In the Tom Coughlin era the New York Giants never seem to chose the easy way to do anything. Making things harder on themselves, and their fans, seems to be a way of life for this group. Entering Week 16 of the NFL season, the Giants are again following that familiar script.
Let’s take a quick look at history.
In 2006, Coughlin’s Giants did not clinch a playoff berth until they defeated Washington in the final game of the season.
In 2007, the Giants took the hard road to the Super Bowl, qualifying as a wild card and winning all their games on the road.
In 2008, when prosperity struck in the way of an 11-1 start, they finished 12-4 and wound up getting bounced out of the playoffs in the first round.
Now, the Giants have again put themselves in a tenuous situation. The Giants are in the playoffs with a victory over the Green Bay Packers today at Lambeau Field. Lose, though, and they not only miss an opportunity, but also lose control of their playoff destiny.
The Giants, of course, are coming off last Sunday’s devastating defeat to Philadelphia, blowing a 21-point lead in the final eight minutes. That loss, of course, all but ruined their shot at winning the NFC East and made their margin for error to reach the playoffs much smaller.
The Packers need a victory today to keep their playoff hopes alive. A loss to the Giants and they are eliminated. Chicago has clinched the NFC North, leaving the wild card as Green Bay’s only potential playoff path.
Essentially, the scenario makes this a playoff game for both teams.