Giants Stand Tall In Dallas

Dallas never seemed totally dead. There was always that small spark - the hint of doubt whether the Cowboys might come back. The Giants secondary gave up some big plays. The offense didn't have its best game. Yet, all of those "negatives" is what perhaps makes this win so convincing. The Giants didn't play their best game. Yet here they were on a Monday night in Dallas facing a game that was more important to the home team. And they still won.

This was the type of win that super bowl bound teams achieve. As the season progresses, I am reminded of that special feeling I had during 1986. The next test is whether this team can do what so many other Giant teams have been unable to - win against teams they are supposed to beat. A team that is super bowl bound simply doesn't lose to teams like Tampa Bay or Houston. These games should be nothing but confidence boosters that enable the Giants to go on a true roll ending up with 5 straight wins when the confront Chicago. And they should do exactly that.

As I said before pre-season ever started, this is a special season - a one time special mix of players. With Tiki announcing his retirement, that is more true than I had realized. The loss of Arrington may actually also be a positive. Before the Dallas game, it had occurred to me that Coughlin might be forced to consider leaving Short on the field and replacing Arrington with Emmons when Emmons was ready to return. Had that happened, it could have caused some emotional turmoil. I love Arrington's attitude and I get the sense the players feel the same way. Had Arrington been benched, it would certainly have not been a positive thing in the locker room. There is a touch of irony in the fact that his strong performance Monday night may have made the entire issue moot. However, the Giants now get the substitution without any turmoil and, in the end, that may be a good thing.

But for the selection of Kiwi this past spring, the loss of Osi would have been far more devastating to the team than Arrington. Of course, that is not why the Giants made the selection and it is not a validation of the draft (and I loved the pick from day one). However, it certainly is going to be a great opportunity for Kiwi to gain some valuable experience and comes at a perfect time in the schedule. Every team loses starters to injuries every season. Super Bowl teams are able to overcome those injuries and it is my expectation that the Giants will not miss a beat with the loss of Arrington and Osi. We'll know better after the next two games.