During the course of the regular NFL season, you see alot of games. Good ones, bad ones, close ones and blow-outs. Tonight's game had the post season feeling in both hype and intensity on the field. These types of games come down to just a few plays really making the difference in the outcome. Tonight's game was no different. Yes, the Pats set the single season total points record, Brady and Moss both set personal scoring totals as well. But let's review where I think the game changed.
Mid-way through the 3rd quarter, the Giants have the lead but the Pats are driving. The Giants have been putting LB Wilkinson on Moss for coverage and it worked for a few plays but at this crucial point in the 3rd when Brady throws to Moss in the corner of the endzone, Wilkinson commits pass interference in the endzone. One play later, Maroney scores on a draw play and you had that feeling "Big MO" was getting ready to change.
After the kickoff, on 1st and 10, Eli Manning sets up a perfect screen pass on the left side to Brandon Jacobs who drops the pass. (Can you hear that knocking? The wolf is getting closer) The dropped pass leads to a 3 and out series.
The start of the 4th sees each team trade possessions. At the 12 minute mark in the 4th, the Giants gain 4 yards in 3 plays and then punt back to the Pats. You can just sense it's coming. Death and taxes are inevitable but at least they are a little more subtle. At this point in the game with the perfect season on the line, Tom Brady would have fought a circle saw and most likely won.
11:19, Brady under throws a wide open Moss for the potential to set personal records.
EH, no bother, next play at 11:09 same play, 65 yard TD. Pats score. 2 point conversion good. (was there a question it wouldn't be?)
Giants get the ball back, at 9:53 to go, Eli throws a pick. I know I've been hard on Eli this year and he played a good game tonight, but this is a problem he has to overcome. Critical turnovers at crucial times.
The Pats do a brilliant job of play calling and grind down the clock before Maroney scores his second of the night at 4:35 to go in the game. Is it me, or did Wes Welker have about 32 catches in this game? The Pats had a coup last offseason in getting Moss for a 4th round pick and landing Wes from the Miami Mullets. Do you think he's happy to be out of South Florida this football season?
The G-Men get ball back with over 4 minutes to go in the game, start moving the football, but the play calling and clock management resembled more of a preseason game than a week 17 game.
For the Giants, this game was a microcasm of the regular season. They played great in the first half, but fell apart in the second. Tom Caulghlin is on the hotseat once again this year, and hopefully they will have an early exit from the playoffs next weekend vs the Bucs. The Patriots now get their place in history albeit it remains to be seen just where that will be in this season as the post season unfolds. Hmmm, the only team to beat the Patriots this season? The Bucs. (Yes, I know it was preseason but it was still a win!)
Just a few picks for Sunday's games tommorrow.
Buzzards over the Bisons 31-21 Is this McNabb's final game in Kelly green?
Cincy over the Mullets- No, the Mullets will not be inspired with Parcells on the sidelines and Marvin Lewis has said it might be time for a major overhaul in Cincy. You think? Are there some starters which haven't been arrested yet? Cincy 34-10
J-Ville over Houston Jack Del Rio wont rest any starters and risk fooling with the chemistry happening with this team right now. Jax wins 30-13
Chicago beats New Orleans and eliminates them from post season play.
Minnesota loses a close game to Denver and Washington edges Dallas to earn the 6th seed into the playoffs. Pittsburg and San Diego both win outright. Tennessee wins a close one against Indy to edge Cleveland out of the playoffs.
Time to start analyzing the playoffs. Happy New Year. Congrats again to the Pats, thats one hell of a feat.
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