Giants since the mid 60's and in that time there has not been another wide receiver who has been as solid and as consistent as Toomer

by NYERinSF on Jan 14, 2008 11:37 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Shoulda defined 'in a while'....
I've been a Giants fan since the early 70's....so yeh

by GAgiantfan on Jan 14, 2008 1:00 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Webster
I thought he played a great game outside the 2 things you mentioned. Maybe TO was still gimpy, but he stayed step for step with him all day. Very impressive. But for the love of god, Ross be ok!

by potroast on Jan 14, 2008 8:03 AM EST   0 recs

but that drop....
that had pick-six written all over it

by SBakerTheTouchdownMaker on Jan 14, 2008 9:02 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

LBs
I want to give the LBs & especially Mitchell a kudos. I was crapping on him because we was getting run over by Barber, but they made an adjustment & started tackling him much better. Part of it was the run blitzes, but it was also flat out desire to take him down. Mitchell also had a big sack on Romo when the 'Girls started on the 44 near the end.

by potroast on Jan 14, 2008 8:37 AM EST   0 recs

Coughlin
Sorry, I've gotta give some love to the coach, who I have been pretty hard on in the past. Players and coach have finally found the happy mediums in their relationships, and the results are showing on the field. The players genuinely want to win for him, they are a true team.

I gotta tell you, while I want to see them beat GB, it will not bother me if they lose. The Giants are now officially playing with house money, they have so exceeded the expectations I had for them (I saw them as a 6-10 team), and they knocked the god damn ever lovin Dallas Cowboys clean into next season. I really can't ask for any more than that

by jrs1940 on Jan 14, 2008 9:08 AM EST   0 recs

I agree totally
ETVal said this past week that he'd be happy with this season even if they lost this past week, but I would have been crushed if the jints lost to the 'girls anyway. Now I'll be happy with this season no matter what happens next week. I mean can anyone remember the Giants winning a huge game against Dallas? I can't. Dallas always seems to win those games.

by potroast on Jan 14, 2008 9:42 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

ETVal.....we need to put George to work
ETVal,

George mentions in an earlier post that he is approaching his 75th birthday. I think it would be great if once a week maybe George could put up a piece. Maybe a story from a game he went to, or a player he remembers, anything. I think it would be a lot of fun to hear stories from someone who was there

Jim

by jrs1940 on Jan 14, 2008 9:12 AM EST   0 recs

Maybe we will
during the off-season, which, thankfully is not here yet!

by ETVal on Jan 14, 2008 9:16 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

totally agree
spill it George!

by Mr Met on Jan 14, 2008 12:12 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Stories
I will.  I've got loads of them.  I might even tell the one about the most memorable single play I ever saw in football.  (Hint--sort of--it was a college game.  Bigger hint, Fordham was one of the teams.)  Also, I agree with Pot on Kawika and JRS on TC.  We have to re-sign Kawika.  It was remarkable how he came on in a new position.

by george cronin on Jan 14, 2008 10:19 AM EST   0 recs

George
We will set something up. Maybe a weekly spot throughout the off-season. Maybe you can even share it with a couple of the other old-time fans who are regulars here. That would be fun.

by ETVal on Jan 14, 2008 10:24 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yep, it would be.
django, right on re Reese.  The Giants are fortunate that his steady hand will be on the tiller for decades to come.

by george cronin on Jan 14, 2008 12:39 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

See?
I told my wife that sometimes I get good ideas.

Problem is, nobody asks me

by jrs1940 on Jan 14, 2008 1:53 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yeah, well
This is a safe place. But, I know what you mean. At home nobody wants to hear me, either. So, I come here. LOL!!!

by ETVal on Jan 14, 2008 2:48 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Funny thing is
I have been turning over ideas for how to take advantage of the knowledge of some of our older regulars, and I hadn't made up my mind yet. This will be a great way to do, I think.

by ETVal on Jan 14, 2008 2:50 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Yes, he did
He will someday replace Shockey, if he hasn't done that already. His blocking still needs to improve, but he is a play-making receiver.

by ETVal on Jan 14, 2008 10:42 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

How about some love for Jerry Reese?
I've been a fan since the Y.A. Tittle days, and I don't remember any time that all of the team's draft picks made the team, much less made the kinds of major contributions made by the Class of '07.  This may be the single biggest reason why this team has a bright future ahead of it, win or lose on Sunday.

by django48 on Jan 14, 2008 10:58 AM EST   0 recs

No doubt
I have been praising Reese's work for weeks now. One of the biggest differences this season has been depth. When guys have gotten hurt, there have been quality players to fill in and that is because of Reese.

by ETVal on Jan 14, 2008 11:09 AM EST to parent up   0 recs

As long as we're spreading the love
how about Spags seriously outcoaching Garrett?  One of the best coaching efforts by a DC I've ever witnessed.  Reminded me of Belly coming up with the plans that beat the Niners and Bills back in 1990.

by Mr Met on Jan 14, 2008 12:18 PM EST   0 recs

spags
Phenomenal job of keeping the pressure on. The D-Line and our blitzes are basically the only thing keeping our secondary in the game.  With two minutes left there's a huge instinct to drop back in coverage (cough Johnny Lynn), but I think we would have been slaughtered.  Kudos to Spags for keeping the pressure on.  

by queler on Jan 14, 2008 1:42 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Spags
Geez, but I hope he doesn't leave us for Atlanta.  What do you think it will take to keep him here?

by django48 on Jan 14, 2008 3:48 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Reese
I'm big fan, I always assumed that Reese did the bulk of evaluation under Accorsi, and suspected Accorsi had more of hand in the top picks.  If you look over the last years, it's been pretty poor on the first rounders (Dayne, among others) and real good in the late rounds (Jacobs, Wilson etc).  I like his style which seems to be sacrificing upside for more solid contributors.  I can't ever remember 7 picks all making the team and contributing.  

by queler on Jan 14, 2008 1:40 PM EST   0 recs

8 picks
Giants had 2 picks in the 7th queler, giving them 8. All 8 are contributing

by jrs1940 on Jan 14, 2008 1:52 PM EST   0 recs

right
I forgot about the o-lineman, Koets? I think

by queler on Jan 14, 2008 1:54 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

yup
Adam Koets

by jrs1940 on Jan 14, 2008 1:57 PM EST   0 recs

Cool
am definately looking forward to Georges' stories coming up. Giving a Kudo to Tom Coughlin too after all he's gone through ,to change the way you operate at his age for the good of the team, not to mention some of the perserverance in getting rid of some of the malcontents and staying true to his sommewhat unpopular regimented coaching style I give the old timer a hell of a lot of credit..........2 more games to go coach

by big blue wrecking crew on Jan 14, 2008 6:36 PM EST   0 recs

I'm
interested in hearing stories of the Polo Grounds, if anyone has been there.

Also, does anyone know if there is a way to get old taped games, polo grounds era? I would love to get one.

by All Day on Jan 14, 2008 10:59 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Been there many times, mostly for baseball.
I'll talk about Giants games and players I saw there when Ed starts up his periodic old guys' reminiscences after the season.  Not much to say about the stadium itself, except it had the shortest distance down the line to right field, which helped Mel Ott, a dead pull hitter, hit so many home runs.  He was a little guy but had a foot hitch, which gave him his power.  I saw him at the PG both as a player and  player/manager. When the Giants left for the west coast, I followed them until Willie Mays left.  I'm sort of a half-hearted Mets/Knicks/ Rangers fan now, but the only team I follow closely is Big Blue.

by george cronin on Jan 15, 2008 11:39 AM EST   0 recs

Oh, one other thing about the Polo Grounds.
The distance from home plate to left field was almost five hundred feet.  No one ever hit a home run into the stands back there.  In a World Series, Vic Wertz hit a ball to deep, deep center.  Willie got on his horse and ran it down, catching it over his shoulder like a football.  Sensational enough?  There's more: He wheeled and loosed a strike to home plate, cutting down the runner who had tagged up on third

by george cronin on Jan 15, 2008 11:50 AM EST   0 recs

Wow,
thats great. I've heard of that Willie catch, seen it on old clips. I've read about the history of the Polo Grounds on wikipedia, and other books. I've only seen pictures. Looking forward to your stories. Were you at any of the world series? Are you still a NY Giants baseball fan, or not anymore since they moved to SF.

by All Day on Jan 15, 2008 1:07 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

I was in the service when the Giants in '51 and
'54, so I never saw a WS game at the Polo Grounds. I cleaned up betting on them in '54.  I kept going double or nothing on bets with guys on the base, and the Giants won 4-0.  I stopped following them when Willie left them for the Mets (The last sad days of his career when I saw him--in my opinion the greatest baseball player of all time-- throw a ball from center field that reached second base on two bounces.)  Some guys just don't know when to hang up their jocks

by george cronin on Jan 15, 2008 2:12 PM EST   0 recs

Memories
If you've got some 'Packers-Giants' memories you would like to share shoot me an e-mail. Maybe we can squeeze in the first installment of 'Cronin's Corner' this week.

by ETVal on Jan 15, 2008 3:13 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Not much, re the Jints and the Pack,
except how I wished Jim Lee Howell would have retired a year sooner so that Big Blue could have promoted Lombardi to Head Coach.  Also, the "greatest player who never was" (Joe Don Looney) was a first rnd Giants pick, probably ballyhooed more than Eli, who had a cup of coffee with Green Bay.  One of the most colorful characters to play the game.

by george cronin on Jan 15, 2008 5:03 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

Willie's my all-time favorite player too
and I was just a kid in '73 when Willie was with the Mets.  I actually really enjoyed the opportunity to see him in person, even if he was on his last legs.   It was way better than seeing Mickey Lolich - that's for sure!  Willie did get a key hit on a swinging bunt but I can't remember the other circumstances surrounding it - it might have been in the WS that year.

by Mr Met on Jan 15, 2008 3:37 PM EST to parent up   0 recs

If he hadn't played in that stadium where the
Giants played in Frisco, he would have broken Ruth's record, not Aaron, who couldn't have done in any park but the Launching Pad in Atlanta.  Those were great times for NYC baseball when Willie, Duke and Mickey, the three best center fielders in the game, played there.

by george cronin on Jan 15, 2008 6:12 PM EST   0 recs

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