Die Hard Sports Fan

Since Plaxico Burress accidentally shot himself, I have not offered my thoughts on the situation. At first, I saw that he shot himself without knowing anything else and started laughing. Then all of the rumors began to leak, and I was disturbed because they were in a public place. If you have followed Die Hard Giants Fan then you already know how much I dislike Burress which is why I did not write anything about it until his fate for the 2008 season was determined. This 2008 season appears to be a really special season for the Giants. I have been waiting forever to see the Giants dominate a season like this so I did not want to even acknowledge this issue. I wish this happened during a season where they were 8-8. I just want to take it all in without this knucklehead messing everything up.

Burress was placed on the Non-Football Injury List and was suspended for 4 games for conduct detrimental to the team. So now we got our version of Keyshawn Johnson and T.O. It is pathetic. I am a lifelong Giants fan, and I am happy with how the Giants handled the situation. The Giants are the classiest organization in the NFL which is why I knew that they would handle the situation properly. I’m sure that Jerry Jones will call Burress if Burress is ever allowed to play football again.

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This is your Post-Week 13 Power Rankings from a Giants fans’ perspective of course. Big Blue was ranked No. 1 by both ESPN and CBSSportsline last week so all they can do is hold onto that spot. Let’s find out…

After Week 12, ESPN had the Jints in the No. 1 spot. After Week 13, ESPN has the Giants in the No. 1 spot in their Power Rankings. The Giants have been in the No. 1 spot for two straight weeks. The Titans, the Steelers, the Buccaneers, and the Panthers round out their Top 5 this week. The Cowboys moved up from No. 9 to No. 8 after feasting on the Seahawks on Turkey Day. The Redskins fell from No. 12 to No. 13 after losing to the Giants. The Eagles rose from No. 21 to No. 17 after whooping the Cardinals. So the Giants are the only NFC East team in their Top 5, and the Cowboys are the only other NFC East team to make their Top 10.

After Week 12, CBSSportsline had the G-MEN in the No. 1 spot. After Week 13, CBSSportsline has the Giants in the No. 1 spot in their Power Rankings for the second week in a row. The Titans, the Buccaneers, the Steelers, and the Cowboys round out their Top 5. The Redskins fell from No. 11 to No. 12. The Eagles moved up from No. 22 to No. 17. The Giants and the Cowboys are the only NFC East teams in their Top 5, but the other two NFC East teams are not in their Top 10.

3 out of 4 NFC Beast teams won in Week 13. The Giants are 11-1 with a 4-0 division record. Big Blue has 4 tough opponents left. The Giants will host the Eagles this Sunday. After Philadelphia, they will face the Cowboys, the Panthers, and the Vikings. As of right now, the Giants need to get to a minimum of 12 wins including 5 division wins to clinch the division. The Cowboys are 8-4 and the Redskins are 7-5. The Cowboys can still get to 12-4 if they win all of their games with a 4-2 division record. So the Giants can lock up the division by winning one out of their next two division games regardless of what anyone else does. Or they can win the division by winning any two games out of the final four games. Our boys in blue are ranked better than 31 teams so what else could I ask for?

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The Giants went down to D.C. and swept the season series with the Redskins handily. The ‘Skins constantly have said that they are not the same football team as they were in Week 1 which was true because the G-MEN scored more points than they did last time while allowing fewer points than last time. Are the Redskins worse than they were in Week 1? It sure looked that way. This victory along with a Titans victory keeps these two teams in a tie for the best record in the NFL, 11-1, with four games to go. Who team will finish the ‘08 season with a better record? We’ll find out.

Offense

The Giants offense consisted of a whole lot of passing yesterday because the Redskins completely committed to stopping the run. Eli Manning had a great game as he went 21/34 which is a 61.76% completion percentage and threw for 305 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT. That’s right, Eli threw for over 300 yards. The Giants were able to move the ball between the 20’s with ease all day long but got stopped from reaching the end zone a few times too many. When Manning threw the interception, it was a good pass to Hixon who did not turn around in time so DeAngelo Hall ended up taking the ball away. Eli’s only Touch Down pass was a 40-yard pass to Amani Toomer on the Giants’ opening drive which quickly took all of the emotion out of the stadium. Manning evenly distributed the ball to Toomer, Derrick Ward, and Domenik Hixon who replaced Burress because he was injured. Each of those 3 wide outs had 5 Receptions, and Toomer led with 85 Receiving Yards. Earth, Wind, and Fire were not able to show themselves off as a trio to the Redskins defense because Bradshaw was inactive. Brandon Jacobs led the ground game with 21 touches for 71 yards and 1 Rushing TD. The running game only amassed 116 yards on 36 carries. It was the second week in a row where they were somewhat contained. The Giants’ offense put up 14 of the 23 points.

Defense

The Giants defense was outstanding because they only gave up 1 TD to the new and improved Redskins on a gadget play. What happened to the new west coast offense implemented by Jim Zorn? The defense came out and shut down the leading rusher in the NFL, Clinton Portis, to 22 yards on 11 carries. That’s 2 yards per carry with a long of 5 yards. They also pressured Jason Campbell throughout the game and the defensive backs were extremely physical with the Redskins’ receivers. Justin Tuck led with 2 sacks, and Barry Cofield and Renaldo Wynn each got a sack. Michael Johnson led the team with 7 Tackles. Aaron Ross had the only interception of the game, but Madison had one which was not upheld due to a bad illegal hands to the face penalty. Terrell Thomas and Cofield each had a Forced Fumble, but the Redskins recovered both of them. The Giants’ defense put up 0 of the 23 points.

Special Teams

John Carney returned and was 3/3 (perfect again) in Field Goal Attempts. Nothing else really stood out on special teams yesterday. The Giants’ special teams put up 9 of the 23 points.

Heading into this weekend, I felt like the Giants, the Cowboys, and the Eagles would win because there were not facing any challenging opponents. The Redskins were the only team that took a step back this weekend, but they have an easier schedule than Dallas does down the stretch and could pass them in the final quarter of the season. The Giants won their eleventh game which makes them 11-1. How will Big Blue fair in the next 4 games? They have the toughest schedule remaining of any team in the NFL. I predicted them to be 10-2 after the first 12 games, and they are 11-1. I got 3 games wrong so far because I had the Giants beating the Browns but losing to the Steelers, and then I had the Giants and the Eagles splitting the season series with each of them winning at home. I predicted the Giants to be 2-2 down the stretch giving them a 12-4 record. The Eagles will make the trip up the Turnpike looking to get swept by the Giants on Sunday.

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ESPN Legal Analyst Roger Cossack speaks on the legal implications for Plaxico Burress.

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Giants QB Eli Manning talks to ESPN following a 23-7 win over the Redskins.

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The Giants scored 13 points before the Redskins who claim they are not the same team as they were in Week 1 got on the board, but it was the Giants put up 10 more unanswered points and came out victorious in our nation’s capital giving Big Blue their eleventh win of the 2008 Regular Season.

1st Quarter

The Giants scored on their opening drive as Manning kept hooking up with Hixon on third and long to keep the chains moving, and Eli Manning capped off the drive with a with 40-yard Touch Down pass to Amani Toomer along the right sideline giving the Giants a 7-0 lead with 9:56 remaining.

Manning kept on finding receivers in the middle of the field to keep their second drive alive, but Anthony Montgomery sacked Eli Manning for a loss of 5 yards on 3rd and Goal from the Redskins’ 7 yardline with 2:35 remaining so the Giants had to settle for a 31-yard Field Goal Attempt made by John Carney with 2:11 remaining giving the Giants a 10-0 lead.

2nd Quarter

The biggest play of the Giants third possession was when Manning threw a short pass to Ward who broke one for a 48-yard catch and run along the right sideline, but the Redskins stopped the Giants from getting into the end zone so they had to settle for a 38-yard Field Goal Attempt which was made by John Carney with 12:01 remaining giving the Giants a 13-0 lead.

The Redskins fourth possession began at the 43 yardline. On 2nd and 5, Barry Cofield and Danny Clark sacked Jason Campbell for a loss of 8 with 11:17 remaining which the Redskins were able to overcome, and the Redskins scored their first score on a gadget play where Devin Thomas followed Moss on a reverse 29 yards into the end zone for a Touch Down with 8:31 remaining making the score 13-7.

The Giants moved from their 20 yardline to the Redskins 34 yardline when Eli Manning threw an interception to DeAngelo Hall, on a pass intended for Hixon, who returned it 5 yards to the 29 yardline with 4:10 remaining.

Campbell marched the Redskins to the Giants’ 30 yardline where they got stopped and attempted a 42-yard Field Goal Attempt by Suisham which went wide right with 0:04 remaining.

3rd Quarter

The Giants took advantage of great field position as they began their drive at the Redskins’ 48 yardline, and then Jacobs finally found a hole up the middle for a gain of 23 yards. On 2nd and Goal from the 1 yardline, Brandon Jacobs ran upright into the end zone for a 1-yard Touch Down run giving the Giants a 20-7 lead with 8:33 remaining.

The Redskins were marched their way down to the Giants’ 43 yardline where Jason Campbell aired out an interception to Aaron Ross at the 3 yardline without a return with 5:53 remaining.

On 1st and 10, Andre Carter sacked Eli Manning for a 2-yard loss with 3:19 remaining on a drive which ultimately led to a punt.

4th Quarter

The Giants began at the Redskins’ 39 yardline due to a failed fourth down conversion, but the Giants could not get into the end zone again so they tried a 39-yard Field Goal Attempt which was made by John Carney with 6:26 remaining giving the Giants a 23-7.

On 1st and 10, Renaldo Wynn sacked Jason Campbell for a loss of 3 yards with 4:13 remaining on a drive where the Redskins ultimately turned it over on downs at the Giants’ 35 yardline with 3:25 remaining.

On 1st and 10, Jason Campbell was sacked by Justin Tuck for an 11 yard loss during their final possession with 1:32 remaining, but the clock was against them.

Wrap Up

Eli Manning went 21/34 and threw for 305 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT.

Brandon Jacobs led in Rushing Attempts and in Rushing Yards with 22 and 71 respectively.

Amani Toomer, Derrick Ward, and Domenik Hixon led in Receptions with 5, and Amani Toomer led in Receiving Yards with 85.

Brandon Jacobs had 1 Rushing TD, and Amani Toomer had 1 Receiving TD.

John Carney went 3/3 in Field Goal Attempts.

Michael Johnson led the team in Tackles with 7.

Justin Tuck had 2 Sacks, and Barry Cofield and Renaldo Wynn each had 1 Sack.

Aaron Ross had 1 INT.

Terrell Thomas and Barry Cofield each had 1 Forced Fumble.

The NFL.com Game Center: Post Game is attached.

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The New York Giants will face the Washington Redskins at the FedEx Field.

TV Info:

Game: New York Giants (10-1) @ Washington Redskins (7-4)
TV: FOX (Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa)
Radio: WFAN (Bob Papa, Carl Banks, Howard Cross)
Time: November 29, 2008; 1:00 p.m. ET

Game Notes:

• The Giants will face the Redskins for the second time this season, and this time on the road.
• The Giants lead the regular season series with the Redskins, 86-61-4.
• The Giants command a three-game lead over the Redskins.
• The Giants are coming into this game on a six-game win streak.
• Last week, New York defeated Arizona 37-29 to improve to 10-1.
• Last week, Washington beat Seattle 20-17 to improve to 7-4.
• The Giants’ total offense is ranked fifth in the NFL averaging 367.8 yards per game. The Giants are first in rushing (164.9), nineteenth in passing (202.9), and second in scoring (29.9).
• The Redskins’ total offense is ranked fourteenth in the NFL averaging 340.8 yards per game. The Redskins are third in rushing (143.7), twenty-first in passing (197.1), and twenty-eighth in scoring (18.3).
• The Giants’ total defense is ranked fifth in the NFL allowing 275.4 yards per game. The Giants are sixth against the run (84.8), seventh against the pass (190.5), and fifth in points allowed (18.1).
• The Redskins’ total defense is ranked third in the NFL allowing 272.0 yards per game. The Redskins are seventh against the run (89.3), fourth against the pass (182.7), and fifth in points allowed (18.1).
• Last week, Domenik Hixon got the game ball for racking up 269 all-purpose yards, including 201 return yards, which gave the Giants excellent field position throughout the game. His 68-yard kickoff return just before halftime set up New York’s go-ahead touchdown.
• Last week, Clinton Portis got the game ball for playing in spite of a sprained knee and wore down Seattle’s defense. He gained several crucial first downs in the final minutes to help run out the clock. He was also durable, carrying the ball 29 times for 143 yards.
• The Line: The Giants are favored by 3.5. Over/Under is 41.5.

Injury Report:

Giants - Out of Game: WR Plaxico Burress (Hamstring), LB Jonathan Goff (Hamstring). Questionable: RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Neck), RB Brandon Jacobs (Knee), DT Fred Robbins (Shoulder). Probable: WR Domenik Hixon (Ankle), DE Jerome McDougle (Knee), DE Justin Tuck (Lower Leg).

Redskins - Out of Game: LB Marcus Washington (Ankle). Questionable: DE Andre Carter (Foot), LB London Fletcher (Foot), DT Kedric Golston (Ankle), DT Cornelius Griffin (Shoulder), RB Clinton Portis (Knee/Oblique), T Chris Samuels (Knee). Probable: G Pete Kendell (Knee), DT Anthony Montgmery (Achilles).

Quote of the week:

“We have changed a couple things just because they have too. Our play calling and the way we approach this football game is just based on what we saw out of them the last couple of weeks. They are an improved bunch from what we faced in week one so we are going to try to change things up and try to catch them off-guard with some things. I am sure they have some tricks up their sleeve, too, so it is another chess match.” - DE Justin Tuck on the defensive changes from their Week 1 matchup against the Redskins

Open Thread:

Please feel free to comment below or in the tag board in the sidebar to chat with Giants fans from around the world.

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Sadly, today is the one-year anniversary of the death of No. 21. The Washington Redskins will be hosting a tribute to the late Sean Taylor, where he will be inducted into the Redskins’ Ring of Fame, prior to the game against the New York Football Giants on Sunday. Taylor will be the 43rd member inducted into the Ring of Fame. The pre-game ceremony will begin at 12:30 p.m., and it will broadcast live on Redskins.com if you would like to watch it. The ceremony will feature a tribute and messages from former teammates, as well as comments from Taylor’s family and the presentation of commemorative plaques to members of Taylor’s family after his memorial is added to the stadium wall.

Redskins Owner Daniel Snyder said,”It’s appropriate that Sean joins our Ring of Fame after a stellar career cut short far too soon. His life touched so many of us in such deep and lasting ways. His presence is all around us, in our organization and among our fans.”

I know that the Redskins are the enemy, but travesties like this should never happen to anyone. Taylor was an innocent man who was shot in his own home. After Sean’s death in 2007, the ‘Skins rallied around each other and went on a great run before losing to the Seahawks up in Seattle during Wild Card Weekend. The Giants may face an inspired Redskins team on Sunday. Back in 2005, I remember it being the Giants who were inspired as they shut out the Redskins 36-0 after the passing of the late Wellington Mara. We are all aware of how emotion can play into football games so Big Blue will need to overcome this challenge on Sunday.

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This is your Post-Week 12 Power Rankings from a Giants fans’ perspective of course. Big Blue was ranked No. 2 by both ESPN and CBSSportsline last week, but I expect them to move up to the top now that the Titans finally lost a game. Let’s find out…

After Week 11, ESPN had the Jints in the No. 2 spot behind the Titans. After Week 12, ESPN has the Giants in the No. 1 for the first time this season in their Power Rankings. The Giants have been in the No. 2 spot for five straight weeks, but now they wear the crown since the Giants and the Titans have the same record. The Titans, the Jets, the Steelers, and the Buccaneers round out their Top 5 this week. The Cowboys moved up from No. 11 to No. 9 after crushing the 49ers. The Redskins fell from No. 9 to No. 12 after beating the Seahawks. The Eagles fell from No. 17 down to No. 21 after losing to the Ravens. So the Giants are the only NFC East team in their Top 5, and the Cowboys are the only other NFC East team to make their Top 10.

After Week 11, CBSSportsline had the G-MEN in the No. 2 spot behind the Titans. After Week 12, CBSSportsline has the Giants in the No. 1 spot in their Power Rankings for the first time this season also. The Jets, the Titans, the Buccaneers, and the Cowboys round out their Top 5. The Redskins climbed up from No. 14 to No. 11. The Eagles fell from No. 17 to No. 22. The Giants and the Cowboys are the only NFC East teams in their Top 5, but the other two NFC East teams are not in their Top 10.

3 out of 4 NFC Beast teams won in Week 12. The Giants are 10-1 with a 3-0 division record. Big Blue has 5 tough opponents left. The Giants will make the trip D.C. next to take on the Redskins. After Washington, they will face the Eagles, the Cowboys, the Panthers, and the Vikings. That stretch of 3 consecutive division games will be fascinating to watch. As of right now, the Giants need to get to a minimum of 12 wins including 5 division wins to clinch the division. The Cowboys and the Redskins are both 7-4, they beat each other head-to-head, and they both have a 2-2 division record so they are dead even with five games remaining. Obviously, if one of those teams win every game then they will have a 12-4 record with a 4-2 division record. So the Giants can lock up the division by winning two out of their next three division games regardless of what anyone else does. The Redskins do have a 1 game lead over the Cowboys in the conference which may matter when it’s all said and done. Alternatively, the Giants can win the division by winning 13 games regardless of their division record. I’m thrilled that the Giants finally ended up in the #1 spot because they deserve it. I knew all along that the Giants have been the best team in the NFL, but I was not complaining because I know these guys who make the Power Rankings do it by record. It’s not that complicated. Our boys in blue are ranked better than 31 teams so what else could I ask for?

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The Giants flew out to Glendale, AZ where they won Super Bowl XLII and outscored the high octane Cardinals offense. I must admit that I was nervous for a few days prior to kick off. The first reason was because the G-MEN are due for a loss, and the second reason was because they have not had to defend a high-flying offense like this maybe since the Super Bowl. This victory along with a Titans loss now puts the Giants and the Titans in a tie for the best record in the NFL, 10-1, with five games to go. Who team will finish the ‘08 season with a better record? We’ll see, but I do know that Big Blue will move up to the #1 spot on all of the Power Rankings.

Offense

The Giants offense consisted of a whole lot of passing yesterday. Eli Manning had a great game as he went 26/33 which is a 78.79% completion percentage and threw for 240 yards, 3 TDs, and 0 INTs. This is the first time he threw for over 200 yards since the Seattle game. Every time the Cardinals scored, Eli marched the team right down the field for a score never giving the Cardinals the opportunity to take the lead. Manning spread the love by throwing his 3 TD passes to 3 different receivers which included Amani Toomer, Madison Hedgecock, and Kevin Boss. Domenik Hixon replaced Burress after the first series and led the team in Receptions and Receiving Yards with 6 and 57 respectively. Earth, Wind, and Fire were not able to show themselves off as a trio to the Cardinals defense because Jacobs was inactive. Ward and Bradshaw were not as successful without the big man. Derrick Ward led the ground game with 20 touches for 69 yards and 1 Rushing TD. The running game only amassed to 87 yards on 27 carries. The Giants’ offense put up 28 of the 37 points.

Defense

The Giants defense was solid even though they gave up 29 points. The defense came out and pressured Kurt Warner throughout the game and the defensive backs were extremely physical with the Cardinals’ receivers. Justin Tuck got the only sack of the game as well as a forced fumble. Rookie Kenny Phillips had his best game yet with 7 Tackles. It seemed like Phillips was involved in every play, and his best play of the game was when he punched the ball out of Larry Fitzgerald’s hands in the end zone for what would’ve been a TD. Ross was also playing very physical, but too physical for the Refs because they kept throwing flags out on the field. The other rookie, Terrell Thomas, got a pick. The Giants have been allowing an average of 17 points per game so they were fortunate that they got the win after allowing 29 points. The Giants’ defense put up 0 of the 37 points.

Special Teams

John Carney returned and was 3/3 (perfect again) in Field Goal Attempts. I already mentioned how Hixon filled in really well for the injured Plaxico, but he was even better on special teams. Domenik Hixon had 201 return yards which constantly gave the Giants’ offense great field position which they took advantage of. Most of Hixon’s return yardage came on a 83-yard return and a 66-yard return. Hixon left the game with 269 total yards so props to him. The Giants’ special teams put up 9 of the 37 points.

Heading into this weekend, I felt like all four NFC East teams were going to win because there were not any head-to-head games or really challenging opponents. The three teams with the better records won while the Eagles with the worst record lost. I was hoping that either the Redskins or Cowboys would’ve lost rather than the Eagles. The Giants won their tenth game which makes them 10-1. How will Big Blue fair in the next 5 games? They have the toughest schedule remaining of any team in the NFL. I predicted them to be 9-2 after the first 11 games, and they are 10-1. I got 3 games wrong so far because I had the Giants beating the Browns but losing to the Steelers, and then I had the Giants and the Eagles splitting the season series with each of them winning at home. I predicted the Giants to be 3-2 down the stretch giving them a 12-4 record. The Giants will make a trip to the nation’s capitol to take on the Redskins on Sunday.

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