Giants-Jets Final Score: Giants Win Battle Of New York, 29-14

Sunday's 29-14 loss to the New York Giants made it a bit tougher for the New York Jets to make the AFC playoffs. However, there's still a good chance that Gang Green can sneak in, but they will need some help.

The only way the Jets can get into the playoff is if they defeat the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 and both the Cincinnati Bengals, who play the visiting Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders, who hosts the San Diego Chargers, each lose.

If the Jets win and the Bengals lose, but the Raiders win, Oakland will earn the No. 6 playoff spot because it owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over New York. If the Jets win and the Raiders lose, but Bengals win, Cincinnati is in the playoffs.

If all three teams lose next Sunday, then again Cincinnati earns the AFC's last playoff spot.

AFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders
New England Patriots (12-3) Clinched Division
Baltimore Ravens (11-4) Clinched Playoff Berth
Houston Texans (10-5) Clinched Division
Tied: Denver Broncos (8-7) and Oakland Raiders (8-7)

Wild-Card
Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4) Cliched Playoff Berth
Cincinnati Bengals (9-6)

In The Hunt
New York Jets (8-7)
Tennessee Titans (8-7)

Sunday's 29-14 victory over the New York Jets makes the NFC playoff scenario for the New York Giants very simple: beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17 and you're in. Lose and starting making tee times for Monday -- of course, those tee times probably would need to be made in a warmer climate.

As for the rest of the NFC, on Sunday the Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles were all eliminated from playoff contention. The Detroit Lions clinched their first playoff berth since 1999 with a dominating 38-10 victory over the San Diego Chargers. Meanwhile, two teams hanging onto their playoff lives are: the Atlanta Falcons play Monday night against the New Orleans Saints, and the Chicago Bears, who play at the Green Bay Packers Sunday night.

Here's the latest look at the NFC Playoff Picture:

Division Leaders
Green Bay Packers (13-1) Clinched Division
New Orleans Saints (11-3) Clinched Playoff Berth
San Francisco 49ers (12-3) Clinched Division
Tied: Dallas Cowboys (8-7) and New York Giants (8-7)

Wild-Card
Detroit Lions (10-5) Clinched Playoff Berth
Atlanta Falcons (9-5)

In The Hunt
Chicago Bears (7-7)

A collective cheer among New York Giants fans could be heard around 5 p.m. ET Sunday when Dallas Cowboys starting quarterback Tony Romo left the field holding his right throwing hand. Replays showed Romo's hand releasing the football and then hitting the helmet of oncoming pass rusher, Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Jason Babin.

Despite X-rays being negative and him pleading with coaches to return, Romo never did and now Cowboys fans, who watched their team fall in a meaningless game against their NFL East rival, 20-7, now have to wait a full seven days to ponder how their quarterback's hand will heal as Dallas prepares for a winner-take-all-finale against the Giants next Sunday.

"I'll be fine," Romo said. "I think just took a hit from the helmet. We're going to be all right though."

The news of Romo's injury was just icing on the cake for Giants fans, who witnessed Sunday their inconsistent team putting together a solid game in a victory over the New York Jets, 29-14. Because of their victory, the Giants (8-7) now will host the Cowboys (8-7) next Sunday (8:20 p.m. on FOX) at MetLife Stadium, and the winner gets to the NFC East division title and advance to the playoffs, while the loser can begin starting tee times for Monday.

Check back to SB Nation New York for more updates on the Giants Vs. Cowboys Week 17 match up. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Rex Ryan is known for being brash and outspoken, but when you lose, that can sometimes blow up in your face. Ryan spent most of the week reiterating how important it was for the New York Jets to defeat the New York Giants and become the kings of football in the Big Apple, but his team wasn't able to back up his words, and after the Giants' 29-14 victory on Saturday, Ryan and Brandon Jacobs got into a verbal altercation as the teams walked off the field.

Here, according to both Jacobs and an independent source, is a bit of what was exchanged between the two:

Rex Ryan and Brandon Jacobs got into it after the game. Jacobs said "I told him to shut the f--- up." Ryan then told him "Go f--- yourself."

— Ralph Vacchiano (@TheBlueScreen) December 24, 2011

Our photog heard Brandon Jacobs saying to Rex Ryan coming off the field: "It's time to shut up, fat boy." #nyg

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 24, 2011

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

Forget the ‘Big Brother/Little Brother’ stuff between the New York Giants and New York Jets. What mattered the most in Saturday’s 29-14 season-saving victory by the Giants was that they made the big plays that mattered while Mark Sanchez and the Jets came up small.

The biggest play by the Giants was a 99-yard catch-and-run by Victor Cruz, the Giants electrifying second-year wide receiver. On third-and-10 from the Giants’ one-yard line Cruz caught a pass from quarterback Eli Manning, made two Jets miss at the 10-yard line and went 90 more yards to give the Giants a 10-7 lead with 2:37 left in the first half.

After having been thoroughly outplayed in the first half the Giants had the lead. They never let it go.

Late in the third quarter another huge play from Cruz set up the Giants next touchdown. This time Cruz made a 36-yard reception down the right sideline to put the Giants at the Jets’ 42-yard line.

A 28-yard run by Brandon Jacobs and a punishing 14-yard run by Ahmad Bradshaw for a score gave the Giants a 17-7 lead.

Sanchez, the often criticized Jets quarterback, could not seize the moment in the fourth quarter. He was intercepted twice, made several other questionable throws and he and center Nick Mangold botched a snap at the Giants’ two-yard line. The ball was recovered by Jacquian Williams of the Giants in the end zone.

With 2:24 left and the Jets within one touchdown at 20-14 they let the game get away from them. Sanchez was sacked for a safety by Chris Canty to make it 22-14.

The Giants then made a game-sealing play after recovering an onside kick following the safety. Bradshaw went 19 yards for the game-clinching score.

To add insult to injury Corey Webster intercepted Sanchez one final time on the Jets’ final possession.

The big-play offense has been there all season for the Giants, though usually it has been Manning leading the way. This time it was Cruz, and — in the second half — it was the Giants’ running backs.

The Giants defense played quite possibly its best game, allowing the Jets just one more score after a game-opening touchdown drive.

The Jets, on the other hand, had the advantage of the home field with MetLife Stadium decked out in green but could not take advantage of it. While the Giants look forward to playing for an NFC East title next week the Jets can only wonder if their season is now lost.

In a game both teams desperately needed to win, the New York Giants made the big plays and came away with a 29-14 victory over the New York Jets Saturday at MetLife Stadium.

With the victory the Giants (8-7) guaranteed that they will play for the NFC East title next Sunday at home against the Dallas Cowboys. The victory by the Giants eliminated the Philadelphia Eagles from the playoffs and makes the outcome of the Eagles-Cowboys game meaningless.

The Jets (8-7) have now lost control of their playoff destiny. The Cincinnati Bengals (9-6) defeated the Arizona Cardinals 23-16, Saturday. If the Bengals win their season-finale next Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens the Jets cannot make the playoffs.

The Jets have to defeat the Miami Dolphins on New Year’s Day and hope that the Bengals fall to the Ravens.

The Giants scored the game’s final nine points. Leading 20-14 the Giants got a safety when Chris Canty sacked Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in the end zone for a 22-14 lead with 2:24 left.

After rthe Giants recovered an onside kick by the Jets Ahmad Bradshaw sealed the victory by running 19 yards off right tackle for a touchdown and a 29-14 lead with 2:13 remaining.

This was largely an ugly offensive game. Giants quarterback Eli Manning completed only nine-of-27 passes for 225 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Manning, though, did connect with Victor Cruz on a game-changing 99-yard touchdown late in the first half to give the Giants a 10-7 lead.

Sanchez completed 30-of-59 passes for 258 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions for the Jets.

It wasn't easy, but the New York Jets have narrowed what looked to be a commanding New York Giants lead to 20-14. The Jets scored their second touchdown on the day on a one-yard touchdown run by Mark Sanchez with 7:17 left in the fourth, which came after a Giants penalty on 3rd & 12 that brought the ball down to the one yard line.

It looked as if the Giants had the game locked up early in the fourth after a Sanchez fumble gave the Giants the ball with a two score lead and under 10 minutes to go. But on first down the Giants elected to throw, and Eli Manning's pass was deflected into the hands of David Harris, who returned the ball to the Giants 11.

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

A 14-yard touchdown run by running back Ahmad Bradshaw has helped the New York Giants increase their lead on the New York Jets, 17-7, as the Week 16 match up enter the fourth quarter. Bradshaw's seventh touchdown of the season capped a 4-play, 81-yard drive that was highlighted by a 36-yard reception by wide receiver Victor Cruz from Eli Manning. The catch also helped Cruz the franchise mark for receiving yards in a season (1,322).

In the second quarter, Cruz caught a pass from Manning and run 99 yards into the end zone to help give the Giants a 10-7 advantage.

If the Giants hang on then the regular-season finale against the Dallas Cowboys is battle for the NFC East division title and a playoff berth. The Jets are hoping to comeback and keep their hopes of making the AFC playoff alive. A loss would make it very difficult for them to earn a playoff bid.

The Jets will begin the fourth quarter with the ball on their own 20-yard line and facing a 3rd-and-9situation.

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

A record-setting 99-yard touchdown reception by wide receiver Victor Cruz from quarterback Eli Manning has helped the New York Giants earn a 10-7 halftime lead over the and New York Jets in a New York state rival game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Cruz's eighth touchdown of the season was the longest in franchise history and gave the Giants, who were facing a 3rd-and-10 situation from their own 1-yard line, a huge boost of momentum heading into the locker room.

Trailing 7-0 after the first quarter, the Giants (7-7) began the second quarter by capping a nine-play, 53-yard drive with a 21-yard field goal by kicker Lawrence Tynes, who trimmed the Jets lead to 7-3 with 11:51 to go in the first half.

With 2:27 to go in the half, the Jets marched down the field and setup a 41-yard field goal by kicker Nick Folk, who missed it wide right.

Statistically, Manning has completed 7-of-18 passes for 181 yards, while Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez is 18-of-28 for 145yards and a touchdown, which came in the first quarter and helped the Jets take an early 7-0 advantage.

Cruz has two catches for 128 yards.

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

A five-yard touchdown catch from tight end Josh Baker from quarterback Mark Sanchez has helped the New York Jets take an early lead on the New York Giants, which trail 7-0 after one quarter of play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. Baker's first touchdown of the season capped a 10-play, 53-yard drive that featured Sanchez completing five passes to five different receivers. The winner of this game drastically improves their chances to earn a playoff berth.

The Jets' touchdown came after the Giants (7-7) were forced to a three-and-out on their first possession of the game. In their first offensive three possessions, the Giants' offense failed to move the ball into Jets' territory and punted three times.

On their second possession of the game, the Jets got just one first down, but were forced to punt after a 3rd-and-4 couldn't be converted.

The Giants will begin the second quarter just inside Jets territory.

Before the game, in a show of gamesmanship Jets head coach Rex Ryan sent only wide receiver Plaxico Burress out for the coin toss. Also, according to a Tweet by Newsday's Neil Best, the home-team crowd (Jets) did a good job of showing up and keeping ticket out of the Giants fans' hands.

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham, who had been doubtful for Saturday's game against the New York Jets with a knee injury, will be inactive.

Other Giants inactives for Saturday are tight end Jake Ballard (knee), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee), linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle), center Jim Cordle, defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy and offensive tackle James Brewer.

Bear Pascoe will start at tight end for the Giants.

The Jets' inactives are quarterback Kevin OConnell, wide receiver Eron Riley, cornerback Marquice Cole, safety Gerald Alexander, tackle Austin Howard, defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua and defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis.

Saturday's meeting is crucial for both teams, who control their own destinies with two games remaining in the season. The Giants will win the NFC East if they finish the season with two consecutive wins, while winning out would give the Jets an AFC Wild Card berth.

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

Running back Joe McKnight and defensive back Marquice Cole are both questionable for Saturday's game against the New York Giants. Everyone else listed on the Jets' injury report is probable.

Full New York Jets Injury Report, Week 16:

Questionable:

Defensive back Marquice Cole (knee)

Running back Joe McKnight (shoulder/elbow)

Probable:

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress (illness)

Defensive lineman Mike DeVito (knee)

Offensive lineman Vlad Ducasse (knee)

Running back Shonn Greene (rib/shoulder)

Linebacker David Harris (non-injury related)

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes (hip)

Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley (illness)

Offensive lineman Brandon Moore (hip)

Defensive lineman Ropati Pitoitua (hand)

Quarterback Mark Sanchez (neck)

Offensive lineman Caleb Schlauderaff (knee)

Defensive back Eric Smith (knee)

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

Three New York Giants have been ruled out of Saturday's tilt against the New York Jets.

Tight end Jake Ballard (knee), defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee) and linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle) will all miss Saturday's game, which is crucial to the Giants' playoff chances.

Wide receiver Mario Manningham (knee) is doubtful for the game, running back D.J. Ware (knee) is questionable and a host of players -- center David Baas (neck), tight end Travis Beckum (chest), wide receiver Devin Thomas (neck), tight end Bear Pascoe (ribs), safety Derrick Martin (back) and running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) -- are all considered probable. 

Coach Tom Coughlin said Manningham will be a game-time decision. The receiver had swelling in his knee on Thursday.

Bradshaw has said that he expects to play. 

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

The New York Giants expect to see David Baas playing center on Saturday against the New York Jets. Baas has missed three games in a row due to a neck injury and intense headaches. Baas believes he will be ready to go this weekend.

"That's my plan," Baas said. "We're still continuing to go out there and practice and go normal routine, check in with the doctors and make sure everything is good. As far as I'm concerned, that's my view that I'm going to be out there." (via ESPN New York)

Giants head coach Tom Coughlin had said on Wednesday that Baas status was touch and go. However, after today, Coughlin might be leaning toward putting Baas back in as the starter.

he seemed to indicate on Thursday that Baas would be back at center and Kevin Boothe, who has started the last three games at center, would be sliding to left guard. (via ESPN New York)

For more coverage of the Giants vs. Jets matchup, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog Gang Green Nation.

Jeremy Kerley returned to practice on Thursday as the New York Jets continued preparation for the New York Giants, and the wide receiver participated fully after missing the previous two sessions due to illness.

Fellow wide receiver Plaxico Burress also recovered from illness enough to make a return to full participation. Burress was limited in practice on Wednesday.

Kerley's return is important for New York's special teams. He regained New York's starting punt return job after Jim Leonhard suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Running back Joe McKnight (shoulder/elbow) was again limited on Thursday and Rex Ryan said he will likely be a game-time decision on Saturday. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes (hip), defensive back Eric Smith (knee), defensive back Marquice Cole (knee) and defensive linemen Mike DeVito (knee) were also limited on Thursday. Ryan said Cole may not play, but DeVito will.

Mark Sanchez (neck) practiced fully for the second straight day. 

Linebacker David Harris was the only Jet not to participate in the practice. He missed the session for non-injury related reasons and Ryan said he will play on Saturday.

For more New York Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog, Gang Green Nation. 

Here is the most amazing thing about an injury udpate regarding the condition of New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck — there are no injuries to report.

Tuck, the Giants’ Pro Bowl end and defensive captain, has dealt with a myriad of injuries this season. He has groin, neck, shoulder, ankle and toe injuries — all of which have contributed to a sub-par season for a player who had been acknowledged as the Giants’ best defensive player the past couple of seasons.

Now, though, Tuck’s name does not appear on the Giants’ injury report. He has practiced fully so far this week as the Giants prepare for what could be a season-defining game Saturday against the New York Jets.

Tuck said Thursday that he feels “Tony the Tiger great.”

Asked about the meaning of Saturday’s game, and all of the back-and-forth between players on both sides this week, Tuck put everything in its proper perspective:

“I could care less about bragging rights. The last time I checked the mayor of New York ran the city. New Jersey, Governor Christie, doesn’t he have a lot to say with what goes on in New Jersey? I didn’t see me making any rulings on anything. Rex Ryan either. We have a lot of catching up to do. What is it, 27 rings now the Yankees have? They run New York if you want to talk about running New York,” Tuck said.

“Win. That’s all that matters. Win. We don’t need to play good. We just need to win. I don’t care what happens. Make sure that we have more points than they have. That’s the mentality.”

The New York Giants injury report remained mostly status quo on Thursday. Ahmad Bradshaw was noticeably absent from Thursday's practice, but he is expected to play in the game and told reporters his status is nothing to be concerned with.

"Just to get it over with," Bradshaw said on why he practiced on Wednesday this week instead of Thursday. "I want to be as healthy as I can for this game and want to freshen up on a lot of things to be prepared."     

Here's the complete rundown of the Giants' Thursday injury report, Week 16:

Did Not Practice

TE Jake Ballard (knee)

RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot)

LB Mark Herzlich (ankle)

WR Mario Manningham (knee)

DE Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee)

RB D.J. Ware (knee)

Limited at Practice

C David Baas (neck)

TE Travis Beckum (chest)

S Derrick Martin (back)

TE Bear Pascoe (ribs)

WR Devin Thomas (neck)

See Big Blue View for complete discussion and analysis of the Giants as they prepare for this week's game against the Jets.    

Cornerback Darrell Revis fired the latest round of trash talk leading up to the New York Giants-New York Jets game.

Responding to comments from Giants wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, the Jets' Revis said Saturday's game can only be decided on the field.

"I don't even know who this guy is, really. So, no," Revis said on whether the comments made by Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks got him revved up. "Whoever said what. I'm not entertaining it. If I wanted to watch entertainment I'd look to a reality show or something. Watch TV.

"It don't matter what I say, it doesn't matter what other receivers say, if it's on paper, it's on paper. You have to go out there and play on Sundays and you have to prove it. You just gotta prove it."

Nicks and Cruz both tried to downplay Revis' effect on games, with Cruz asserting that nobody considers Revis scary anymore.

When read that specific comment, Revis joked: "I mean I'm not a monster so why would anybody be scared? I don't know."    

For more New York Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog, Gang Green Nation.

You can be forgiven for thinking that the New York Jets and the New York Giants were playing in the Super Bowl based solely on the level of trash talk happening this week. Giants head coach Tom Coughlin responded to Rex Ryan’s blustery about the Jets being a better team earlier in the week with a simple “talk is cheap” statement today. Ryan responded in kind, as he is wont to do.

Ryan defended his assertion in the face of Coughlin’s remarks at his Wednesday press conference.

That is the old saying. Talk is cheap, money buys whiskey. I understand all of that. You know, that’s the truth. I don’t care about Tom Coughlin or anybody else. I know how I believe. I don’t care if it’s acceptable in everybody’s opinion. I really don’t care. I’m worried about my opinion. This is how I feel. Quite honestly, I could care less what anybody thinks.

Both teams will have their backs up against the wall on Saturday. The Jets, at 8-6, are battling for a wildcard spot in the AFC. The Giants, at 7-7, have a tougher route to the playoffs, trailing Dallas by a game for the lead in the NFC East.

If the level of chatter ahead of this game is any indication, it should be fun.

I guess today must have ‘Wide Recevers Trash Cornerbacks Day’ in the locker rooms of both the New York Giants and New York Jets. Receivers for both teams today had disparaging things to say about the guys who will be covering them Saturday afternoon.

A little surprisingly, the Giants took a couple of shots at Jets all-everything cornerback Darrelle Revis. Hakeem Nicks of the Giants said Revis is “decent.” Victor Cruz said “Teams aren’t really scared (of Revis) any more. They’re going to try. He’s got to earn his money this year.”

Both Cruz and Nicks have more than 1,000 receiving yards this season, so they have a right to feel good about themselves.

Jets receiver Santonio Holmes also took some shots at the Giants beleaguered secondary today — all of which were on the money. The Giants are the league’s 29th-ranked pass defense.

“They’ve given up big plays,” Holmes said. “They are poor tackling guys. We know plays can be made over their head, we’ve just got to be willing to take advantage of them and make them count.”

Only two more days of trash talk before these teams actually get to play. Saturday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff can’t get here fast enough.

The New York Jets special teams unit remains a question mark entering Saturday's meeting with the New York Giants.

Wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, who regained New York's starting punt return job when safety Jim Leonhard suffered a season-ending knee injury, has missed the past two practices with an undisclosed illness. Kyle Wilson or Antonio Cromartie could fill the role if Kerley is unable to play Saturday.

Joe McKnight, who hasn't been able to return kickoffs since injuring his elbow, injured his shoulder this weekend and seems unlikely to return kicks again this weekend. McKnight did participate in a limited fashion at practice on Wednesday, but Cromartie will likely continue to return kicks. 

Wide receiver Plaxico Burress was limited in practice by an undisclosed illness of his own. Quarterback Mark Sanchez (neck) participated fully, but offensive lineman Brandon Moore (hip) and cornerback Marquice Cole (knee) were both limited. 

For more New York Jets coverage, visit our team page or our blog, Gang Green Nation. 

As he has had to do seemingly all season, New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin spent much of his Wednesday session with the media discussing the long list of injured players on the team’s roster.

- The most troublesome position right now is tight end, with all three of the team’s tight ends battling injury. Starter Jake Ballard (knee) did not practice Wednesday and likely will not play against the New York Jets on Saturday. Bear Pascoe (ribs) and Travis Beckum (chest) did practice and Coughlin said the team would monitor them before deciding on whether to sign another tight end.

- Linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle) is running on a treadmill, but not practicing.

- Center David Baas (neck) is practicing, but Coughlin would not commit to re-inserting him into the starting lineup. He said “we’ll see how that works out” when asked if he would leave Kevin Boothe at center and Mitch Petrus at guard.

- Wide receiver Mario Manninghan (knee) and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle) did not practice. Devin Thomas (burner) and Derrick Martin (back) did practice.

In terms of personality, New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin is about as different from New York Jets coach Rex Ryan as is possible. Thus, it’s no surprise that Coughlin wanted no part of getting involved in any trash talk with Ryan when he spoke with reporters Wednesday.

“I just say, regardless of the talk, it will be decided at one o’clock Saturday afternoon. Regardless of what is said. Talk is cheap, play the game. That is the way I’ve always believed,” Coughlin said. “Just try to win the game, that is what is important to me. Us winning the game, and it will be one of those knock-down, drag-out games without a doubt. Our focus is completely on preparing our team.”

That is classic Coughlin, answering Ryan’s bombardment of shots about not playing “second fiddle” or being the “little brother” with a simple thought — let’s not talk, let’s just play.

The New York Giants and the New York Jets are gearing up for a major NFC East showdown on Saturday. There are big playoff implications at stake and, as to be expected, personal bragging rights.

Rex Ryan, in typical Rex Ryan fashion, took some time on Monday to talk about his belief that the Jets have been the New York team to beat for two years now. Giants coach Tom Coughlin, as usual, refused to take the bait.

Following practice on Tuesday, Ryan attempted to clarify some of his earlier comments, but stuck to his guns regarding his opinion of the relative ability of the two teams.

It's pretty well noted that I came in here, when I got this job, I want to be the team that people talk about. I want to be the better team. I've only been here three years now. So, I've mentioned from the whole time since I got here that I want to be the best team and expect to be the best team for the next 10 years. I recognize the rich tradition of Giants football. There's no question. And I'm not trying to take a run at the Giants or a shot at the Giants. I want to be the best team in the National Football League, and the fact that we share the same stadium, the same state, both New York teams. I don't want to be the one that is not looked at as the best team in my own state. There's no way. I want to be the best team, period. Now, do I have the courage to say it? Absolutely. And if it doesn't happen and we get beat by the Giants, I'll be the first one to tip my hat to them. There's no question. But do I believe in my heart that we're the better football team? Yes. Did I believe we were the better team two years ago and last year? Yes. So I'll stand by everything I've ever said.

Ryan also had kind words for Eli Manning and mentioned there would probably be some emotion from Plaxico Burress, who will be facing off against his former team for the first time.

Judging by what's on the line in this game, it seems like there will be plenty of emotion to go around.

For all news and information regarding the New York Giants, please visit Big Blue View. For complete Jets coverage, head on over to Gang Green Nation.

The New York Giants won’t release an official injury report in advance of Saturday’s game with the New York Jets. The early report from the Giants, though, indicated that defensive end Justin Tuck is expected to practice.

Tuck, the Giants defensive captain, has been dealing with a toe injury and a myriad of other ailments. He played Sunday against the Washington Redskins after practicing just one day last week.

The Giants released information Tuesday that the following players will be on their pre-practice injury report: center David Baas (neck); tight ends Jake Ballard (knee), Travis Beckum (chest) and Bear Pascoe (ribs); running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot); linebacker Mark Herzlich (ankle); wide receivers Mario Manningham (knee) and Devin Thomas (neck); safety Derrick Martin (back); and defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle/knee).

Ballard, Beckum and Pascoe are the three tight ends on the Giants roster. Ballard is not expected to play, and Beckum did not play against the Redskins on Sunday. Pascoe’s status has yet to be determined.

The New York Giants arrive at Saturday's game against the New York Jets in a desperate situation. The Giants have to win the NFC East to reach the NFC Playoffs, and to do that the Giants have to win their last two games. A loss by the Giants Sunday, couple with a victory by the Dallas Cowboys over the Philadelphia Eagles, would knock the Giants out of the playoffs.

How did the season get to this point for the Giants? Well, let's take a look at their first 14 games to find out.

The Giants began the season 6-2, but as has been their habit during Tom Coughlin's eight-year run as head coach they have faltered during the second half of the schedule. They have lost five of six, the fourth straight season in which they have staggered to the finish line. During Coughlin's tenure the Giants are now 25-37 after the midway point of the season.

Truthfully, there were signs of trouble with this Giants team even during its 6-2 start. Yes, there was a stirring victory over the Philadelphia Eagles and an unexpected one over the New England Patriots, but there was also plenty to worry about. There was a season-opening loss to the Washington Redskins, who have now won just five times (twice against the Giants). There was a disturbing loss at home to the Seattle Seahawks, who were 1-3 at the time and using backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst. There were several come-from-behind victories against teams that appeared to be weaker ones (quarterback Eli Manning has led five of those this season).

In all of those games the troubling signs included a defense that was inconsistent against the run and prone to getting burned for the big play against the pass. There was an offense relying solely on the right arm of Manning as it had an invisible running game.

All of those weaknesses have been exposed during the last six games, a stretch of games in which the opposition has been much tougher than throughout the first eight games. If not for a 15-point flurry in the closing minutes against Dallas the Giants would have lost six straight and already be out of the playoff picture.

Still, though, two victories and the Giants go to the playoffs. If they falter that will be three seasons in a row without a playoff berth. That might send Coughlin to the unemployment line.

New York Jets kick returner and backup running back, Joe McKnight, might find himself back on the inactive list Saturday when Gang Green faces the New York Giants (1 p.m. on FOX). The shifty tailback, who was inactive against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dec. 11, and saw limited playing time during Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles because of a hyperextedned elbow, is reportedly suffering from a separated shoulder.

On Monday, Jets head coach Rex Ryan said, "we'll see," when asked about the playing status of McKnight for Saturday's upcoming game against the New York Giants.

If McKnight can't go on Saturday, then defensive back Antonio Cromartie will more than likely take over the kick return duties, while wide receiver Jeremy Kerley will handle the punt return duties.

Last week, Cromartie handled five kick returns and averaged 29.2 yards, while Kerley returned two punts for an average of 8.0 yards.

- See Big Blue View for complete Giants coverage, and Gang Green Nation for Jets coverage.

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan made it clear in his book that he felt the Jets had ascended to 'Big Brother' status over the New York Giants, who they face Saturday at MetLife Stadium. He already said this week that he would not play "second fiddle" to the Giants.

So, given another opportunity Monday to talk about his "Big Brother" comments Ryan, of course, took the bait.

"Well, certainly we were the better team in the first two years. We made the playoffs, went to the championship game. To say a team's better than you that never went to the playoffs is ridiculous. Clearly, we were the better team my first two years here and we get to prove on Saturday who the best team is this year," Ryan said. "Quite honestly, both of us are having disappointing years, but it comes down to who beats who. It doesn't matter about the other things, you're basically the same record and everything's at stake, so the proof's in the pudding. Whoever wins this game, I think is clearly the best team in New York."

The Jets are 8-6 entering the game and the Giants are 7-7. A loss Saturday could prove devastating to the playoff hopes of either team.

"This is going to be a great game. We said it even in the preseason, it's going to be a knockdown drag-out. There's going to be a butt in every single seat to see it, whether you're a Jets fan, a Giants fan or just a football fan, I mean this is going to be a great game," Ryan said. "And quite honestly, I never came here to be little brother to anybody, so it's on. We have to go out and prove it. You don't play each other for four years, so there's some bragging rights and all that. There's some more important things that go into it, because basically, you're out of the playoffs if you lose this game, either team is. So, we know what's at stake, but is there bragging rights and all that? Yes, absolutely. We want to be the best team in New York, but we want to be the best team in NFL, and it starts with being the best team in New York. It's going to start with how we play on Saturday."

Giants coach Tom Coughlin, typically, would not engage in any war of words.

"I don't usually get involved in the rhetoric part of this thing. I think what's important is that the game is an important game to both teams. And the game will be settled on Saturday afternoon at one," Coughlin said.

The New York Giants are likely to be without starting tight end Jake Ballard in this Saturday’s critical game against the New York Jets. Head coach Tom Coughlin said Monday that Ballard aggravated an old PCL injury during Sunday’s 23-10 loss to the Washington Redskins.

“We are going to look at this day-to-day but we expect that he will (miss Saturday’s game).” Coughlin said. "It is a good medical guess right now but we hesitate to say if he is out and how long he is out or anything like that. I would think at this point in time he is going to miss some time.

“I am hoping it is not a season ender. No, it is not one of those. It depends on how fast the knee will come around and we are just going to have to wait and see.”

To make matters worse all three of New York’s tight ends are now banged up. Travis Beckum missed Sunday’s game with a chest injury, and Bear Pascoe sustained a rib injury. Coughlin was not sure of Pascoe’s availability.

Coughlin also said it is possible that defensive end Osi Umenyiora, out with an ankle injury, will not play again this season.

“I’m very concerned because we were hoping we’d have him back,” Coughlin said. “Again, we’re going to take it day to day, but we’d have to have some major improvement here to be able to say that he could go.”

In a bit of good news Coughlin said that Devin Thomas, carted off the field at halftime Sunday after suffering what looked like a serious injury, suffered only a burner and has been cleared to return to practice.

New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora appears likely to miss his fourth straight game this weekend, if early reports on the health of his injured ankle are correct.

Umenyiora injured the ankle during the Monday night loss to New Orleans and has not played since. He also missed the Giants first three games this season after undergoing knee surgery during training camp.

Umenyiora was effective for the Giants when he did play, recording seven sacks and two forced fumbles in eight games.

You have to wonder if Giants safety Antrel Rolle might have been thinking about Umenyiora when he talked on Sunday about the Giants needing players with “nicks and bruises” on the field.

Full injury information on the Giants will be available once the transcript of coach Tom Coughlin’s press conference becomes available.

— See Big Blue View for complete discussion and analysis of the Giants as they prepare for this week’s game against the Jets.