A GIANT Embarrassment, But...

    After the major hiatus in blog writing, I've decided to make my presence felt once again, and what a time to do so. Yesterday, if you were busy on Mars and missed the game, the Giants managed to unfathomably blow a 21 point cake walk in the 4th quarter. Before we complain, let's start from the beginning.
    Before the game even went underway, a heck of a Star-Spangled Banner rendition was played via trumpet. Just by looking at the NY players on the screen, you knew they were ready. After a 3 and out on their first drive, the New York Giants played very strong just flat out making plays. From an interception by Corey Webster, fumble recoveries by Kenny Phillips, some serious pressure on Michael Vick, all the way to Mario Manningham letting the Philadelphia Eagles know he's a high calibur receiver, the Giants had it rolling. They seemed to benefit from every borderline call, they beneifted through take-aways, and they had their home crowd pouring their hearts into the game every down making it extremely difficult for the Philly attack to get moving. Everytime Philly had a chance to creep back in the game, they would seem to blow it for themselves, but that would only set the table for later.
    The Giants ended the first half picking up a fumble that was reviewed by the booth which stood as called, and the very next play Eli Manning chucked an 8 yard touchdown pass to second year-standout wideout Hakeem Nicks. Big Blue was firing all cylinders, and nobody in the stadium really thought it would be a game, the table was set for a G-Men victory.
    During halftime, a jazz group, with each member wearing a different Giants jersey, played Christmas music. It seemed to be some real easy listening type stuff that just felt right being it was 24-3, a 3-score cushion always makes you feel safe. I even remember thinking that if it was Madden, the Eagles would be off the sticks with the 21 point rule in all.
    After making tons of huge plays, Mario Manningham let what should've just been a first down to keep a drive moving, turn into, well, a turning point. The Giants were moving the ball with ease, and the same could not be said for the Eagles. However, a gift-wrapped fumble in Giants territory was given to the green team. The Eagles would then, finally capitalize and get themselves a touchdown. At this point its 24-10, still breathing easy, but it just shouldn't have happened.
    The Giants would eventually get themselves that touchdown back with a little over 8 minutes left in regulation. Kevin Boss made a nice 8 yard catch in the back of the endzone, to, well, what we all thought at the stadium, would solitify it. The dance music came out, Disco Stu was moving, hell I was even dancing to some Hypnotize. Everyone was sure to put the game in their pocket, and lead the NFC East, a statement, dominating win.
    This is the point where I think the Eagles did what the "Monstars" did in Space Jam when they took NBA players' talent away. It felt like Philly was able to do anything they wanted, and the Giants were completely on their heels. Starting the barrage of Eagle points was a 65 yard catch by Brent Celek for a touchdown. It was a quick score, somewhat alarming, but its still a sizeable lead late in the game, still breathing easy. However for some reason, the Giants didn't think a onside quick would ensue with only 7 minutes left down 2 scores. They might not onside kick, however they could. Nobody was ready for it, and the Eagles got the ball back, and scored again with ease, going right down the field. Everyone in the stadium at this point could sense the Eagles found a way to get themselves going, and the Giants look like they may never stop them again. Giants get the ball back finally, don't convert on a big 3rd down after a tough false start penalty by Dave Diehl, and the Eagles got the pigskin back, once again. At this point as a Giants fan you're thinking just making a stop and the game is over. Some how, some way, make a stop. They didn't.
    After it's 31-31, the Giants have the ball with 3 timeouts, and about a minute-ten to get themselves in position for a game-winning field goal. It should not have to come down to that after a 21 point edge in the 4th quarter, at home, but you just would like to get out of there with a win. Eli Manning under, and overthrew a couple targets leading to a 3 and out, which would give the Eagles the ball back before the end of regulation. After seeing number 10 deep, everyone and their mama are thinking just punt that thing out of bounds, and let's go win a coin toss. However, a bad snap plus a nervous rookie punter, equalled what is now known as "the (low, wobbling, line drive) punt." DeSean Jackson did exactly what he was set up for, taking the wormburner 65 yards to the house as time expired, and literal silence at New Meadowlands Stadium. Fights weren't necessarily even happening like they usually do after a tough loss or win, the place was in a state of shock. Spike Lee didn't even know what to say. It was one of the longer walk-to-the-car journies I've ever experienced.
    What did the Giants blow? Well besides a 21 point lead late in the game against your division rival, they blew a 10-4 record, being in the driver's seat to win the NFC East, have a legitimate shot at homefield advantage, and a first round bye. That's the tough part about the loss besides the mannor it was done in. Be positive Giants fans, we've seen this team lay so many eggs in years past, and while this may be tough to swallow, a win next week in Green Bay (last time they played there in catapulted them to the Superbowl, it was also 1 degree) puts the Giants into the playoffs for sure, and they finish in Washington.
    Let's not forget about some pretty terrible losses back in '07, went in as a Wildcard team, won the show. It's just a matter of getting hot at the right time. Might as well get the losses out of the way now as opposed to in the playoffs when it will send you packing. Get it out of your system G-Men, let something like this never happen again, or at least for the rest of this season.