I certainly think the Giants did, racking up over 300 yards rushing in just a fantastic and entertaining game. Both teams were playing for the top seed and did not disappoint a national audience. From a personal standpoint, it’s one of the more memorable games I’ve attended.
Derrick Ward was an absolute monster, accumulating over 200 yards just by himself on only 15 carries. It was one of the best rushing performances I have seen by a Giant, ranking right up there with Tiki’s December 2005 performance versus Kansas City (and others I’m forgetting at the moment). The thing that made Ward’s efforts amazing was, and I saw this after watching a replay of the game, that he simply wasn’t on the field that much. Jacobs had more carries (21) but Ward made the absolute best of his playing time. Throw in the fact that four of those 15 carries were in the OT, and you can see where I am coming from.
While the running game carried the offense, there was some improvement in the passing game from the previous two weeks. Protection was better, although not completely clean (three sacks, some pressures). The receivers and quarterback appeared to be adjusting to life without Burress and that will need to continue. TC also deserves some praise in this game. First, he stuck with the running game even with the team down 21-10 at one point in the second quarter. Then, he made a great decision not to go for two when the Giants pulled to 21-19. Had they failed on that attempt, the Giants probably don’t win this game, plain and simple. The fact is, never go for two until you absolutely have to. It’s still a basic mistake made by NFL head coaches. And the two point conversion play to tie it at 28 was a beaut. As always, I do have some criticism. First, running Madison Hedgecock on third and one when you Brandon Jacobs is never, I repeat never, a good idea. And I also was befuddled when the first play of OT resulted in a Ward seven yard run, followed by two incompletions. Why throw? You’re absolutely controlling the line of scrimmage and also moving in the direction least advantageous to passing. At least the Giants got it right the next series. The ball never went in the air.
Now to the defense. This unit is tired, and the loss of Osi is finally starting to show. Not having that rotational option is putting more and more pressure on Tuck and Kiwi. That’s why getting the bye was so important. Some of these guys need rest, and hopefully, it will help galvanize this team for a playoff run. Early on, Carolina moved at will and at one point looked as if they were going to run the Giants right out of the building. But a couple big mid-field defensive stands in the third quarter allowed the Giants to get back into it. And Jeff Feagles’ punt (with the help of Terrell Thomas) which pinned Carolina at their own one late in the fourth was possibly the biggest play in the game.
