It has been another tough November for the New York Football Giants, and it isn’t over yet. However, following a much-needed week off, the Giants have the opportunity to salvage this month with a win. Will they find their form against Green Bay?
The Giants certainly have the talent to beat Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, whether or not they will depends on which Giants team shows up. If the Week 10 team takes the field, then we should all cover our eyes and wait for the calendar page to turn. However, if they play more like they did in Week 6 when they beat the 49ers, then we’ll have ourselves a game.
I’d love to say that we’ll see the Week 6 Giants on Sunday, but my confidence is always a bit shaky following a bye. Bye weeks can kill momentum. Granted, the Giants had absolutely no momentum going into the break. Plus, they have won four out of their last five post-bye games. The Giants also have rest and renewed motivation on their side.
Rest
Two weeks ago, the Giants looked like the walking dead, and not the entertaining kind on AMC. They looked physically and emotionally drained. Hopefully, the time-off has revitalized the players. They need to walk out–check that–run out onto that field with some fire burning inside of them, because they can’t afford to start flat against a red-hot Packers team. The rest has also helped those who were nursing injuries. Hakeem Nicks is reportedly feeling good, and Kenny Phillips hopes to play on Sunday. The safety has missed six games with a knee injury but returned to practice this week.
Motivation
The Giants remaining schedule is probably the toughest in the league, but Justin Tuck doesn’t sound worried. “I think that puts us in a great light, a great position because we don’t have any room for error,” said Tuck. “We play back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back great teams and I think this team will be up for them.” The Giants also have Dallas breathing down their necks. If the Cowboys win on Thanksgiving, they will cut the Giants lead in the NFC East to a half game. For a team that thrives on pressure, the Giants should now have all motivation they’ll need to start playing their best football again.
Bonus: Karma
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it is a perfect time of year to remember all that we have to be thankful for–family, friends, being defending Super Bowl Champions–and to give back to those who are in need. This Sunday, the Giants and New York Cares will host their fifteenth annual Coat Drive. If you are attending the game, you can donate your gently worn coats at either of the Fed Ex trucks parked in front of the MetLife and Verizon Gates prior to the game, or to New York Cares volunteers who will be at every entrance gate. A little good karma never hurts.
