Regardless of the outcome of this game, the Giants season ended in horrible fashion. Since the NFL moved to the 12-team playoff format in 1990, only six teams with 10 or more wins have missed the playoffs, the most recent being the 11-5 New England Patriots in 2008. The Giants and Bucs share that unfortunate feeling tonight. Today's game against a rejuvenated Redskins team summed up the season pretty well - the running game was non-existent, Eli Manning threw an interception on a tipped ball, the offensive line shuffled around after Seubert was carted off the field, the offense didn't capitalize on turnovers, the offense sputtered late when it could have churned out clock, the defense gave up a big play, and special teams were a disaster.
Although they must be unhappy with the Chicago Bears offensive line and Jay Cutler today (21 for 39, 2 INTs, 6 sacks), the Giants have no one to blame but themselves. They had two opportunities to get into the postseason and failed. They certainly did not deserve that 6th playoff spot after what they gave away to Philadelphia and Green Bay. The 2010 Giants will forever be remembered for their Meltdown in the New Meadowlands (or insert other cliched catch phrase) - surrendering 28 points in the final 8 minutes in a game that would have all but clinched the NFC East. That catastrophic loss carried ahead to Green Bay where they were sluggish and sloppy. It's amazing how quickly a season can change in the NFL - this season was 8 minutes from promise, but ended in epic failure. That loss will be unforgettable for every coach, player, and fan in blue, so it will be interesting to see if it carries over into next year.
Statistically the Giants had some impressive marks - 3rd in offense, 6th in defense. The Giants led the league in takeaways (16 INTs, 22 fumbles), but gave the ball away 42 times, the most in the NFL. The Giants are the San Diego Chargers of the NFC - big stats but nothing to show for it. After a sluggish 1-2 start, the Giants rallied off 5 straight victories. During that winning streak they looked like an offensive power with Hakeem Nicks and Eli Manning connecting for big play after big play. The defense was dominant and knocked out 5 quarterbacks. They put together two complete performances in dominating Houston on the road in Week 5 and destroying the lowly Seahawks away Week 9. Although they were 6-2, lots of sports writers questioned the integrity of this team with its tendency to give away the football. Also, the Giants have a recent history of limping to the finish. For example, the 2008 Giants started 11-1 and finished 1-4 (including the playoffs). The 2009 Giants started 5-0 and finished 3-8. Today the merits of those doubts were proven as the Giants finished the second half 4-4. Of course injuries can kill a team's momentum (i.e. Steve Smith/Hakeem Nicks in 2010, Kenny Phillips in 2009, Plex in 2008), but this trend is disturbing and Coach Coughlin has to correct it.
Looking back on every loss, each one was very demoralizing. All 6 losses came in pairs, so the team showed a lack of resiliency. The Giants always found ways to beat themselves and really only were outplayed in Week 2 at Indy.
-Week 3 versus Tennessee - 5 personal fouls, 3 turnovers.
-Week 10 versus Dallas - 8 penalties, 3 turnovers including a 101 yard pick 6.
-Week 11 at Philadelphia - 5 turnovers, the Pierre-Paul offsides that set up the 50-yd go-ahead touchdown by LeSean McCoy.
-Week 15 versus Philadelphia - see Manningham fumble in 3rd quarter, Celek 65-yd touchdown, onsides kick, Tuck offsides, Diehl false start, and The Punt.
-Week 16 at Green Bay - see Week 15, 6 turnovers, and the Terrell Thomas personal foul before halftime right after the game was tied at 14-14.
One of the season's key moments occurred right before the Week 10 home game against Dallas - disaster struck when Steve Smith tore his pectoral muscle in Thursday's practice. That injury took away Eli Manning's most reliable receiver. Smith is a great route runner and invaluable in 3rd down situations. Smith was sidelined with the torn pectoral muscle until the Giants’ 21-3 win over the Vikings on Dec. 13, when he returned but sustained a season-ending injury to the articular cartilage in his left knee in the fourth quarter. Success on 3rd down is critical for extending drives, wearing down defenses, and running out the clock (see Week 15). Losing Smith contributed significantly to the Giants collapse.
As disappointed as I feel tonight, there is a lot to feel good about looking forward (as opposed to the 2011+ Mets). First, the Giants have a QB. There are 14 or 15 teams that have uncertainty at this position, so the Giants should feel lucky to have the durable Eli Manning under center. The receiving core, when healthy, is as good as any group in the NFL. Injuries at receiver certainly disrupted the consistency of the offense in 2010, so a healed up group will be crucial for success in 2011. The offensive line did a terrific job battling through injuries. Kareem McKenzie and Chris Snee hung in there on the right side, but there were lots of different bodies at the 3 other spots. Whichever group played did a terrific job at pass protection, but run blocking was inconsistent. Shaun O'Hara likely needs offseason surgery on his foot/achilles and Rich Seubert dislocated his knee cap in Week 17. The entire group is aging and showing a lack of durability, so look for the Giants to draft some linemen for the future. On defense, coordinator Perry Fewell had a terrific season. The Giants had a dominant pass rush, stopped the run, limited big plays, and led the league in turnovers. Antrel Rolle, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Deon Grant were terrific acquisitions by Jerry Reese. Osi Umenyiora had a great season after being benched most of 2009 (11.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles - tying the NFL record). Justin Tuck was also dominant and was a leading tackler. Looking ahead, I love this group although we could use improvement at linebacker. I imagine Mathias Kiwanuka is done as a Giant, and we'll see if Barry Cofield is re-signed. Special teams were a disaster all season - and helped cost them a spot in the playoffs. Tynes kicked pretty well, but all other units were unacceptable. On the bright side, it will be nice to get Domenik Hixon back for kickoff and punt returns.
So farewell 2010 New York Giants. Thanks for the awful memories. I just hope the Miracle at the New Meadowlands doesn't carry over into next season (i.e. 2007 and 2008 Mets). This team needs to learn how to protect the football, close out games, play 4 quarters, and bounce back from adversity. This team came up short on all fronts, so they are not worthy of a championship. Looking forward, they have promise and I am confident Tom Coughlin will get them back to the postseason tournament. Speaking of Coughlin, owner John Mara already announced that Coughlin will return next season. I imagine they will give him a one or two year extension. Sorry, Bill Cowher.
