NFL Discusses Bill Leavy's Ruling On Greg Jennings' Fumble Against Giants

The NFL issued a statement today on the controversial replay in Sunday's New York Giants-Green Bay Packers game. The topic of the statement was the ruling referee Bill Leavy made on an apparent by Packers wide receiver Greg Jennings in the first quarter in the playoff game on Sunday against the Giants (via PFT).

As you can clearly see, the ball was on the way out before any part of Jennings' body was down. The Giants challenged the ruling on the field that Jennings was down. After Leavy went under the hood and viewed the replay, he confirmed the call.

Here's what the NFL had to say

"Rule 7, Section 2, Article 1 of the NFL Rule Book (page 35) states: ‘An official shall declare the ball dead and the down ended: (a) when a runner is contacted by a defensive player and touches the ground with any part of his body other than his hands or feet,'" the league said in a statement emailed to PFT by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. "So by rule, if Jennings' calf was on the ground prior to the ball coming loose, he is down by contact. Contrary to what was suggested during the game, there is no need for the runner's knee to be on the ground."

That seems like an unnecessary shot at the Fox crew which was calling the game. The league backed Leavy stating

"Referee Bill Leavy conducted the instant replay video review and determined that there was no indisputable visual evidence to warrant reversing the on-field ruling of down by contact. As a result, the ruling on the field stood."

If the animated shot of the fumble wasn't conclusive enough for you, here's video of the fumble. After the call was not overturned, the Packers scored a touchdown. Luckily, the blown call did not impact the outcome of the game.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

SI's Peter King: Giants 'Big, Big Trouble For Anyone Right Now'

NFC Championship Game, Giants Vs. 49ers: Giants Two-Point Underdogs

The New York Giants will be the underdogs in the NFC Championship, which will hardly come as a surprise to New York Giants fans. By now Giants fans — and the Giants themselves — should be used to the underdog role.

After defeating the heavily-favored Green Bay Packers to reach the NFC Championship Game, the Giants have been established as two-point underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers in the early odds.

Related: SB Nation Calls For An Upset By The Giants

The 49ers won the NFC West and advanced to the title game with a thrilling 36-32 victory over the New Orleans Saints on Saturday. The Giants won the NFC East and have now earned four consecutive victories.

The teams met in San Francisco during the regular season and the 49ers came out with a 27-20 victory. Like Sunday’s title game that matchup was in San Francisco.

— See Big Blue View for more about the Giants. See Niners Nation and SB Nation Bay Area for complete coverage of the 49ers.

Giants 37, Packers 20: Post-Game Reactions From Mike McCarthy And Aaron Rodgers

It is tough to come out of Lambeau Field with a victory, especially in the playoffs during the winter months when the Green Bay Packers most seem to be in their element. During Sunday's NFC Divisional playoff loss to the New York Giants, it was the Packers who seemed out of sorts, however, coughing up the football three times and notching eight dropped passes on the night.

Head coach Mike McCarthy said after the game that his team had done a good job of preparation the week before the game, and even spent extra time making sure they handled the football properly in the cold weather.

"The turnover ratio was something we take a lot of pride, something we spend a lot of time in," McCarthy said. We've been excessive frankly, handling the football in the winter weather preparing for the opportunity in playoff games, and we did not do a very good job handling the football."

Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers echoes his head coach's sentiments on his team's preparation, while expressing his disappointment in falling short of the Super Bowl coming of a 15-1 regular season record.

"You forget about how bad this feeling is," Rodgers said. "We had it after the 2009 season when we lost to Arizona, it sucks."

He added:

"[It's] dissapointing, because every year is unique to itself and different guys, different oppsortunities. ... So that's probably the most disappointing thing, to stand in there knowing that is probably your last time together with these guys."

For more on the Packers, head over to the SB Nation blog Acme Packing Company. For more on the Giants, check out Big Blue View. Stay tuned to our updated StoryStream as well.

Giants 37, Packers 20: Giants Post-Game Reactions

Here are some of the reactions from the New York Giants in their post-game press conference following Sunday's 37-20 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game.

Head coach Tom Coughlin:

"Very happy for our players, for our coaches, for our ownership. ... We were excited to come here and play, we knew what we were up against and I thought we did an outstanding job.

"We had the turnovers, the turnover margin (4-1 Giants) was huge. We talk about that always, but in the playoffs the turnover margin is usually the indicator of success."

Related: Giants Players Take To Twitter To Celebrate

Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks on his Hail Mary reception:

"I got down there, I didn't really see who was around me. All I saw was the ball."

Eli Manning on the Hail Mary:

You practice the Hail Mary, everybody knew what to do. ... First one that's ever been caught. Great job by Hakeem. Just threw it up there."

Running back Brandon Jacobs:

"We have the mentality to want to win and make plays, and that's what Hakeem did on that play," Jacobs said. "That's what Hakeem did on that play. He made a difference. It kind of broke their backs. I saw 'em walking off the field. They had their heads down. I pretty much knew they were done.

"We played against a great football team and we won."

Giants 37, Packers 20: Green Bay Nation Reacts

As well as Eli Manning and Hakeem Nicks played, not to mention the New York Giants secondary, Green Bay Packers fans have plenty of reason to feel like they let Sunday night's NFC Divisional Playoff game slip through their fingers. The Packers turned the ball over four times, three on fumbles, and dropped eight passes spread among seven different targets. Unsurprisingly, the reactions across the twitter/blogosphere have run the gamut of emotions, starting with the Packers starting quarterback himself:

Kevin McCauley, a soccer editor and contributor at SB Nation, not to mention Packer fan, wondered who exactly Green Bay was playing against:

Andy Hutchins, an editor at SB Nation as well as at the Florida Gators blog Alligator Army, gave Giants fans their proper due ... kind of:

Grant Butterfield, a writer over at Packers blog Acme Packing Company, noted that while Green Bay had the best record in football, the team's weaknesses were apparent throughout the year:

GSchofield50Grant Butterfield

@purplebuckeye The D was pretty shaky all year long. The lost fumbles and the field position the Giants got from them were killers.

Jan 16FavoriteRetweetReply

purplebuckeyeTed Glover

@GSchofield50 yeah, true. Thought your defense was shaky and if offense struggled could be a problem. They picked bad day 2 struggle.

Jan 16FavoriteRetweetReply

in reply to @purplebuckeye↑

@GSchofield50
Grant Butterfield@purplebuckeye This GB team was probably the most vulnerable 15-1 outfit since the 2004 Steelers. With Collins out and an ineffective rush
Jan 16 via webFavoriteRetweetReply

Meanwhile, Andrew Brandt of the National Football Post went for the troll option:

Finally, Acme Packing Company wrote a solid reaction piece to Sunday's game, putting the season in perspective for grieving Packers fans:

Unfortunately the offseason is starting much earlier than I expected, but the team just completed a 2011 year in which they won a Super Bowl and only lost one game. They deserve credit for an outstanding 15-1 season, and I expect to see them playing for the NFC Championship game again next year.

For more analysis on Sunday's game from a Packers perspective, stay tuned to Acme Packing Company. Giants blog Big Blue View is necessary reading as well, in addition the SB Nation New York's updated StoryStream.

NFC Championship Game, New York Giants Vs. San Francisco 49ers: First Look

Giants 20, Packers 10: Tom Coughlin Says 'We're A Dangerous Team'

Giants 37, Packers 20: New York To Meet San Francisco 49ers In NFC Championship Game

VIDEO: Giants Recover Another Fumble, Score Touchdown To Take 30-13 Lead

The New York Giants are well on there way to the next round of the playoffs after recovering another Green Bay Packers fumble. After a Giants field goal put them up 23-13 in the fourth quarter, they got the ball back just two plays later when Ryan Grant fumbled. Chase Blackburn returned the ball 40 yards for New York.

The Giants took the fumble and likely put the game away on Eli Manning's third touchdown pass of the day on the next play.

Hakeem Nicks was the recipient of the first two touchdown passes but Manning found Mario Manningham on this score. After the four-yard touchdown pass from Manning, the Giants now lead 30-13. Manning went over the 300-yard passing mark for the game earlier in the fourth quarter.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Packers, Third Quarter Score: New York Leads 20-13

The New York Giants lead the Green Bay Packers 20-13 after the third quarter of play from Lambeau Field.

The Packers started off with the ball to begin the second half. Green Bay moved it down to the Giants 30-yard line before Aaron Rodgers was sacked and lost the ball.

The Giants couldn't do anything with the turnover caused by Osi Umenyiora. New York went three and out when their third down and two rushing play couldn't get the first down.

Green Bay responded with a lengthy drive of nearly 5 minutes that sputtered out in the Giants' half of the field. Green Bay settled for a field goal to cut New York's lead to 20-13 with 3:55 to play. Mason Crosby's kick barely snuck inside the upright.

Green Bay having the ball so long in the quarter seemed to disrupt the Giants' offense which did not gain a first down in the third frame and only ran six plays.

Can the Giants hang on for the win? Stay tuned.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Packers Halftime Score: New York Leads 20-10

The New York Giants lead the Green Bay Packers 20-10 after the first half of play at Lambeau Field.

After the Jennings non-fumble ruling from the first quarter was not overturned, the Packers scored a touchdown quickly in the second quarter on an Aaron Rodgers' pass to John Kuhn. Green Bay then tried an onside kick but the Giants recovered it.

The Giants then didn't exploit the short field. After their drive stalled, Lawrence Tynes' 40-yard field goal was blocked by Green Bay linebacker Brad Jones.

The teams traded possessions after the blocked field goal. Green Bay punted after reaching New York's half of the field. The Giants moved to the Green Bay 34-yard line before Eli Manning was intercepted at the 13-yard line. The Packers were driving again after the interception before John Kuhn fumbled it away. This one was a clear fumble that was correctly given to the Giants:

After that turnover, the Giants drove into the redzone but the rushing game's issues showed up again. New York couldn't punch the ball in on the ground and threw an incomplete pass before settling for a field goal to retake the lead, 13-10.

The Giants extended their lead following a long run play as the half was winding down. On the final play of the half, Eli Manning's hail mary pass was caught in the endzone by Hakeem Nicks.

The Lambeau Field crowd sat in stunned silence after the score. We'll be back after halftime.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

VIDEO: Giants Vs. Packers, New York Field Goal Blocked

The New York Giants were unable to capitalize on the Packers' onside kick attempt which New York recovered. Despite the short field, New York was unable to move the ball any closer than the Green Bay 21-yard line. Lawrence Tynes who had already kicked the ball off out of bounds, lined up for a 40-yard field goal to break the 10-10 tie. Tynes' attempt was blocked by Green Bay's Brad Jones

A hold on momentum, and more importantly, the lead seems to be at a premium in this game. With New York struggling to establish the rushing game today, every chance to get points is huge. Will this blocked field goal could come back to haunt the Giants? Stay tuned as we're only in the second quarter at Lambeau Field.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Packers First Quarter Score: New York Leads 10-3

The New York Giants lead the Green Bay Packers 10-3 after the first quarter of play at Lambeau Field.

The Giants started off slow on their first drive. They had two rushes go for 2 total yards and burned a timeout. Then, Eli Manning led New York into the Green Bay redzone before an incomplete pass forced a field goal. One thing the opening drive did well was to take 6:27 off the clock.

The Packers used a challenge to review a ruling that the Giants recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. They won because as you can see, Randall Cobb's knee was down

The Packers tied the game with a field goal on the drive after the non-fumble. Aaron Rodgers had Greg Jennings wide open for a big gain on third down and eight from the Giants' 29-yard line but overthrew him.

The Giants' inability to run the ball in the first quarter forced Manning to play well on third and long and he did. After saving the second drive of the game on a 3rd and 11, Manning hit Hakeem Nicks for a 66-yard touchdown on the next play. Nicks broke a poor tackle attempt in the secondary after the catch and broke away from the defense for the score.

The momentum of the touchdown was given away with a kickoff out of bounds. Rodgers and the Packers crossed the Giants' 40-yard line in a few plays but then Greg Jennings fumbled the ball away after a catch. The Giants had to challenge the ruling on the field to overturn the call that Jennings was down but failed.

After the questionable call was upheld, the Packers drove the ball into the redzone. They will be inside the New York 10-yard line when the second quarter begins.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Tiki Barber Gets Cold Shoulder From Tom Coughlin

Former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber wanted to meet with Giants coach Tom Coughlin to talk about their strained relationship. Coughlin refused.

Barber discussed the situation on the radio

"We tried (to set up a meeting). He said no, through his agent, (Giants vice president of communications) Pat Hanlon," Barber said on ESPN Radio. (via New York Post)

Barber is hopeful about a future meeting with his old coach who he has been critical of

"But one of these days I'm sure it'll happen, because as we know, time heals all wounds. And I think at the end of the day, Giants fans, despite their dislike of me at times, know that I was one of the guys that put (it) on the line every time I put on my uniform."

Whether that meeting with Coughlin happens or not, Barber confirmed that he is indeed done with a comeback attempt.

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

Green Bay Packers Inactive List, Divisional Round: Brad Jones, C.J. Wilson Will Start Vs. Giants

The inactive list for the Green Bay Packers' 2012 divisional round NFL playoff game against the New York Giants is out, and the Packers enter the game pretty healthy as linebacker Brad Jones and right defensive end C.J. Wilson are both active and WILL PLAY.

Here's the full list of inactives for Green Bay, which hosts New York (4:30 p.m. on FOX):

QB Graham Harrell
CB Davon House
LB Robert Francois
T Herb Taylor
TE D.J. Williams
NT Howard Green
LB Vic So’oto

New York Giants Inactives List

According to the Packers' official blog, here's the starting lineup changes:

"On defense, #98 C.J. Wilson will start at right defensive end for #95 Howard Green. #59 Brad Jones will start at right outside linebacker for #93 Erik Walden."

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

New York Giants Inactive List, Divisional Round: Ahmad Bradshaw, Osi Umenyiora Will Play Vs. Packers

The the list of inactives is out for the New York Giants' for the 2012 divisional round NFL playoff game against the Green Bay Packers, and the G-Men enter the game pretty healthy as running Ahmad Bradshaw and defensive end Osi Umenyiora will both play. Earlier in the week, Bradshaw had missed a few practices, while Umenyiora was limited. However, seems are both fine and good to go.

Other notable that were limited in practice but also WILL PLAY are: corner back Aaron Ross, running back D.J. Ware, corner back Corey Webster and safety Deon Grant

Here's the full list of inactives for the Giants, who face the Packers (4:30 p.m. on FOX).

WR Ramses Barden
RB Da'Rel Scott
LB Mark Herzlich (Ankle)...Did Not Practice
OL Jim Cordle
DE Justin Trattou
DT Jimmy Kennedy
OL James Brewer

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Packers, 2012 NFL Playoffs Weather Forecast: Sunday At Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

The New York Giants are used to playing in terrible weather conditions when they travel to Wisconsin to play the Green Bay Packers (remember 2008?), and luckily for the G-Men and their traveling fans the weather forecast isn't looking too bad for Sunday's 2012 NFL playoff contest at Lambeau Field (4:30 p.m. ET on FOX).

Currently, the temperature in Green Bay is around 20 degree and should get up to a high of around 30 and a low of 25 Sunday.

Here's the Giants Vs. Packers weather forecast from WBAY's (Green Bay, WI) Meteorologist Rebecca Shuld:

Morning clouds should give way to some sunshine this afternoon along with breezy SW winds. Highs will be in the upper 20s but at times feel more like the teens with the wind. A scattered light wintry mix will develop tonight into early Monday which may make for a few slick spots on the roads. A more active weather pattern is setting up for the week with several chances for snow.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Packers, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman Will Call the Game

The game between the New York Giants and defending champion Green Bay Packers will be played tonight at Lambeau Field and broadcast on FOX at 4:30 EST. Joe Buck and former quarterback Troy Aikman will be the duo in the both, announcing the game.

Buck has an interesting past, both with the Giants and Lambeau field. In a game between the Vikings and Packers in Lambeau, played in 2005, Vikings receiver Randy Moss caught a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, followed by a fake "mooning" of the crowd. Joe Buck was not pleased with Moss' gesture, to say the least. Here's his call.

Three years later, with Buck calling the Super Bowl, where David Tyree of the Giants made what's now known as "The Helmet Catch". To this day Buck still receives criticism for his less-than-enthusiastic call of one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history.

With Buck back at Lambeau in a Playoff game involving the Giants, another famous, or infamous call is always a possibility.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Eli Manning Is Elite, With A Chance To Be Historic

Giants Vs. Packers, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The New York Giants travel to Lambeau Field tonight to face the one seed, 15-1 Green Bay Packers. These two teams met in East Rutherford in Week 13, where the Packers won narrowly, by a final score of 38 to 35. Eli Manning and the Giants tied the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion with 58 seconds remaining, only to see Aaron Rodgers drive the Packers down for a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Related: Eli Manning has a shot at history

Since their loss to the Packers the Giants have won four of five, including two wins over the Dallas Cowboys to clinch the NFC East and a first round playoff win over the Atlanta Falcons last week.

When: Sunday, January 15 at 4:30 p.m. EST

Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

Watch: FOX

Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Pam Oliver

Listen: Sirius channel 92 and channel 86

Betting Line: Packers -7.5, Over/Under: 53 points

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

2012 NFL Playoffs Schedule: Winner of 49ers Vs. Saints Could Face Giants in NFC Championship

Week two of the 2012 NFL Playoffs begins Saturday in day one of the Divisional Round. Winners from last weekend's Wild Card games travel to the teams who had byes last week. First up, is the New Orleans Saints vs. the San Francisco 49ers at 4:30 EST on FOX, followed Tebowmania and the Denver Broncos vs. Tom Brady and the New England Patriots at 8:00 EST on CBS.

The Giants – who play the Packers in Lambeau on Sunday night – will have a close eye on the Saints vs. 49ers game, because should the Giants upset the Packers, they will travel to either New Orleans or San Fran – dependent on the winner – for next week's NFC Championship game.

49ers Vs. Saints (Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX)

Spread: Saints -3.5, Over/Under: 46.5 points

Patriots vs. Broncos (Sat., 8 p.m. ET on CBS)

Spread: Patriots -13.5, Over/Under: 50 points

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

2012 NFL Playoffs Schedule: Broncos Vs. Patriots, 49ers Vs. Saints Feature Five Former Scarlet Knights

2012 NFL Playoffs, Packers Vs. Giants: Can New York Pull The Upset?

The New York Giants and Green Bay Packers meet Sunday in an NFC Divisional Round game. We look at whether or not the fourth-seeded Giants have a chance at an upset.

Giants Vs. Packers, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Teams Have Played Several Historic Games

The Giants and Packers will face off in the NFL playoffs for the seventh time in NFL history. We recap the playoff history between these two franchises.

2012 NFL Playoffs, Giants Vs. Packers: Chris Snee Responds To B.J. Raji

New York Giants offensive lineman Chris Snee added a little more intrigue to Sunday's 2012 NFL Playoffs matchup between the Giants and the Green Bay Packers.

Snee responded to the comments of Packers defensive lineman B.J. Raji by using sarcasm. (via the New York Daily News)

"He's a beast out there," Snee said. "I'm just grateful for the opportunity to play against him."

Snee added that he lost sleep worrying about Raji.

"B.J. was on my mind," Snee said. "Sometimes when you're young and you make it to the Pro Bowl and have your own commercial you feel the need to talk."

Raji said on Thursday that the Giants offensive linemen are "not the toughest group I've gone against." He also put down New York's tight ends, saying "they're not the best at that position I've seen."

But Giants center David Baas did not sound overly worried.

"I don't care, honest," he said. "I'll do my talking on Sunday with my pads."

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

2012 NFL Playoffs, Giants Vs. Packers: New York Giants Injury Report

New York Giants linebacker Mark Herzlich has been ruled out of Sunday's 2012 NFL Playoffs game against the Green Bay Packers, but the rest of his teammates are likely to be available as the Giants try to pull of the upset.

Herzlich was the only Giant to miss practice and Friday and has been ruled out due to an injured ankle.

Defensive end Osi Umenyiora (ankle, knee), cornerback Corey Webster (hamstring) and safety Deon Grant (quad) were all limited in Friday's practice but are considered probable for Sunday's game. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot, back), cornerback Aaron Ross (concussion) and running back D.J. Ware (concussion) all took 100 percent of their normal reps during practice and are also considered probable.

Bradshaw returned to the field on Friday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

via assets.sbnation.com

Giants Vs. Packers, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Game Schedule And More

In a week 13 re-match the four seed New York Giants will travel to Lambeau Field to face the number one seed Green Bay Packers in the NFC Divisional Round Playoffs. When these two teams met fives weeks ago the Packers – led by an Aaron Rodgers game-winning drive – defeated the Giants 38-35 on a last second field goal in MetLife Stadium. Since then the Giants have won three of four, including two must-win games over the Dallas Cowboys to win the NFC East, and a convincing 24-2 Playoff win against the Atlanta Falcons last week.

When: Sunday, January 15 at 4:30 p.m. EST

Where: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

Watch: FOX

For the first time ever, you can stream the game live online.

Listen: Sirius, 92

Betting Line: Packers -7.5, Over/Under: 53 points

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Vs. Packers, 2012 NFL Playoffs: Picks And Predictions From Around The Web

Here is a quick rundown of what some of the NFL analysts around the Inter-Google think will happen on Sunday when the New York Giants travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers in an NFC Divisional Round playoff game.

Sports Illustrated's Peter King is taking the Packers, 24-23. SI's Damon Hack breaks down the Packers-Giants matchup, and also ends up picking the Packers to win.

NFL.com analyst Pat Kirwan is taking the Packers. In fact, seven of the eight NFL.com analysts asked for a prediction took Green Bay to advance to the NFC Championship Game.

Pro Football Talk's two analysts are both taking Green Bay.

For CBS Sports, Pete Prisco is picking Green Bay to advance. In fact, four of the five CBS analysts polled are going with the Packers.

Pat Traina of Inside Football, is going with the Giants.

-- SB Nation's Jared Smith will have his complete Divisional Round playoff predictions before play begins on Saturday. Be sure to check back for those.

2012 NFL Playoffs, Giants Vs. Packers: Green Bay's B.J. Raji Insults Giants Offensive Line

B.J. Raji, Pro Bowl nose tackle for the Green Bay Packers, took a shot at the New York Giants offensive line Thursday. Raji called them “not the toughest group.”

Here is Raji’s full quote:

“I mean, I played them once this year and once last year. I can only judge by my vantage point up front, not necessarily the most physical — their backs are pretty physical, but not the toughest o-line,” said Raji. "Not saying they’re soft, but not the toughest group I’ve been against.

Raji wasn’t done trashing the Giants offense, saying the team’s tight ends “aren’t in any position to say too much.”

The Giants have had to shuffle their offensive line quite a bit this season due to injuries. They lost starting left tackle Will Beatty mid-way through the season, and center David Baas missed time due to a variety of injuries.

Winning the physical battle is something the Giants have talked about extensively this week. Let’s see if Raji’s words help motivate them to do just that.

2012 NFL Playoffs, Giants Vs. Packers: Position-By-Position Breakdowns, Special Teams

Giants Injury Report: Deon Grant, Aaron Ross, Osi Umenyiora, D.J. Ware Limited In Practice

The New York Giants released their latest injury report today ahead of their NFC Divisional Playoff game this weekend against the Green Bay Packers.

The following Giants were on the injury report.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Foot/Back)...Did Not Practice
S Deon Grant (Quad)...Limited Practice
LB Mark Herzlich (Ankle)...Did Not Practice
CB Aaron Ross (Concussion)...Limited Practice
DE Osi Umenyiora (Ankle/Knee)...Limited Practice
RB D.J. Ware (Concussion)...Limited Practice
CB Corey Webster (Hamstring)...Limited Practice

D.J. Ware returned to Giants practice today in a limited role after being held out of practice yesterday. Deon Grant and Corey Webster were new faces on the injury report today, both were limited in practice.

The Packers also released their injury report today. Green Bay continued to get healthier as WR Randall Cobb (Groin), LB Robert Francois (Hamstring) were limited in practice today but T Chad Clifton (Hamstring/Back) returned to full practice today along with T Bryan Bulaga (Knee), WR Greg Jennings (Knee), RB James Starks (Ankle) who were not limited in practice yesterday.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

2012 NFL Playoffs, Giants Vs. Packers: Aaron Rodgers Against New York's 2-Man Coverage

Rule No. 1 for game-planning against the Green Bay Packers: You are highly unlikely to stop Aaron Rodgers, but you must attempt to contain him.

One way the Giants could try to limit Rodgers' big-play ability this weekend during the team's divisional round meeting in the 2012 NFL Playoffs: playing 2-man in the secondary.

The National Football Post's Matt Bowen believes New York could play some 2-man coverage to stifle Rodgers' attack. The defense is designed to take away quick slants and digs while providing safety help, but it also might open up the middle of the field for Rodgers and the talented Green Bay receiving corps.

Bowen writes how the Packers would likely react to the Giants' 2-man coverage, by attempting to spread the two safeties with wideouts, opening up the middle for man-to-man coverage.

READ BOWEN'S ENTIRE ARTICLE.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

NFL Playoffs 2012, Giants Vs. Packers: Position-By-Position Breakdowns, The Defenses

Giants Director Of College Scouting Marc Ross A Candidate For Bears GM Job

New York Giants Director of College Scouting Marc Ross is one of four candidates who will be interviewed for the vacant Chicago Bears general manager's job.

Ross recently interviewed for the GM job with the Indianapolis Colts, but Indianapolis hired former Philadelphia Eagles executive Ryan Grigson.

Ross and Jimmy Raye, the San Diego Chargers director of player personnel, are reportedly "high on [the Bears'] short list." Other candidates include Kansas City Chiefs Director of College Scouting Phil Emery and New England Patriots Director of Pro Personnel Jason Licht. Ross is in his fifth season as Giants director of college scouting. He joined the organization in 2007 and ran his first draft in 2008.

Ross first worked in the NFL as a public relations intern with the Giants in 1995. He later joined the Eagles personnel department in 1996 before serving as the team's eastern regional scout from 1997-2000, when at age 27 he became the NFL's youngest college scouting director.

NFL Playoffs 2012, Giants Vs. Packers: Position-By-Position Breakdowns, The Offenses

The Soul Of The New York Giants

Big Blue regained their smashmouth football identity against the Falcons, and need it to continue if they want to defeat the Packers. (For Giants news and analysis check out SB Nation's Big Blue View.)

2012 NFL Playoffs, Packers Vs. Giants: Lawrence Tynes Talks 2008 Game-Winner

There are quite a few story lines heading into Saturday's 2012 NFL Playoffs contest between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, but the most intriguing is the postseason rematch factor, as in '08 the Giants defeated the Packers, 23-20, in overtime. The divisional-round win, which featured Giants' kicker Lawrence Tynes nailing a game-winning field goal in overtime, cemented the victory and helped propel New York to a Super Bowl title.

On Wednesday, Tynes talked about making that kick and what it meant for his career.

"I wouldn't be talking to you right now. I mean if you miss three kicks in the fourth quarter of a championship game, I mean I would assume that I probably wouldn't be here. I was on a one-year deal anyway. I have done a great job since then, I have had a nice career here, but obviously you do have to think what if I didn't make that kick."

For the complete Tynes interview check out the SB Nation blog Big Blue View.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Giants Injury Update: Aaron Ross, Osi Umenyiora Limited In Practice On Wednesday

The New York Giants released their first injury report today ahead of their upcoming NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Green Bay Packers.

The following Giants were on the injury report.

RB Ahmad Bradshaw (Foot/Back)...Did Not Practice
LB Mark Herzlich (Ankle)...Did Not Practice
CB Aaron Ross (Concussion)...Limited Practice
DE Osi Umenyiora (Ankle/Knee)...Limited Practice
RB D.J. Ware (Concussion)...Did Not Practice

Cornerback Aaron Ross was cleared for practice earlier today. The team expects him to play on Sunday even though he may have sustained a concussion last week against the Falcons.

The Packers also released their injury report today. The following players were limited in practice: T Chad Clifton (Hamstring/Back), WR Randall Cobb (Groin), LB Robert Francois (Hamstring). The following players were not limited in practice: T Bryan Bulaga (Knee), WR Greg Jennings (Knee), RB James Starks (Ankle).

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2012 NFL Playoffs, Giants Vs. Packers: Tom Coughlin Preaches The Road Mentality

The Green Bay Packers did not lose a single home game on their way to a 15-1 regular season. The New York Giants have not played away from MetLife Stadium since Week 14.

But if the Giants are going to advance to the NFC Championship next week, they will have to do it as the Packers advanced to the Super Bowl last season: on the road.

"Road warriors, coming out of the woodwork.," said Giants coach Tom Coughlin during a press conference on Wednesday. "It is time to go out the road. It is time to renew some of those thoughts about playing on the road, the togetherness, the team being all for one and one for all, the mental toughness. You are going to need all those things there."

There are certainly X's and O's that will affect New York's chances against Green Bay. They would like to pressure Aaron Rodgers and take him out of the comfort zone he's danced in all season long. They would like to control time of possession, keeping Green Bay's high-octane offense off the field. They would like their secondary to play like it has in recent weeks, rather than with a sense of confusion that impacted the defense during some of their losses.

But Coughlin knows there are other elements to playoff success, too.

"Persistence - number one - and the ability to ride the ups and the downs and stay together. The development of the feeling of ‘team.' The confidence that grows from a little bit of success. The ability to put some of the pieces to the puzzle together that haven't been there, that weren't there, that do breed the confidence," he said, later adding, "But the number one thing, you have to stay the course. Even when it doesn't look very good you have to hang in there and you have to battle. You have to believe in yourself and you have to really believe that from the competitive aspect of that, things are going to get better."

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Aaron Ross Injury Update: Giants Cornerback Cleared For Practice

New York Giants starting cornerback Aaron Ross, who sustained an apparent concussion during Sunday’s victory over the Atlanta Falcons in an NFC Wild-Card playoff game, has been cleared to return to practice.

Ross is one of six players on the pre-practice injury report released by the team. The full list is as follows:

Ahmad Bradshaw Foot
Mark Herzlich Ankle
Ross Concussion
Da’Rel Scott Knee
Osi Umenyiora Ankle/Knee
D.J. Ware Concussion

Ware also sustained his concussion during the game against Atlanta. The running back has now suffered two concussions this season and has not been cleared to return to practice.

Among the other players on the report, only Herzlich would seem to be in danger of not playing Sunday in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. Herzlich, a linebacker, has not played since suffering a serious ankle injury in Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints.

— See Big Blue View for more Giants discussion and analysis

Giants Vs. Packers, NFL Playoffs 2012: Pierre-Paul Backs Off Guarantee

You can't blame Jason Pierre-Paul for his enthusiasm. After all, his defense had just pitched a virtual shutout against a good Atlanta Falcons offense in a 24-2 win that the New York Giants hope to be the first of many during the 2012 NFL Playoffs. Following the game, Pierre-Paul said "100 percent we're going to win" in reference to this week's game against the Green Bay Packers. In an interview with WFAN on Tuesday, he admitted he had been little too exuberant.

"Of course I said that," Pierre-Paul said. "I'm not going to twist my words. But it's the simple fact that we won, and it was exciting.

"If we go out and do our jobs, we should win."

Pierre-Paul clarified even further.

"If the defense, offense and special teams, if we all do our job then and go out and executed like we did on Sunday, we should win."

There is no denying that the Giants are playing arguably their best football of the season, with three straight victories at their backs all won by at least two touchdowns. The defending Super Bowl champion Packers are entirely different animal altogether, however, coming in at No. 1 in this week's SB Nation NFL power rankings as they have throughout the regular season.

For more coverage of Giants vs. Packers, stay tuned to our storystream. For more Giants coverage, visit our team page or our blog Big Blue View.

Aaron Ross Injury Update: Giants DB Expected To Play Sunday Vs. Packers

The New York Giants are expecting to have Aaron Ross back on Sunday for their playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. Ross might have sustained a concussion in last week's game during a collision with teammate Jason Pierre-Paul (via True Blue).

What if Ross is not able to go on Sunday, could Prince Amukamara step in?

Giants coach Tom Coughlin said:

"He has gotten better each week and he did a nice job on special teams when he went out to defend the gunners. Atlanta had two outstanding gunners and those guys were good. He did a good job out there so he has improved in that regard and of course and he got a lot of playing time after Aaron was hurt. He is gaining each week and that is exactly what he needs. I think he did a good job with open field transition yesterday turning his hips and getting himself in position. He is physical, he will hit you so he is coming."

Ross has undergone testing but didn't display concussion-like symptoms. Coughlin said the team is treating the situation as if Ross had sustained a concussion.

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Giants Vs. Packers, NFL Playoffs 2012: SI's Banks Says Don't Live In The Past

Giants Vs. Packers, NFL Playoffs 2012: Antrel Rolle Echoes 'All-In' Mantra

Antrel Rolle’s weekly appearances on WFAN Radio with Joe and Evan have become highly-anticipated events. Rolle was on Tuesday morning and he spoke about the Giants’ victory over the Falcons and looked forward to Sunday’s divisional round game against the Green Bay Packers.

Asked about the Giants’ underdog status going into the game Rolle gave a sharp response.

“I don’t give a damn what people expect. We know what we expect from ourselves and we know what kind of team we have here and we know what our mindset is going into that game,” Rolle said.

Rolle said he likes what he sees from the Giants right now, and echoed the “All-In” mantra started near the end of the regular season by defensive end Justin Tuck.

“We want it,” said Rolle. “We’re all in. We have the eye of the tiger, without a doubt.”

Rolle said the 38-35 regular-season loss to Green Bay no longer matters.

“That game means absolutely nothing at this point,” Rolle said. “We’re gonna fight. … The game has to be played on Sunday and may the best win.”

— Listen to the Podcast

Giants Vs. Packers, NFL Playoffs 2012: Eli Manning Not Making Guarantees

Trash talk and guarantees are not his style, and New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning is sticking to that this week as the Giants prepare to face the defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers Sunday in an NFC Divisional Round playoff game.

Manning appeared on ESPN Radio in New York with Michael Kay on Monday. He wouldn’t go anywhere near Jason Pierre-Paul’s remark that he was “sure” the Giants would beat the Packers.

Full Interview Transcript

"I think obviously there is nothing wrong with being confident. That’s the mindset of everybody when you go into the game that you are going to win," Manning said. "You don’t always want to have to talk about that and give the other team stuff to give the other team bulletin board material, but hey he thinks we are going to go out there and we played this team and we played them close and we feel we are playing better now and we can go out there and give ourselves a good shot to win."

NFL Playoffs Schedule 2012: Game Times, TV Information And More

The 2012 NFL Playoffs schedule resumes on Saturday with two divisional-round games that provide interesting contrasts.

First, the hard-hitting San Francisco 49ers host the elegant New Orleans Saints, who rely heavily on the artistry of Drew Brees and the ability of those surrounding him in the Saints' offense to make plays. The night game features the smash-mouth Denver Broncos against the considerably less intimidating defense of the New England Patriots, a team that makes up for its inability to stop opponents consistently by using the golden arm of Tom Brady, which controls a free-flowing offense featuring All-Pro wide receiver Wes Welker and All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Sunday brings less contrast but just as much intrigue. The day begins with the Houston Texans visiting the Baltimore Ravens, two physical teams who want to pound each other's helmets into grain, and ends with the surging New York Giants traveling to Lambeau Field for a meeting with the dominant Green Bay Packers.

Saturday, January 14

New Orleans at San Francisco, Fox Sports, 4:30 p.m. ET

Denver at New England, CBS, 8 p.m. ET

Sunday, January 15

Houston at Baltimore, CBS, 1 p.m. ET

New York at Green Bay, Fox, 4:30 p.m. ET

Giants Vs. Packers, NFL Playoffs 2012: Green Bay Ready For 'Real Football'

The defending Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers host the New York Giants in an NFC Divisional Round playoff game Sunday at Lambeau Field (4:30 p.m. ET/FOX). You might say Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy is looking forward to it.

“Now it’s time to play real football,” McCarthy said. "“That’s what playoff football is all about. It’s exciting and it’s fun. Players and coaches live for these types of games.”

The game pits a pair of quarterbacks who have won Super Bowl MVPs in Eli Manning of the Giants (XLII) and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers (XLV).

Rodgers set an NFL single-season record with a 122.5 passer rating, throwing for a franchise-record 4,643 yards and 45 touchdowns. Rodgers, who was the MVP of Super Bowl XLV, is one of the top postseason quarterbacks in NFL history, ranking first all-time in passer rating (112.6), completion percentage (67.8 percent) and yards per pass attempt (8.72).

“Last year’s run is really going to help all of us,” says Rodgers. “It’s the playoffs now so the focus has to go up, the urgency goes up and the preparation is more refined.”

Steve Spagnuolo, Philadelphia Eagles To Reunite Within Week, According To Report

If any New York Giants fans still hold out hope that Steve Spagnuolo will return to the team's coaching staff at some point, it's probably time to let go of the dream. The former Giants defensive coordinator is expected to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles staff in some capacity within the next week, reports the NFL Network's Jason La Canora.

La Canfara reports that Spagnuolo will likely become Philadelphia's assistant head coach or defensive coordinator. The latter scenario could only result if the team tells current defensive coordinator Juan Castillo he will not be retained in the same position next season. It's possible, according to La Canfora, that Castillo could be kept on the staff but delegated to another role.

Spagnuolo solidified his reputation as a defensive mind during his stint as the Giants defensive coordinator. He is known as the architect who designed the high-octane defense which kept the New England Patriots from achieving an undefeated season, holding the Patriots to just two touchdowns in a 17-14 win.

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

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