Now that the New York Giants have ended their losing streak, they have a
clear path to the NFC East title.

The next step comes Sunday at home and the Giants will have to contend with
a number of injury problems as they try to avenge a season-opening defeat to the
Washington Redskins.

New York (7-6) held a two-game division lead after starting 6-2, then fell a
game behind Dallas thanks to a four-game slide. Eli Manning, however, guided the
Giants to two touchdowns in the final 3:14 to rally them to a 37-34 road victory
over the Cowboys last Sunday and a share of first place before Dallas’ win at
Tampa Bay on Saturday dropped New York one-half game back.

“We knew that we couldn’t afford to fall further behind Dallas when we went
into the game,” offensive lineman Kevin Boothe said. “We are in a playoff-type
atmosphere from here on out. We have a big division game this week and we have
to take it one game at a time and see what happens. We have to give Washington
our best shot.”

New York can clinch the division by winning one of its next two games along
with the regular-season finale at home against Dallas.

The Giants, though, are dealing with numerous injuries.

Pro Bowler Justin Tuck failed to record a tackle against the Cowboys and
could sit out with a toe injury while fellow defensive end Osi Umenyiora could
miss a third straight game with a sprained ankle. Safety Kenny Phillips missed
the Dallas game with a sprained left knee.

Tuck and Umenyiora were both injured when they sat out a 28-14 loss at
Washington (4-9) in the opener. Rex Grossman continued his success against the
Giants with 305 yards passing and two touchdowns as the Redskins ended a
six-game slide in the series.

That loss didn’t stop Giants safety Antrel Rolle from saying earlier this
week that New York could beat Washington 99 out of 100 times.

“I know what the outcome of the game should be come Sunday,” Rolle said. “It
is up to us to go out there and put it on film and make sure the outcome is what
we plan.”

Three of Grossman’s six best games in terms of passing yards have come
against New York. He didn’t sound too worried about Rolle’s comments.

“It is the NFL and nobody is going to beat anyone 99 out of 100 times,”
Grossman said. “I am confident about where we are. We haven’t finished games
lately and we need to finish and everything should take care of itself.”

Grossman was sacked four times in the first meeting, twice by Jason
Pierre-Paul. The Giants defensive end had two more last week to bring his season
total to 12 1/2, and he blocked Dan Bailey’s tying field-goal attempt near the
end of regulation.

Pierre-Paul has come on strong after he registered 4 1/2 sacks in 2010 as a
rookie.

“I’m not thinking as much as I was last year,” Pierre-Paul said. “Last year,
I was on and off and I wasn’t sure about all of the calls so I was playing
slow.”

Pierre-Paul and the Giants’ pass rush will be looking at a patchwork
Washington offensive line that is far different from what they saw in Week 1.
Right tackle Jammal Brown missed last week’s 34-27 loss to New England with a
groin injury as Tyler Polumbus replaced him while left tackle Trent Williams
continues to serve his suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse
policy.

Manning failed to throw a touchdown pass against Washington in the opener -
one of two times that has happened this year. He recorded his third 400-yard
effort of the season last Sunday and is fourth in the league with a career-high
4,105 passing yards and sixth with 25 TD passes.

Manning has totaled 1,153 yards with seven touchdowns and three
interceptions over his last three games.

“Eli has taken it upon himself to throw the ball well, and exceptionally
well for the last three games,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “But he’s
played well the whole year.”

A major reason why Manning’s numbers are up is that New York owns the NFL’s
worst rushing attack at 85.8 yards per game.

There is reason for optimism. With Ahmad Bradshaw suspended for the start of
last week’s game due to a violation of team rules, Brandon Jacobs gained a
season-high 101 yards on 19 carries with two scores.

“Nobody wants to hit that guy running like he’s running other than they have
to,” said Giants coach Tom Coughlin about Jacobs. “It’s the right message and
when you see him north and south as hard as he can go and the pile’s going
forward, we’re all cheering.”

Washington has the league’s second-worst rushing attack at 93.8 yards per
game, but rookie Roy Helu has reached 100 for three straight weeks. Helu had a
season-high 126 last week.

What a way to end a losing streak.

There’s a lot you can say about the 2011 New York Giants with three weeks left to play. They’ve found incredible ways to both win and lose games, played themselves out of and back into first place and reminded fans of the 2007 squad; both in good and bad ways. Last Sunday’s contest at Dallas, arguably the game of the 2011 season, could be the beginning of yet another special run for the franchise. With the way the Giants have played over the past five weeks, Sunday’s win could also turn out to be nothing more than one enormous tease.

3 final thoughts on Giants win at Cowboys: Luck

This was hardly a “lucky” win for the Giants. Both Eli Manning and Jason Pierre-Paul put in MVP performances Sunday night, and New York came up with the game’s biggest plays when it mattered most. You still can’t help but look back at one fourth quarter play, one that seemed to be a missed opportunity at the time, and chuckle just a bit. Manning had wide receiver Mario Manningham down the right sideline with roughly 90 seconds left on the clock, and the clutch QB located his target with a perfectly placed pass in the end zone. The pass fell through Manningham’s arms, however, forcing the New York offense to run a few more plays and take time off the clock before eventually coming up with what ended up being the game winning touchdown. Had Manningham caught that ball, Tony Romo and company would have had at least a few extra plays to move down the field during the game’s final drive. That’s a scary thought considering how poorly New York’s secondary played throughout the contest.

3 final thoughts on Giants win at Cowboys: Welcome back

Brandon Jacobs has had two consecutive solid outings, but it’s not his stats that have impressed me. Something in Jacobs changed after the loss to the Saints, as he’s been hitting holes and playing an overall more physical style of football in New York’s past two contests. It’s the most motivated we’ve seen Jacobs in quite awhile, as the tiptoeing running back looking to avoid contact at the line seems to have disappeared.

Jacobs won’t be facing the hated Cowboys every weekend, nor will fellow running back Ahmad Bradshaw be sidelined due to “violating team rules” over the next three weeks. If this Brandon Jacobs can remain fresh, healthy and motivated, New York’s rushing attack is going to find its form at the best possible time. Eli Manning has been the team’s MVP this season, but him having a strong backfield is a necessity for Big Blue to do anything big this January.

3 final thoughts on Giants win at Cowboys: Playoffs or bust

I’ve been a huge Tom Coughlin defender over the past couple of years. That will end if New York doesn’t qualify for the upcoming postseason. The Giants don’t travel again this regular season, as they host the Washington Redskins in Week 15 and the Cowboys in Week 17, and are “visitors” against the New York Jets on Christmas Eve. Big Blue needs to win just two of three “home games” to claim the NFC East crown. Barring any injuries to significant players between now and January 1, it’s now playoffs or bust for Coughlin and company.

The Giants are hardly a perfect team. The defense has significant holes, and the New York rushing attack has been non-existent at times. Going 1-2 at MetLife over the next three weekends is simply unacceptable. Truth be told, the playoffs begin this Sunday with a home game against the last place Redskins.

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By Santosh Venkataraman

While the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys both lost last weekend, the damage by those defeats can easily be mitigated thanks to what’s at stake this weekend.

The Giants will try to end a four-game losing streak Sunday night on the road against the Cowboys as these rivals play for the NFC East lead.

Dallas (7-5) leads New York (6-6) by one game. The Giants led the race by two before their slide.

The Cowboys had their four-game win streak snapped thanks to mistakes that included poor clock management in last Sunday’s 19-13 overtime loss at Arizona – a defeat that cost them a chance to clinch the division this weekend.

“Most importantly, we have to put this one to bed and go to the next one,” coach Jason Garrett said.

The Giants, meanwhile, seem buoyed despite last Sunday’s 38-35 last-second loss to Green Bay. After giving the unbeaten Packers their toughest game, New York is looking forward to the chance to move back into first place.

“The mindset is looking ahead,” quarterback Eli Manning said. “It doesn’t matter what you’ve done last week or what your record is. It’s what you’re playing for, who you have this week. And you have Dallas, Sunday night football, that’s a big one.”

These teams’ quarterbacks are having similar seasons. Manning has a 96.0 passer rating, 23 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and 3,705 passing yards. Tony Romo owns a 97.3 rating with 22 touchdowns to nine interceptions and 3,325 yards through the air.

“I think everyone knows this is an important game and you have to play the best football this time of year,” Romo said. “We’re going to go out there and give great effort and be ready for a great challenge in the Giants.”

Each passing game could get a boost Sunday.

Receiver Mario Manningham, out the last two games with a sore knee, could return for New York. Manningham has three touchdown catches in his last four games against Dallas and would complement a group that includes Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.

Cruz is fourth in the league with 1,076 receiving yards after three straight 100-yard efforts.

Cowboys star receiver Miles Austin and blocking fullback Tony Fiammetta returned to practice Wednesday and both are expected to play. That should provide help to an offense that has produced three touchdowns over the last two games.

“We feel like we have a rejuvenated offense,” receiver Laurent Robinson said.

The Giants had some changes on their offensive line last week with Kevin Boothe replacing David Baas (neck) at center and Mitch Petrus entering at left guard. Dave Diehl had already replaced the injured Will Beatty at left tackle.

Diehl is accustomed to that spot from years past, and could renew his battle with linebacker DeMarcus Ware. Ware, who leads the NFL with 15 sacks, sat out practice Wednesday with a stinger.

“That has always been a great matchup and there have been some other ones all across the board on both sides of the ball,” Garrett said. “That is certainly one of the subplots of the game and we are excited to see how it plays out.”

No NFC team has more sacks than the Cowboys’ 35, and the Giants are close behind with 33.

New York’s rushing defense is 23rd in the league, allowing 127.0 yards per game. The Giants will get their first look at Cowboys rookie DeMarco Murray, who averaged 108.5 yards rushing during the win streak before being limited to 38 last Sunday.

“I think they are averaging 114 yards a game rushing,” Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. “They are doing some good things with the run game.”

The Giants remain last in the league in rushing with 83.8 yards per game. They reached 100 for the first time in four games last Sunday as Ahmad Bradshaw returned after missing four straight with a broken bone in his right foot.

New York’s depleted secondary received good news on safety Kenny Phillips, who left the Green Bay game with a knee sprain but could play.

These teams split notable meetings last season.

Romo’s season came to an early end with a broken collarbone due to a hit by Michael Boley in last year’s 41-35 home loss to New York – part of a 1-7 start that led to the dismissal of coach Wade Phillips.

Garrett had a memorable debut as interim coach, guiding Dallas to a 33-20 victory at New York in the last meeting Nov, 14. 2010.

Their upcoming clash Jan. 1 in the regular-season finale has the chance to be even more dramatic.

New York has won both previous matchups at Cowboys Stadium, where Manning has six touchdown passes, three interceptions, a 68.5 completion percentage and 636 passing yards.

While the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys both lost last weekend, the
damage by those defeats can easily be mitigated thanks to what’s at stake this
weekend.

The Giants will try to end a four-game losing streak Sunday night on the
road against the Cowboys as these rivals play for the NFC East lead.

Dallas (7-5) leads New York (6-6) by one game. The Giants led the race by
two before their slide.

The Cowboys had their four-game win streak snapped thanks to mistakes that
included poor clock management in last Sunday’s 19-13 overtime loss at Arizona -
a defeat that cost them a chance to clinch the division this weekend.

“Most importantly, we have to put this one to bed and go to the next one,”
coach Jason Garrett said.

The Giants, meanwhile, seem buoyed despite last Sunday’s 38-35 last-second
loss to Green Bay. After giving the unbeaten Packers their toughest game, New
York is looking forward to the chance to move back into first place.

“The mindset is looking ahead,” quarterback Eli Manning(notes) said. “It doesn’t
matter what you’ve done last week or what your record is. It’s what you’re
playing for, who you have this week. And you have Dallas, Sunday night football,
that’s a big one.”

These teams’ quarterbacks are having similar seasons. Manning has a 96.0
passer rating, 23 touchdowns to 11 interceptions and 3,705 passing yards. Tony
Romo(notes) owns a 97.3 rating with 22 touchdowns to nine interceptions and 3,325 yards
through the air.

“I think everyone knows this is an important game and you have to play the
best football this time of year,” Romo said. “We’re going to go out there and
give great effort and be ready for a great challenge in the Giants.”

Each passing game could get a boost Sunday.

Receiver Mario Manningham(notes), out the last two games with a sore knee, could
return for New York. Manningham has three touchdown catches in his last four
games against Dallas and would complement a group that includes Hakeem Nicks(notes) and
Victor Cruz(notes).

Cruz is fourth in the league with 1,076 receiving yards after three straight
100-yard efforts.

Cowboys star receiver Miles Austin(notes) and blocking fullback Tony Fiammetta(notes)
returned to practice Wednesday and both are expected to play. That should
provide help to an offense that has produced three touchdowns over the last two
games.

“We feel like we have a rejuvenated offense,” receiver Laurent Robinson(notes)
said.

The Giants had some changes on their offensive line last week with Kevin
Boothe(notes) replacing David Baas(notes) (neck) at center and Mitch Petrus(notes) entering at left
guard. Dave Diehl had already replaced the injured Will Beatty(notes) at left tackle.

Diehl is accustomed to that spot from years past, and could renew his battle
with linebacker DeMarcus Ware(notes). Ware, who leads the NFL with 15 sacks, sat out
practice Wednesday with a stinger.

“That has always been a great matchup and there have been some other ones
all across the board on both sides of the ball,” Garrett said. “That is
certainly one of the subplots of the game and we are excited to see how it plays
out.”

No NFC team has more sacks than the Cowboys’ 35, and the Giants are close
behind with 33.

New York’s rushing defense is 23rd in the league, allowing 127.0 yards per
game. The Giants will get their first look at Cowboys rookie DeMarco Murray(notes), who
averaged 108.5 yards rushing during the win streak before being limited to 38
last Sunday.

“I think they are averaging 114 yards a game rushing,” Giants coach Tom
Coughlin said. “They are doing some good things with the run game.”

The Giants remain last in the league in rushing with 83.8 yards per game.
They reached 100 for the first time in four games last Sunday as Ahmad Bradshaw(notes)
returned after missing four straight with a broken bone in his right foot.

New York’s depleted secondary received good news on safety Kenny Phillips(notes),
who left the Green Bay game with a knee sprain but could play.

These teams split notable meetings last season.

Romo’s season came to an early end with a broken collarbone due to a hit by
Michael Boley(notes) in last year’s 41-35 home loss to New York – part of a 1-7 start
that led to the dismissal of coach Wade Phillips.

Garrett had a memorable debut as interim coach, guiding Dallas to a 33-20
victory at New York in the last meeting Nov, 14. 2010.

Their upcoming clash Jan. 1 in the regular-season finale has the chance to
be even more dramatic.

New York has won both previous matchups at Cowboys Stadium, where Manning
has six touchdown passes, three interceptions, a 68.5 completion percentage and
636 passing yards.

Read More: D.J. Ware (RB – NYG), Derrick Martin (S – NYG), Jimmy Kennedy (DT – NYG), Michael Coe (CB – NYG), Will Beatty (OT – NYG), Jake Ballard (TE – NYG), Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants

One day after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday night, the New York Giants suffered another loss Monday. Cornerback Michael Coe needs season-ending surgery on his shoulder, and the team will place him on injured reserve. 

Coach Tom Coughlin said Jimmy Kennedy will be placed back on the 53-man roster. Kennedy recently ended a four-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing substances. 

Coughlin also noted that tackle Will Beatty was sent to have his back examined. Beatty played against the Philadelphia Eagles, but experienced discomfort during the week of practices leading up to the game. 

Tight end Jake Ballard is not expected to miss any time after suffering an elbow injury, but defensive back Derrick Martin has a small tear of his hamstring.

D.J. Ware also left Sunday’s game with a concussion. There has been no update today on the running back’s condition, however.

The Giants lost to Philadelphia 17-10 on Sunday night, leaving Coughlin to steam about his team’s performance.

“As I just said to each one of the players, first start off with yourself and look at yourself in the mirror. Ask yourself. Because my question for them was ‘why?’ What does it take to understand what the Eagles were going to be like coming here? You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to know that the team is 3-6 with their backs to the wall, they are going to play their butts off. To get to where we wanted to go, we had to play better and harder and we didn’t,” Coughlin said.

– For more Giants coverage, visit our team page, or our blog Big Blue View.