Giants Hang On In Chicago

It wasn't pretty. In fact it was darn right ugly. But that is a good thing. Giants history is replete with examples of losing ugly and it is a relatively rare phenomenon to the Giants win a game they should have lost. Eli Manning had another tough outing, but hung in there to the end and, in the end, did what he had to do to win.

And the Giants can thank the officials for what I believe was a horrible call. Late in the game, in desperate need of a touchdown, the officials ruled Toomer's catch in the end zone "incomplete". The replay showed Toomer's hands under the ball, but it was impossible to tell whether the front end of the ball hit the ground or his forearms as it rode under his chest. Certainly it wasn't conclusive, but that's what the officials ruled, reversing the call and giving the Giants a huge gift - without which the Giants probably don't win the game.

Regardless of one's view of that call, it is difficult to dispute the fact that the Giants offense is struggling mightily. Last year it was the loss of Toomer that doomed the passing game. This year it is Burress. He hasn't practiced during the week all year and over the past 4-5 games has totally disappeared. And so has the passing game. And like last year, Eli has been unable to overcome that loss and has looked totally lost.

This week the Giants head into Philly for a game that means the end of the season if the Eagles lose. Moreover you can bet Philly is out to revenge their last meeting when the Giants embarrassed them with 12 sacks. But this week Osi will be facing William Thomas not Winston Justice. And the Eagles have Westbrook. And, unlike the Giants, they have their mojo back and are playing their best football of the year, not sliding backwards like the Giants.

The Giants have a lot of injuries. Perhaps most important of all is the season ending injury to Ward last week. A shame too because Ward was having a wonderful year, had come back last week to start after missing several games with a hammy, put up his best numbers for the year with a very, very impressive 154 yard performance. But it isn't just Ward's absence that worries me. What worries me more is the temptation to push Jacobs back onto the field before he's really ready. This is a game the Giants will struggle to win with or without Jacobs.

If I were Coughlin, I'd "take a game off" and rest Jacobs, Burress, Wilson, Pierce, and Ross. I'd give Bradshaw. Smith and Moss their chance to show what they bring to the table. Yes, it makes a win far more difficult. And yes, I do not take lightly what a loss here means to a struggling Giants team who would probably then be hanging on to a bare one game lead for a wild card berth. But it would allow the Giants to regroup, put a more healthy squad on the field next week against Washington, and even provide a mental excuse for a loss to the Eagles.

I know many will feel that what I am suggesting is heresy. But I am certainly not suggesting throwing the game. What I am suggesting is that the Giants play their schedule. They've been fortunate enough to build a solid two game lead for the first wild card spot. They should reap the benefit of that lead right now to help get themselves healthy for the last three games and the post season. Look at the alternative. Play Jacobs and the others and one thing is certain - they won't be healthier at 10:00 Sun night than they were at 12 noon - and the odds are the Giants lose anyway. So I sit Jacobs and I give Bradshaw his chance. And while I dress Burress, I keep him on the bench for much, if not most, of the game and give more reps to Smith and Moss.

Who knows, maybe the Giants win. But to me, this game, while important, is less important than getting healthy heading into the post season. I'm frankly not very interested in a post season entry if the Giants are too banged up to be competitive.