The Giants were facing long odds in the NFC playoff picture already, so it goes without saying that every game remaining is crucial. Unfortunately for the Big Blue, the same problems that contributed to their season-opening six-game losing streak returned today in a 24-21 loss to Dallas. It drops the Giants to 4-7 on the season and likely ends goes any shot of January football and displayed the emblematic shortcomings that basically state that it’s just not their year.
Nicks Late Scratch is Costing Him Big Money: The Giants could, maybe should, have won this game fairly comfortably and the questions surrounding the sudden decision to sit the Giants supposed number one receiver will be a topic of debate and consternation going forward. This is the kind of game that the Giants needed him in. Much in the same way that the Cowboys used Miles Austin as a decoy for much of the game (he came up with a crucial catch late), the Giants could’ve used him being there. This must be a whopper of an injury.
“Green Zone” Troubles Were Too Much: The Giants had a chance to wrest control early, but settling for field goals from inside the ten yard line played as much as a part in deciding the contest as Victor Cruz’ inexcusable strip-fumble that lead to the Cowboys first score. With the Giants running game humming for 202 combined yards for Andre Brown and Brandon Jacobs, it seems almost impossible that the Giants would lose. But the inability to get touchdowns early had the Giants fighting uphill until a furious fourth quarter rallied the Giants to a tie. But…
Defense Played Well But Couldn’t Get the Stop Late: At the moment of truth, the Tony Romo – Dez Bryant connection did most of the heavy lifting on a drive where the Giants couldn’t get off the field twice on third down. As the old saying goes, “you can’t leave too much time on the clock” for a guy like Romo. Taking the overabundance of bad Giant (no pun intended) penalties throughout the game, the Cowboys made the mistakes hurt.
Up Next: The Giants will try to regroup as they face the Redskins for the first time on the season next Sunday night. The Giants have no margin for error anymore. They have to finish the season strong.
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