If your team was in the Giants position in week 17

[xenophobe 1]

The Giants are locked in to their playoff spot -they can't improve or hurt their position this week. They are obviously facing the Patriots in a historc game. If your team was in this position, what would you want them to do?

 

1) Forget about the Patriots, rest your starters, and focus on Tampa.

2) Go for it - go all out to win the game.

3) Play your starters to begin with, excluding anyone with injuries, pull them early or see how the game goes and pull them if it gets out of hand.

[edjr 6,843]

Lets be honest about something.

 

The Giants have less than a 1% chance of making it to the Superbowl.

 

They should play their starters and try and go down in history as the team that stopped a 16 - 0 season.

[xenophobe 1]

Lets be honest about something.

 

The Giants have less than a 1% chance of making it to the Superbowl.

 

They should play their starters and try and go down in history as the team that stopped a 16 - 0 season.

 

With all due respect, no team would ever look at it that way, nor would any fan. They may very well go for it against NE, but not because they've written off the playoffs.

[patweisers44 864]

They should play their starters and try and go down in history as the team that stopped a 16 - 0 season.

Someone should tell Michael Strahan that the '72 Dolphins will give him gumjobs for life if he helps beat the Patriots this week.

[edjr 6,843]

With all due respect, no team would ever look at it that way, nor would any fan. They may very well go for it against NE, but not because they've written off the playoffs.

 

you're completely delusional.

[JT 137]

The Giants are locked in to their playoff spot -they can't improve or hurt their position this week. They are obviously facing the Patriots in a historc game. If your team was in this position, what would you want them to do?

 

1) Forget about the Patriots, rest your starters, and focus on Tampa.

2) Go for it - go all out to win the game.

3) Play your starters to begin with, excluding anyone with injuries, pull them early or see how the game goes and pull them if it gets out of hand.

 

If there's nothing to be gained by winning...and there isn't...you take whatever approach you've decided on in advance. Whether that means you play your starters a half to keep them sharp, or not at all to rest them, you can't let the opponent or score determine.

 

The Giants owe nothing to history. Their sole concern should be giving themselves the best opportunity to win their first playoff game.

 

If I'm the coach, I play them a half, with lots of focus on getting the new TE involved in the offense. At that point, whether we're up by one or down by one, it's time to see which subs have the best shot to make next year's roster.

[xenophobe 1]

you're completely delusional.

 

For believing the team hasn't given up on the playoffs??? Great point!

[Boston 0]

In general I think this issue (resting starters or playing them in a meaningless game) comes down to the coach and his handle on what his team needs. Some times a coach feels rest is the best thing for his team while another coach may feel playing to stay sharp is the most logical course of action. Both scenarios make sense in general and it's up the coach to read the pulse of his team to figure out what will help them most in the playoffs.

 

As for the Giants my question is...if they play a full four quarters with their starters are they doing it because that's what is best to get ready for the playoffs or are they getting swept up with playing the Patriots as they chase history. If Coughlin feels playing a physical game against the Pats is a springboard to being sharp next week than they should go balls out. Yet, if he's risking the health of banged up core players like Jacobs, Plaxico and Pierce because the spotlight is on this game than that's being foolish.

 

IMO the Giants need to be real careful here since they are already nicked up (and don't have the benefit of a bye week) and losing a player like Jacobs would be a huge blow. While I'm sure they would love to knock off the Pats those guys seem to be in a situation where they could really benefit from a week of rest because they will be playing in a physical contest the following week. Yet, as stated above it's up to Coughlin to determine what is the best course of action to get ready for Tampa Bay is because that's far more important than this week's game.

[JoeBoxers43 0]

im a giants fan, i could careless whether they win or lose the game bc we r locked in the 5th seed regardless, y risk further injuries to plax or jacobs...play whoever for a qtr, maybe 2, rest them, get them ready for next week...who cares if the patriots get the record, frankly they will get the record anyway, so will brady and moss, nothing will stop them, so rest the injured and gear up for the playoffs

[edjr 6,843]

For believing the team hasn't given up on the playoffs??? Great point!

 

With all due respect, no team would ever look at it that way, nor would any fan. They may very well go for it against NE, but not because they've written off the playoffs.

 

That's completely delusional. Try and keep up there sparky.

[xenophobe 1]

That's completely delusional. Try and keep up there sparky.

 

Delusional to assume a team wouldn't base their approach on the assumption that they can't win in the playoffs, or that their fans would want them to? That's absurd. And by the way, what their chances are have nothing to do with it. You seem to be quite uncapable of this realization yourself. You're calling me delusional, but clearly the other posters agree that the playoffs should be their primary focus. You are the only one who doesn't seem to get that.

[Foghorn Leghorn 0]

The Giants have less than a 1% chance of making it to the Superbowl.

 

You haven't watched much NFC football this year, I take it. The only certainty in the NFC playoffs this year is the uncertainty of it all. I wouldn't be all that surprised by any of the six seeds in the NFC making it through. Well, maybe the Redskins would surprise me a bit (if they get in).

 

If there's nothing to be gained by winning...and there isn't...you take whatever approach you've decided on in advance. Whether that means you play your starters a half to keep them sharp, or not at all to rest them, you can't let the opponent or score determine.

 

The Giants owe nothing to history. Their sole concern should be giving themselves the best opportunity to win their first playoff game.

 

If I'm the coach, I play them a half, with lots of focus on getting the new TE involved in the offense. At that point, whether we're up by one or down by one, it's time to see which subs have the best shot to make next year's roster.

 

I wholeheartedly agree with everything you've said here. Good point about the new TE as well.

[edjr 6,843]

Delusional to assume a team wouldn't base their approach on the assumption that they can't win in the playoffs, or that their fans would want them to? That's absurd. And by the way, what their chances are have nothing to do with it. You seem to be quite uncapable of this realization yourself. You're calling me delusional, but clearly the other posters agree that the playoffs should be their primary focus. You are the only one who doesn't seem to get that.

 

If you think every player on a team and every one of their fans, think they have a chance to win the superbowl, you're delusional.

[xenophobe 1]

If you think every player on a team and every one of their fans, think they have a chance to win the superbowl, you're delusional.

 

I don't think anyone believes their approach should be based on the assumption that the playoffs don't really matter because they are going to lose anyway.

[phillybear 366]

It would be hella great if the Giants went out and injured as many Patriot players and coaches as possible. And kicked the mascot's ass too.

[edjr 6,843]

I don't think anyone believes their approach should be based on the assumption that the playoffs don't really matter because they are going to lose anyway.

 

I disagree. Why not try and make history by being the only team to ever stop a 15 - 0 team from going 16 - 0? Plenty of teams have won a superbowl. Which they have no shot at anyway.

[NewbieJr 541]

I doubt that you'll see much of Burress. Manning and Jacobs may play half.

 

I'm sure teh Giants would love to knock off New England, but they'd much rather win a playoff game. With Burress' and Jacobs' many injuries this year, to lose them in a game that means nothing could cost Coughlin his job.

[edjr 6,843]

I doubt that you'll see much of Burress. Manning and Jacobs may play half.

 

I'm sure teh Giants would love to knock off New England, but they'd much rather win a playoff game. With Burress' and Jacobs' many injuries this year, to lose them in a game that means nothing could cost Coughlin his job.

 

Beating the only team in NFL history to be 15 - 0 means nothing?

[t.j 35]

edjr is right that in reality, the Giants have no reasonable shot of going to, let alone winning, the Super Bowl. And whatever playoff edge they might get by resting players is miniscule compared to what they would gain by knocking off the Pats. But xenophobe is right that there is no chance that the Giants or their fans are going to look at it that way.

[kutulu 1,698]

Lube, lots of lube.

[JT 137]

I disagree. Why not try and make history by being the only team to ever stop a 15 - 0 team from going 16 - 0? Plenty of teams have won a superbowl. Which they have no shot at anyway.

 

I have to assume you're fishing. It's incredibly dim to say they can't win a Super Bowl...presumably, in no small reason because NE stands in the way...so they should try to beat NE in the regular season.

 

There have been lots of teams that got deep into the schedule before losing. With very few exceptions, nobody knows or cares who the teams were that beat them. If there hadn't been so much coverage of it this year, even fewer would know or care.

[NewbieJr 541]

Beating the only team in NFL history to be 15 - 0 means nothing?

It won't mean anything if they lose a key player as a result.

It will make a nice story, but the Patriots fans will say that they are glad they lost because now they will know they're not uinbeatable and get focused for the playoffs. Edjr, you have one of your famous win-win scenerios going. If they win, they are the greatest team ever. First team to go 16-0. If they lose, it will be good for the above reasons. You're all set for next week already. Hell, you may as well pre-type some smack talk for after the game.

 

If the Giants were fighting for a playoff spot and New England was fighting for home field advantage, it would be a meaningful game. As it stands, with both teams already locked into their playoff position, it is just a sideshow.

[bushy 0]

The Giants really are my team, and I want them to play all 2nd and 3rd stringers, and tell them to make Brady eat dirt on every play.

[t.j 35]

It's incredibly dim to say they can't win a Super Bowl...presumably, in no small reason because NE stands in the way...so they should try to beat NE in the regular season.

 

Disagree. This is the last home game the Giants are going to play. To win the Super Bowl they will have to win on the road 3 straight times and then beat the Pats (probably the Pats) on a neutral field.

Odds of beating the Pats this week if they go for it... maybe 10%

Odds of winning their first-round playoff game... maybe 45%

Odds of advancing two rounds in the playoffs... maybe 20%

Odds of getting to the Super Bowl... maybe 10%

Odds of winning the Super Bowl... maybe 3%

 

It's unlikely that something is going to happen in the NY/NE game that significantly damages their ability to be a successful playoff team. Short of winning the Super Bowl, nothing else they might do in the playoffs means more than beating a 15-0 team would, and their odds of winning the Super Bowl are miniscule compared to their odds of winning this week.

[Boston 0]

Disagree. This is the last home game the Giants are going to play. To win the Super Bowl they will have to win on the road 3 straight times and then beat the Pats (probably the Pats) on a neutral field.

Odds of beating the Pats this week if they go for it... maybe 10%

Odds of winning their first-round playoff game... maybe 40%

Odds of advancing two rounds in the playoffs... maybe 15%

Odds of getting to the Super Bowl... maybe 8%

Odds of winning the Super Bowl... maybe 2%

 

It's unlikely that something is going to happen in the NY/NE game that significantly damages their ability to be a successful playoff team. Short of winning the Super Bowl, nothing else they might do in the playoffs means more than beating a 15-0 team would, and their odds of winning the Super Bowl are miniscule compared to their odds of winning this week.

 

It was only two years ago that the Steelers won the Super Bowl in pretty much the same situation.

 

As far as this week goes an injury to Burress, Jacobs or Pierce who are all banged up would be a pretty substantial loss. As for saying knocking off the Pats in the regular season is more important than winning an NFC crown I just don't see that being the case. That's a very big accomplishment.

[t.j 35]

It was only two years ago that the Steelers won the Super Bowl in pretty much the same situation.

 

Not at all the same situation. The Steelers went 11-5 and half of their losses were due to their starting QB having gone down. When healthy, they were better than most of the division-winning teams, they finished the season very hot, and even with Roethlisberger's injuries they still finished with a 1.5 points scored to points allowed ratio in the regular season... consistent with that of a Super Bowl-caliber team. The Giants have been a very mediocre team, healthy or not, scoring less than 1.1 point for every point allowed, and they will not even come into the playoffs on a roll.

[phillybear 366]

As for saying knocking off the Pats in the regular season is more important than winning an NFC crown I just don't see that being the case. That's a very big accomplishment.

 

Being the Super Bowl runner up is meaningless. If you don't win the Superbowl, then the season is an utter failure.

[t.j 35]

As far as this week goes an injury to Burress, Jacobs or Pierce who are all banged up would be a pretty substantial loss. As for saying knocking off the Pats in the regular season is more important than winning an NFC crown I just don't see that being the case. That's a very big accomplishment.

 

I disagree, and I also strongly believe that the chances of the Giants beating New England if they go for it are far greater than their chances of costing themselves a Super Bowl appearance by going for it.

 

Being the Super Bowl runner up is meaningless.

 

[Walter34 3]

I doubt Jacobs, Burress and Pierce play at all. Other starters will likely play for a quarter.

 

On the Pats side, they will go balls out for a half in the hopes that they have a sizable lead and the 2 individual records are achieved.

 

If the Giants sneak back in later in the game, the Pats would roll thier starters back out to rack up a couple more TDs against the Gints scrubs.

 

Beating the Pats would be way down my priority list - its all about giving yourself the b est shot in the post season. Its not like TB is all that great, and GB or Dallas could be had without a huge stretch. The odds are long but definately worth it for NY to go for it this year.

[NewbieJr 541]

Being the Super Bowl runner up is meaningless. If you don't win the Superbowl, then the season is an utter failure.

Really? So whoever loses this year's Super Bowl had basically the same season as Miami?

[t.j 35]

It won't mean anything if they lose a key player as a result.

 

Disagree.

 

It will make a nice story, but the Patriots fans will say that they are glad they lost because now they will know they're not uinbeatable and get focused for the playoffs.

 

They would be lying their ass off if they said that.

[Boston 0]

Not at all the same situation. The Steelers went 11-5 and half of their losses were due to their starting QB having gone down. When healthy, they were better than most of the teams with a bye, they finished the season very hot, and even with Roethlisberger's injuries they still finished with a 1.5 points scored to points allowed ratio in the regular season... consistent with that of a Super Bowl-caliber team. The Giants have been a very mediocre team, healthy or not, scoring less than 1.1 point for every point allowed, and they will not even come into the playoffs on a roll.

 

They also had a far more difficult path in the AFC than the Giants have in the NFC. I agree that the Steeler team is better than the Giants but once you get into the playoffs anything is possible in a one and done format. By no means do I see the Giants as a favotite come playoff time but I don't think it's impossible to see a scenario where they (or any other team) can reel off some wins in a pretty average NFC

[Walter34 3]

QUOTE(phillybear @ Dec 27 2007, 01:00 PM)

Being the Super Bowl runner up is meaningless.

 

While its true by most fans standards, it is a great thrill ride for the teams fans even though it ends in disappointment.

[Boston 0]

Being the Super Bowl runner up is meaningless. If you don't win the Superbowl, then the season is an utter failure.

 

That's foolish. Obviously you want to go the distance but winning a conference championship is a solid season and something for a franchise to build off of.

[NewbieJr 541]

They would be lying their ass off if they said that.

I agree, but I'll bet you a thousand bucks that, if they happen to lose, you'll have half a dozen of those idiots on this board talking about how they think it may be beneficial to the team. Patriot fans have a way of turning everything into gold.

[Boston 0]

I agree, but I'll bet you a thousand bucks that, if they happen to lose, you'll have half a dozen of those idiots on this board talking about how they think it may be beneficial to the team. Patriot fans have a way of turning everything into gold.

 

...and the bashers always find a way to bash whether it involves a blowout or a close game. Seriously, both sides throw their fair share of mud.

 

I don't think a loss is beneficial. This team already has three titles and an undefeated season is within their grasp. Obviously winning another title is the ultimate goal but I'd be lying if I didn't say it would not mean as much with a loss. An undefeated season to go a long with the other three titles takes this franchise to another level.

[t.j 35]

They also had a far more difficult path in the AFC than the Giants have in the NFC.

 

Did they? Carson Palmer got injured on the first play of that game. The Colts were slumping and rusty, not having played a meaningful game in three weeks. They played an unspectacular Broncos team in the conference championship. And the NFC representative was not that great either. The Steelers only really played one great team during that run, and they got a ton of breaks as well. Whoever New York would face in the Super Bowl is a better team than the '04 Colts (playoff version), and Dallas and Green Bay are better than the other teams Pittsburgh played in the playoffs that year.

 

but once you get into the playoffs anything is possible in a one and done format.

 

Do you really believe that?

 

By no means do I see the Giants as a favotite come playoff time but I don't think it's impossible to see a scenario where they (or any other team) can reel off some wins in a pretty average NFC

 

"can reel off some wins" is not even remotely the same as having a shot at winning the Super Bowl

[t.j 35]

I agree, but I'll bet you a thousand bucks that, if they happen to lose, you'll have half a dozen of those idiots on this board talking about how they think it may be beneficial to the team. Patriot fans have a way of turning everything into gold.

 

Who cares? They are going to dominate the board with annoying blather one way or another. I'd rather listen to them spout BS while knowing that they are secretly very disappointed. But, it doesn't matter, because they are going to go 16-0.

[t.j 35]

winning a conference championship is a solid season and something for a franchise to build off of.

 

Baloney. Tell that to the Falcons, Titans, Giants, Rams, Raiders, Panthers, Eagles, Seahawks, and Bears!!!

 

They'd be much better off being able to say they beat a 15-0 team.

[phillybear 366]

Really? So whoever loses this year's Super Bowl had basically the same season as Miami?

 

 

There is only one winner every year. I don't deal in gray areas; it's very clearcut to me. One winner. 31 losers.