Allstarjim

First of all, even though he is an unabashed everything-Boston lover, his writing is pure comedy gold. I love when he goes off on a tangent sometimes totally sports un-related, and find myself nodding in agreement. Plus he's a football gambler, and I like that. This particular article is outstanding. But there is one part that has vaulted him to sportswriter's elite:

Giants (+7.5) over COWBOYS

Normally, I'd worry about getting sucked in by the Team That Looked a Little Too Good In Round 1 (always a red flag), but that's offset by the "Any time two teams play for a third time, it's usually a war" rule that's a mortal lock for Manifesto 5.0.

Here's my problem with laying the points: Without a healthy Terrell Owens (whether he plays or not), the Cowboys offense doesn't look so imposing anymore, and their collective limp to the finish looms as an enormous red flag (as well as a direct violation of Rule No. 6). Plus, didn't the Giants play them tough in the previous two games? Don't we need one underdog covering in Round 2? Could there be something to the whole "Eli looks better on the road than at home" thing? Could the wave of Giants running backs eventually wear Dallas down? What if Dallas needs to keep Jason Witten in to block and T.O. can't go -- who becomes Romo's possession receiver? How good do you feel about Wade Phillips in the playoffs? Couldn't the Giants absolutely win this game outright?

I say yes. And since the Giants are peaking at the right time, it was already a no-brainer to take the points before I realized it would be sweet revenge following a weekend's worth of cranky e-mails from the Tri-State Area. You wanted me to believe in Mr. "8-1 On The Road," Giants fans? Fine! I believe in Eli Manning! I was wrong! Now I'm on the bandwagon and you can't kick me off! Come on, Eli! TAKE US TO THE PROMISED LAND, ELI!!!!!!!!

The Pick: Giants 33, Cowboys 30.

If you want to read the rest of his genius work, here is the link:

Bill Simmons - Page 2

We can't be too greedy. We have 3 very good running backs on the roster, and another who is serviceable (Droughns). I don't know if Ward has shown enough to be able to test the free agent waters because of his injuries. He will probably have the most value in staying with us. If the Giants can keep the trio of Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw intact, I think we have the best group of running backs in the NFL, with apologies to the Chargers (Tomlinson, Turner, Sproles).

And now Angel Pagan.

Right now we are in a good situation. If we lose, we were supposed to lose. Dallas is the #1 seed and has a stacked team that should beat everyone in the NFC. If we win, we've pulled a major upset and Eli is rolling into the NFC championship game, a game we have no business being in. Either way, this season is a success with Eli getting his 1st playoff win and a terrific nucleus of players that are gelling together. No matter what, I expect BIG things in '08.

Yeah, thats what I said, and what I'm sure Blu was saying.

Sorry bud, I must have been drunk or something!

Yeah right now thats garret. Thing is though, even though the Falcons are shitty, the next coach they get will get a team thats ready to accept a coach and battle for him. Plus, he's gonna get a early draft pick with a team that not too long ago was pretty damn good. Draft a QB a Blank is gonna give him time to rebuild.

 

Really isn't a bad job for a young first time head coach.

VG - Garrett is the prettiest girl at the dance right now, IMO. Unless Cowher wants to come back now.

Can we just have a good d-coordinator for more than 1 year for crying out loud?

You tried to correct me by saying "Nice try". Then I corrected your correction. Don't be bitter about it now because your smug remark was proven wrong. Plus, the Chicago game still counts because Petitgout broke his leg in the first quarter. Not that it matters anyway. I never said Deihl was superior to Petitgout as a blocker. He is superior at staying healthy, and not committing false starts. What I said was that the O-line has had their best season THIS year, in large part because Deihl and the rest of the starters have been able to stay healthy. They have not had that kind of continuity in all those other years you mentioned. So are we going to take away the great game he had in the first half vs Atlanta, too because it skews the numbers? The numbers are the numbers. He had a 5+ YPC in the second half. You can try to rework the numbers for them to say what you want to say but it still remains the same. And you still won't acknowledge the fact that Tiki had little help in the 2nd half as Eli was playing terrible ball at that time as well. Unbelievable.

Nice try. Petitgout went down in the Houston game.

FISHGUTMARTYR - Are you serious? If you are willing to completely fabricate one point, how am I going to believe the rest of what you have to say. Luke Petitgout was lost in the Chicago game, week 10, 9th game of the season. I have posted numerous times about the impact of his loss not only in that specific game but on Eli the rest of the season. Here is a link proving it: Petitgout breaks leg.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Giants left tackle Luke Petitgout broke his left leg Sunday night in the first quarter of New York's 38-20 loss to the Chicago Bears.

 

Tiki Barber, who later got hurt as well in the Giants' jarring loss to the Bears, checks on Luke Petitgout after the tackle broke his leg in the first quarter.

 

Petitgout was hurt blocking Alex Brown on a pass play.

Personally, I don't know if you saw the Tiki segment or not on NBC that night. But I don't believe you read the transcript. I've looked online for that transcript fervently and have not been able to find it. If you have access to it, why don't you post it here, then? I don't think you can, just like I don't think you read it. NICE TRY, THOUGH.

Also, the numbers are the numbers. You can't say the numbers are skewed because of one game. The numbers are the numbers. I can say the 1st half numbers are skewed because of the week 6 game against Atlanta. 100 yards is not a magic bench mark. Your claim was that his YPC numbers suffered in the 2nd half of the season after Petitgout down. They didn't, they went slightly up, even though Eli also played his worst ball of the season in the 2nd half as well, thus placing more pressure on Tiki (a point I noticed you completely left alone). This is the second time (at least) I have countered your claims with facts disproving them. And now you say the numbers are skewed? I still don't believe what Tiki said was as a big a deal as what the people on here and the media has made it out to be. I'm confident Tiki genuinely likes Eli and believes in him. You guys don't, and that's cool. I think you want to hate on him because he left the team when he was playing his best ball. Whatever the reason, we can agree to disagree on Tiki. I choose to remember him for the Giant great he was. You can do otherwise, no big deal.

I mean, those Titans teams had a lot more than Wycheck and George. That was Steve McNair in his prime, with a pretty good group of receivers with Derrick Mason and Kevin Dyson among others. George had a lot more help than Tiki.

Your right, he carried that team for 4 seasons.

What am I looking at that says he carried that team for 4 seasons? The 4 pro bowls? I agree, he was "the man" on that offense. I'm talking about the percentage of his teams offensive yardage. Are you about to debate me that George was even close to being Tiki's equal?

Is it really fair to judge Eddie George and Tiki Barber? Two different style of backs

and two totally different schemes they were in. When Eddie George was with the Titans

that was the proverbial "3 yards and a clout of dust" system. It was George and Frank

Wycheck for years in Tennessee.

I'm comparing them because AdmiralAwesome said about George "some would argue was better than Tiki." Regardless of scheme, George was not as versatile, explosive, nor the receiver that Barber was, nor did he carry that offense like Tiki had the past three seasons in terms of percentage of offensive output. It's laughable to make the comparison yes, but in part because Tiki far and away was much better.

eddie george wasn't half bad and some would argue was better than tiki. just because jacobs is a big guy doesn't automatically mean he runs like eddie george. also, tiki had a shortened career so we arent talking about emmitt smith's records here, it's not like jacobs needs to be an elite player for 8 yeras, tiki was only one for 3. i like bradshaw too--a LOT. but jacobs is the superior player and will be taking away carries during the duration of bradshaw's tenure w/ the giants. when was the last time tiki had two tds in a palyoff game? jacobs just scored one more td today than tiki has in his whole playoff career. tiki was a good plalyer but the guy won't even get in the hall of fame, it's not out of the question to say jacobs will be better especially since he's WAY WAY WAY further along than tiki was by his 3rd year

I referenced Eddie George because of his running style. Eddie George was an upright runner who was also very physical, like Brandon Jacobs. It reduced his effectiveness as his career went on. Not only that, but year after year George got worse and worse as the pounding continued to take its toll. I similarly worry about B-Jac taking the same kind of punishment and how that will effect his ability as the years wear on. If anyone thinks George was better than Tiki, they are an idiot. Tiki had a couple of the best seasons in the history of the NFL in terms of yards from scrimmage, only one better I believe was by Marshall Faulk. Tiki was elite for more than 3 seasons. He has six 1000 yard plus seasons, to go with a hell of a lot of receiving yards in those years as well. They had similar rushing totals (George with 10,441 yards to Tiki's 10449 yards) only it took Eddie 9 seasons and over 600(!) more carries to get his than it did for Tiki in really just 6 seasons (given he didn't start his first 3). George's BEST season in YPC was 4.1, worse than Tiki's worse season as the starter. Eddie George has a career YPC of 3.6, to Tiki's 4.7. And of course, Eddie never put of the numbers Tiki did in the passing game. It is not even a comparison.

You are likely right about Tiki not getting into the hall of fame, but if he had played one more season, he probably would've made it. If TC wasn't such a douchebag the last couple of years, he would've likely be playing still and made it. Also, not fair to compare Tiki by his third year because the Giants were still messing around with the Ron Dayne experiment.

Absolutely, especially if you start the post calling all other opinions "dumb." A parenthetical "no offense" is merely damage control. Why should I respect the rest of the post?

You don't think the evil, NY media hasn't tried to pick that scab with Petitgout every chance it got? How about this week? They have, he's been quoted, and there was nothing negative to the level Tiki used. And as I've said, he has greater reason to be negative than Tiki ever had.

 

Using phrases like "comical" is valid analysis? Journalism is truly sinking if you believe that.

You don't find it strange that not only is he not mentioned, but when the press brings him up there is a degree of contempt in the responses?

As I mentioned before, you're right. I should never question Tiki. Ever. I was going to start work on the shrine tonight, but I think I'll wait until tomorrow, and just drive over to the Today studio tonight so I can blow him in the morning.

 

Or maybe Tiki used a supposed friend to advance his career. But no, that would be blasphemy...

But as I've been reminded by fellow "Cult of Tiki" members, they were talking, too; and were quoted AS THEMSELVES.

 

Strahan has also said that Coughlin is the last coach he'll play for, saying it in a manner which made it clear that he respected the man, and he said that before he ever set foot in the stadium this year. Pierce never had a problem with him, as most of the other players that have come in since his arrival feel.

 

So how much of this "change of style" had more to do with dealing with the press than anything else?

Nonsense. This Oline has been nearly completely intact since 2005--minus injuries to Petitgout. The right side, where most of Tiki's big runs came from, hasn't changed AT ALL. In fact, Petitgout was having one of his best seasons last year before the injury. Ignoring the false starts because we are talking strictly about play performance here, I don't see any substantial improvement in runblocking between 2005, 2006(pre-Whitfield, of course), and 2007. That's because it's been one of the better Olines in the league over that time. Even if you consider Diehl a better blocker than Petitigout (which I don't--he's on par in execution, without the penalties and injuries), you have to consider Diehl was Petitigout's guard last year, and Diehl has Seubert--that's not an upgrade.

 

Whitfield sucked, and Barber's YPC reflected that in the second half of the year. So what was the point?

 

Even the 2004 line was a lot better than its press: It's runblocking was just fine, and the sacks dropped off considerably once Warner hit the bench. Ian Allen was a long time ago, but you'd think Tiki toiled with him over his last three years...

 

Pure rushing--the group is Tiki's equal. It's the receiving that needs work. And even that's more on Jacobs than Ward--too early to tell with Bradshaw. In fact, I like it better this way than last year: our running game and offense doesn't fall apart when one player is injured, which was always a risk when Tiki was the show. And no, I'm not faulting Tiki for that; I just don't need to twitch as much when one of those guys gets up a little slow as I did when Tiki went down.

Unwarranted and unfounded? Did he say what he said? Did he write what he wrote? That's more like denial of the fact our football god is a media whore.

 

But you guys are right: He's better than Jim Brown. I should feel shame admiring guys like Joe Morris and Rodney Hampton.

A lot of assumptions in this last post. And yes, if you saw the complete segment and how he said what he said, you wouldn't think that he was slamming Eli. I did, you didn't, and hence your opinion is founded on incomplete information. You make valid points about how you prefer the rushing attack this year to last. However, given that the same players were there with Tiki with the exception of Bradshaw, you shouldn't have needed to worry so much if Tiki got up a little gimpy, then, right? Unless it was because you knew Tiki was significantly better than the guys behind him. I categorically disagree that the offensive line was as good as it's been this year. This has definitely been their best year together. And this year's group has played more as a cohesive unit. Not saying that they weren't good in years past, they have been, but this has been their best year easily. The mere lack of injuries on the starting OL has made this unit the best it's been in years past alone.

Whitfield sucked, and Barber's YPC reflected that in the second half of the year. So what was the point?

Incorrect. Tiki's YPC average was 4.8 in games with Petitgout (first 8 games) and 5.3 YPC after his injury. I can tell that most of your argument is based on similar assumptions about Tiki off the field that are likewise incorrect. What's even more amazing about that stat is that the second half is where Eli played his worst ball, and Tiki was statistically better even with a worse passing game and with a 2nd string LT. And you are seriously not comparing Ward and Bradshaw to the receiving threat Tiki was, are you? You are talking about the Giants career receiving leader when he retired. For crying out loud, Bradshaw is still a rook. And I'm being the homer?

Also, I agree with you that the group is Tiki's equal. It has taken all 3 players to replace Tiki, like I said before. And I'm not saying don't question Tiki, but don't ignore the answers either. If you're going to question him, at least look at all the information to see where he's coming from, instead of taking the spoon-fed ESPN answer.

Btw, Tiki has also said on numerous occasions that he has a great deal of respect for Tom Coughlin as well, but you didn't read that in your ESPN article, did you?

I don't have a problem, I just write what I see.

Personally, I'm over Tiki and could care less what he says at this point

during the season.

 

Media creates? Isn't Tiki part of the media?

Yes, Tiki is part of the media. So it's his job to answer questions that might not ordinarily be posed to former Giants players. However, in this particular case (the Eli comments) the specific part of the media that took his comments out of context was ESPN, not Eli. Perhaps Foxsports as well but I specifically remember ESPN blowing it up and then sticking a microphone in front of Eli's face about it, among others, when in actuality, the totality of what he said was generally complimentary toward Eli. In short, ESPN packaged some quotes taken out of context in a negative light and served it up to Eli, probably because they didn't have that much to write about that day.

For the record, I regret using the "too dumb" comment. I should've said that some people didn't see the segment in question and therefore are forming an opinion without having all the pertinent information. But I didn't single anyone out. I have a lot of respect for the vast majority of the posters' on this board's intelligence.

Kumbaya.

I think the biggest thing that came from this is that he CAN win

a playoff game.

Agreed.

Tiki's agent posts on this board too?

What is your problem, Golfin'? I've never had a problem with you before. I was making what I think is a valid point... that the media creates these stories that villainizes Tiki and people buy into it. AA asked me questions, I assumed he wanted an answer so I did. Go ahead and and hate Tiki if you want to. To me, though, it makes me think that our fans are not much better than the Philly fans that are running a pro bowl QB out of town. I defend Tiki because I think he should be remembered for all he did for our organization, which was considerable. I also think he's a hell of a guy for a lot of the things he's done off the field. He should be remembered positively, not negatively because the media takes a few quotes out of context and makes a disingenous story out of it. It shows me that our fans are too sensitive and rather petty as well, in light of what Tiki gave to the organization.

Here's some of Tiki's words defending himself:

Automatically, people who had in that locker room any doubts about Eli Manning being a leader when he came after Barber all said, 'Now that's what it takes to become a full-time NFL quarterback.' So I was real proud of him for that."

Five hours later, Manning seemed less like a leader again and Barber was taping a segment on Manning for "Football Night in America." He said the first two interceptions were not Manning's fault. But he also said Manning has had trouble since his rookie year operating with pressure in his face.

Later, off the air, Barber said the Giants' fast start was no mystery:

They're relatively healthy. Tom Coughlin relates better. They have a "new defensive coordinator who guys like. I don't think it's a secret how much the team disliked Tim Lewis." And they have a "new offensive coordinator [Kevin Gilbride] who understands Eli and is better equipped."

What about Barber's absence? "It has nothing to do with the fact I'm not there, that I was a cancer," he said.

"I don't know what they're talking about, because it wasn't the case. I don't even know why people say what they're saying. Maybe it's fashionable. But it's revisionist history, it honestly is ... The guy who is not there is an easy scapegoat."

Barber insisted he is not bothered by any of it, rather that "it's humorous." When he noted (correctly) that there are few specific examples of his being critical last year, I told him many assume he also was one of the sources of anonymous quotes harshly critical of Coughlin.

"That's your perception, and it's false," he said. "I'm telling you it's not true. I deal in facts and the facts are off, I think ... It's all revisionist history. It's hypocritical to point the finger at one person."

With the Giants threatening another late flop and NBC set to showcase them against the Redskins on Dec. 16, NBC is sure to give Barber more forums to talk about his old team.

"I have an intimate knowledge of the Giants and it would be irresponsible of [producer] Mike Weisman not to buy into that," he said. "My job is to tell it like it is. And that's what I do.'

tiki won't be the best for long

If you're suggesting that Jacobs will be his superior then I think you are mistaken. Jacobs most reminds me of Eddie George with his physical upright style. Because of that style, Eddie battled injury and eventual ineffectiveness due to being worn down. We've seen B-Jac miss a lot of games just this year because of the pounding he takes. I personally don't believe Jacobs will be able to sustain his career long enough at a high enough level to eclipse Tiki's accomplishments because of the beating he takes, and he will never be the receiver that Tiki was. Bradshaw has a better chance at besting Tiki's marks rather than Jacobs.

Sorry we're so dumb we realize Tiki is part of the media now. Didn't read your novella, too dumb to do that.

 

I'll ask my question again: Where is the "unnamed player" that was quoted oh so often the last few years?

 

A few more questions for you, since you have all the answers:

 

1) Where have Pettigout's tirades been against Coughlin, or Reese for that matter? He definitely has more reason to have quotes like that in the press. He talks about getting "even" on the playing field, but he isn't trashing individuals, is he?

 

2) Can you point to a quote from a player on this team, offense or defense, that states they miss Tiki? Hell, Pierce has been openly contemptuous.

 

3) Why was Toomer, who thought he was a friend of Tiki's, say this about Tiki's comments about Manning?

 

Read it yourself.

Jacobs broke a thousand yards missing 4-5 games behind that line this season. Ward was running well behind it, and so has Bradshaw. Barber was a good player for us, but where is the credit to the oline? Do you really think it coincidence that he had his best seasons once the front office upgraded the linemen? Bet you do, and that's exactly what Tiki needs you to think.

Well you didn't read my "novella" but want to criticize the comments you didn't read?

I do have answers for your questions:

1) You correctly stated that Tiki IS part of the media now. Who knows if Petitgout HAS said things or not. If he did, nobody would know, because nobody really cares what a big left tackle has to say on the Tampa Bay Bucs. People care what Tiki says because he is a star and is in the national spotlight. If you had read my earlier post, you would see that Tiki's "comments" are being taken out of context. He has been complimentary of Manning overall and has given credit to Coughlin for helping him. The media is creating the story by taking blurbs out of context and baiting Manning and the fans, and it has worked. Secondly, Tiki's job is to answer questions honestly and provide analysis. That is his job now. If what he said was untruthful, I would condemn him just like you.

2) What kind of question is this? And who cares if they do or don't? Players move on with the other 52 guys in the locker room anyways. There is no point to this question.

3) Look at Amani's quote. That is exactly why you should question the media, not Tiki. Even Amani was puzzled because it seemingly wasn't like Tiki and he said he thought they were friends. It's a media thing, specifically ESPN that made something out of nothing. Amani got duped just like everyone else who didn't watch the segment on NBC where the comments were made.

As far as the other question about the "unnamed player"... it is foolhearty to just assume that the unnamed player was the same person every time. Additionally, your suggestion that because Tiki is gone now and supposedly that practice has stopped, that it is obviously because Tiki is no longer there. Need I remind you there are plenty of other players that were part of the 2006 team that are not on the currrent team. Doesn't have to be Tiki. Also, could it be that those issues are not as much of a concern this year because Tom Coughlin changed his style and now treats his players like professionals instead of kids that need to be micromanaged? Very possible.

Lastly, about the O-line, Deihl's emergence at LT alone has improved the O-line from this year to last. Petitgout, when fully healthy, was pretty good but if you remember missed the entire 2nd half of last season. He also made too many penalties but I digress. We had old-ass Bob Whitfield at LT for the 2nd half starting and he sucked big time. And Tiki STILL dominated. I give a lot of credit to the offensive line THIS YEAR for being a better unit than last year. But yes, I will agree that the offensive line was still good last year and of course contributed greatly to Tiki's success. However, you're not suggesting that Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw are Tiki's equal, are you? Because Tiki stayed healthy, unlike the other 3 have, caught passes out of the backfield consistently (unlike Jacobs in particular) AND blocked well. In short, it has taken 3 players this year to replace ONE Tiki of last year. And that's not to slight our boys that are doing the job now. I love those guys and they are doing a great job. But Tiki is an all-time great.

I think you think that because of that though I am dismissing the criticism being directed at him. I'm dismissing the criticism because it's unwarranted and unfounded. It has nothing to do with how great Tiki was when he played. I never have a problem with honesty. There is nothing wrong with what Tiki has said and his comments again should be evaluated with the full context, which you and his other critics have not done.

Sorry, but I disagree. On the road, playoffs, 2nd half, about to go up at least 10, possibly 14, you are trying to kill the clock as much as possible, in any way possible.

3rd quarter is way to early for that. That is precisely how you "play not to lose." It's a good thing you're not a a coach.

Enough Tiki bashing. Some of you guys are too dumb (no offense) to see past the bs of the media. The media creates this story by taking Tiki's comments out of context. On the same radio show, Tiki was complimentary overall of Eli. On the NBC interview where he supposedly "bashed" Eli, again, Tiki was complimentary overall. The media (ESPN) grabs one quote out of context and runs a story with a headline like "Tiki Slams Eli". It's BS. Then Eli feels he has to respond to it and there's another story. Guess what? ESPN wins, because now they have created a feud that wasn't there and they have a story to write about. There is nothing wrong with anything Tiki has said. Coughlin was a dickhead before this year. Players hated him in Jacksonville and they eventually had to get rid of him because the players didn't want to play for him, and free agents didn't want to come to J-ville, either. He did the same thing in NY. Damn, Strahan was critical of Coughlin, too when he got fined for being only 5 minutes early to a meeting. Another thing, Tiki has ALWAYS given credit to Coughlin with helping him in his career and his fumbling problem. But another thing, Tiki is mostly responsible for his excellence. He was a hard worker, always came to play in impeccable shape, played hurt, was pretty durable, and studied his opponent religiously. To hate on Tiki now is a slap in the face to one of the greatest Giants of all time. When Tiki is asked a question, he gives an honest answer. I like that. I'm tired of all the friggin' cliches athletes always use to avoid an answer.

Tiki said in his book, "Tom Coughlin stole my joy of playing football." So? Coughlin changed his ways this year to be more player friendly. If his approach was so great, why did he change? He changed a year to late, though. Everybody knew Coughlin was a jerk in years past. I have no problem with what Tiki said and blame Coughlin, not Tiki. Coughlin should've treated Tiki like the veteran professional that he was, instead of treating him like a rookie kid like he did ALL his players in years past. But again Tiki has ALWAYS given the credit to TC for helping him turn his career around. Tiki also said that when he turned over the rah-rah responsibilities to Eli, it was like he didn't feel comfortable with it and it looked kind of comical. Again so what. I can see what he's saying. It's Opie who rarely shows emotion. He shouldn't be the rah-rah leader. He also said that he was inconsistent and still needed to prove that he could be a leader on the team (paraphrase). HE WAS and DID! What the media didn't bother to report is that IMMEDIATELY after he said this he also said he believed that Eli could do it and would do it. Overall, Eli has been complementary of Eli. But the media only takes the negative stuff out and throws it in your face. It's the media that is being the asshole, not Tiki. What is he supposed to say, "Yeah Eli is a clear Pro Bowler and the Giants will definitely have a dynasty with him leading the way." Eli had not shown that to be the case at that point and still hasn't. This year his rating is right there with Joey friggin' Harrington. He's asked a question, he gives a straight answer. That used to be respectable. Eli should say, "he's right, I'm working very hard to become that leader and improve my game." But the media doesn't give Eli the full context of what Tiki said either, so he feels jilted when there was none intended. Back off of Tiki and think for yourselves for a minute.

I have to say, the play didn't work but to just say generically run the ball on 1st down, just because we had a 1 td lead? No, I don't agree with that. Part of your argument Mickeef is that we should be running time off the clock there? That's ridiculous. It was the first possession of the second half, with a 1 score lead. You don't start killing clock until midway through the 4th quarter at the earliest in a game that is still relatively close. If you don't like the fade route in particular, ok, fine. But I have no problem with them taking a shot through the air. Just saying run the ball, run the ball, run the ball is not going to work. If they see something to exploit, they should go for it. A good offense is unpredictable and has balance. No matter who you have, Brandon Jacobs or whoever, nobody is consistently going to be successful against 8 in the box. That is why Brandon couldn't run in the 1st quarter. When we had the most balance, that is when B-Jac, Bradshaw, and Eli were the most successful. To finish up the thought, no problem with passing in that spot. You have to be aggressive and play to win the game there (thank you Herm), and eating up clock in that situation should not even enter your head as a play caller.

Getting back to Webster, he shadowed Galloway on some deep routes where he was just right there. Here's one of the fastest WRs in the NFL (still) and Webster was with him all the way. I thought the secondary as a unit had their best game of the season and we will need the same effort from them in Dallas next week. If we get it, we are going to the NFC title game.

Gotta give it to Eli on offense, but Amani Toomer also deserves a lot of credit.

On Defense, definitely to Corey Webster, played a great game filling in for Madison.