Jan 3 For the past four years, seasons Kevin Gilbride spent in a hotel while his family lived in Rhode Island, he contemplated stepping down as the Giants offensive coordinator. He was finally ready to step down.
Gilbride is gone, just before Mara and Coughlin could clash over his future. Mara roundly criticized the coordinator Monday, and many believed Coughlin would fight to keep Gilbride. The fiercely loyal coach loves stability; Gilbride, who was elevated from QB coach to coordinator in 2007, was one of six coaches who had been with the franchise since Coughlin took over.

In addition to the Super Bowl victories, Kevin Gilbride, 62, coached the Giants offense when it earned five playoff berths and won three NFC East championships. Gilbride was the quarterbacks coach in his first three seasons with the Giants and was instrumental in the rapid development of Eli Manning from a green rookie to an outstanding quarterback whose big plays were instrumental in the Giants' title runs.
Gilbride was clearly forced out in a move favored by many Giants fans and, from the way it sounded Monday, by Giants owner John Mara as well. And since head coach Tom Coughlin expressed strong support for Gilbide in the waning weeks of the team's 7-9 season and obviously didn't want to make the move, it's one that could change the dynamic between Coughlin and the organization going forward.

A source close to the situation said that former Giants assistant Mike Sullivan, recently fired as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator along with coach Greg Schiano, is a leading candidate to replace Kevin Gilbride. The team is expected to bring Sullivan in for an interview.

After nine seasons in the NFL, Brandon Jacobs is retiring. The Giants' all-time leader in rushing touchdowns made the announcement on Thursdsay night on Twitter. "After 9 years in this whirlwind business they call the NFL, I am proud to announce that I am hanging up my cleats," he said.

Jan 2 Giants co-owner John Mara saw all the empty seats for the season-finale against the Redskins last Sunday at MetLife Stadium. He understood that the weather was bad and so was his team.

The Washington Redskins, who recently fired coach Mike Shanahan, have asked permission to interview Fewell, who has served as Giants defensive coordinator since 2010. Fewell joins a handful of candidates for the Redskins job.

David Wilson wants to return from his neck injury and be the New York Giants' starting running back again in 2014. But because it's a neck injury, no one can be sure if that's going to be possible.
Jerry Reese enters the offseason with plenty on his agenda as he tries to restructure a shaky personnel situation. But after spending a first-round pick on David Wilson in 2012, running back was not supposed to be among those questions.

Eli Manning struggled all year to find consistency from and with Hakeem Nicks and second-year man Rueben Randle, who said he thought Manning and the receivers were "not on the same page from time to time" in 2013.

Jan 1 Coaches were getting fired left and right in the NFL on Monday, so Giants fans are wondering why it should take a few days for their own team's coaching situations to sort themselves out. Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride is the name on everyone's mind, and everyone wants to know whether he'll be back or if the Giants will find someone new to guide their offense.

One of the few things the Giants are sure about as dawn breaks on 2014 is that Eli Manning is their quarterback. And one of the things that Manning is certain of is that he can and will improve.
His 151 consecutive starts is the NFL's longest active streak, now that Washington linebacker London Fletcher took his 215 straight starts into retirement. But Manning still has a comeback to make.

Antrel Rolle, 31, says he has at least four more years left where he can play at an "elite" level. It's hard to argue considering he showed no signs of slowing down this season. In fact, Rolle played a bigger role with the Giants this year than in the past. His versatility was key in defensive coordinator Perry Fewell's defense, and his responsibilities in the locker room and huddle increased.

The Giants defense was supposed to be the biggest liability heading into the season. It turned out to be the biggest strength. The Giants ended as the NFL's eighth-ranked defense, and allowed only 18.3 points per game after the horrific start.
All indications are that the Giants want to bring middle linebacker Jon Beason back next season. The Giants traded a seventh-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for Beason in early October. The move was instrumental in turning around the Giants' defense, which struggled early in the season.

Dec 31 John Mara hasn't lost faith in his people, even if he is disgusted by their overall results. "I think we have not gotten the production we wanted out of certain draft spots." He's clearly taken a hard look at some of Reese's busts from the second round (Clint Sintim, Marvin Austin) and third round (Ramses Barden, Travis Beckum) and is now questioning some of the "risks" he allowed his GM to take.
As sub-par as quarterback Eli Manning's season was, and as uncertain as head coach Tom Coughlin's contract extension remains, general manager Jerry Reese is the man who needs to have the best season of any Giant in 2014. And Reese acted like a man who knew that Monday.

Kevin Gilbride's seven-year run as Giants offensive coordinator appears to be days away from coming to an end. There are high-ranking officials in the Giants organization that believe Gilbride will be fired. "I'm not sure why it took us three years to find out Jerrel Jernigan could play. We finally put him in the game and he starts making plays," owner John Mara said.
It would be very difficult for Tom Coughlin if the team told him it wanted him back but that he had to make changes to the coaching staff. One of the people said there was "no way" Coughlin would agree to fire offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. And that last part could be a major sticking point.
It will be the decision of Mara and co-owner Steve Tisch how to shape Coughlin's coaching staff. One name to consider as a possible replacement if Gilbride is dismissed: Mike Sullivan. The former Giants receivers and quarterbacks coach was the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, but Tampa Bay head coach Greg Schiano was fired Monday. Sullivan and Coughlin are close.

Brandon Jacobs and the new knee cartilage he received from a cadaver -- a 16-year-old boy who died in a car crash, he said -- wasn't quite ready to call it a career. The cartilage graft surgery done on his left knee gave Jacobs hope that the free agent may return to the Giants – and only the Giants – next season. If this is the end of the line, Jacobs finishes with 60 career touchdowns, the most in Giants history. And if this is the way it ends, he's not going to complain. This is where I was meant to end.

After five seasons with the Giants, filled with more highs than lows, Hakeem Nicks is entering free agency and it's not a given he will be back with the team. The receiver has said he wants to return, but it's not known yet if the two sides will be able to come to an agreement. "Really don't know," Nicks said, of Monday potentially being his last day in the Giants' locker room.

Defensive end Justin Tuck is ready to show his love for the Giants by following his heart instead of padding his bank account. Tuck, who is an unrestricted free agent and coming off a resurgent 11-sack season, said he'd be willing to give the Giants a "hometown discount."

David Wilson sustained a serious neck injury during an Oct. 6 game against the Eagles and hasn't seen the field since. Despite Wilson's naivete about the injury, teammates have warned Wilson that the herniated disc he's suffering from could be a serious issue. General manager Jerry Reese did not rule out surgery for Wilson, and did not rule out the injury being a career-ending one.

Dec 30 Giants win over the Redskins, 20-6  | Photos  | Photos | Videos

On The Game: Game 16 Gamegirl - "There wasn't a big crowd at the stadium today considering the weather and the circumstances, but the Giants rewarded the fans who showed up by going all out and giving them a final season victory." Mikefan. - "The season ended as it started, with a number of injuries and the results are in. The Giants finished up the season at 7-9 with their win over the Redskins."

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ESPN - Jerrel Jernigan, Giants add to Redskins' troubles.
ESPN - Rapid Reaction: Giants 20, Redskins 6.
ESPN - Coughlin on job status: 'Don't ask me that'.
ESPN - Jerrel Jernigan stars in Cruz's absence.
ESPN - Diehl might retire, won't play elsewhere.
ESPN - Justin Tuck deserves to be back with Giants.
ESPN - Beason: 'I would love to play here next year'.
Giants.com - Instant Analysis: Giants 20, Washington 6.
Giants.com - Giants finish strong with win over Washington,
NYPost - Eli Manning sprains ankle as Giants close with a victory.
NYPost - Giants report card: Defense finishes with a flourish.
NYDailyNews - Eli Manning injured as Giants win final game of nightmare season.
StarLedger - Did we see the last of Hakeem Nicks?
StarLedger - Justin Tuck finishes with a bang; wants Tom Coughlin back.
StarLedger - Terrell Thomas pulls off improbable, admits to having microfracture surgery too.
StarLedger - Jerrel Jernigan has breakout game in Victor Cruz's absence.
StarLedger - Eli Manning suffers high-ankle sprain, lobbies for Tom Coughlin to return.
StarLedger - Giants injury roundup: Will Beatty faces longest recovery.
StarLedger - Giants co-owner John Mara should force major changes despite strong finish.
StarLedger - Giants banged up but drop Redskins, 20-6, in season finale.
NYTimes - Giants Finish By Limping To Victory.
TheRecord - Jerigan leads Giants to 20-6 win over Washington.
TheRecord - True Blue blog: Season ends for Giants' Eli Manning with interception, injury.
Newsday - Image of Eli Manning with an injury is sobering.
Newsday - Eli Manning among several Giants injured in win over Redskins in season finale.
Newsday - Five questions for the Giants heading into the offseason.
WashingtonPost - Redskins conclude 3-13 season, and likely the Mike Shanahan era,.
WashingtonPost - Redskins to fire Mike Shanahan after four seasons as coach.

Giants (6-9) vs Redskins (3-12)
The Cowboys beat the Redskins last week, but they had to really earn it. It took a come from behind effort by Tony Romo in the fourth quarter to overcome a nine point deficit, and with a touchdown in the final minute they took down the Redskins 24-23.
Last Sunday the Giants came up with an unexpected victory over the heavily favored Detroit Lions. The 23-20 overtime win knocked the Lions out of contention, and it showed that the Giants will play and give it their all against any team despite records or standings.

Dec 29 It is, in coach Tom Coughlin's estimation, a "huge, incredible difference" if the Giants beat the Redskins Sunday to finish 7-9, rather than lose and bow out of 2013 with a record of 6-10.
When the Giants' season ends around 4:05 p.m. Sunday, the real work begins. Coach Tom Coughlin said he will start the evaluation of the current team "right away."

Dec 28 Fresh off season-ending knee surgery, Victor Cruz blamed part of Eli Manning's awful year on "a little bit of a disconnect" between the Giants quarterback and his receivers.
Cruz's word choice confirmed what many observers recognized watching the Giants on the field and reading the box scores each week during the regular season.

Justin Pugh has been one of the few constants for a 6-9 team that is lurching toward Sunday's season finale against the skidding Washington Redskins (3-12). He is poised to become the first Giants opening-round draft choice to start every game as a rookie since Lawrence Taylor became a fixture in 1981.

Wide receiver Hakeem Nicks has gone out of his way to avoid talking about the future. That changed today, though, when the Giants' former first-round draft pick began discussing the next few weeks of his life.
Victor Cruz thinks Nicks will be back. Since 2011, Nicks and Cruz are second in the NFL among wide receiver tandems with 6,356 combined yards. Nicks said he doesn't think he needs to tell the Giants next week that he wants to return.

The Giants, who have been shut out an NFL-high twice this season, were blanked once again Friday night in the Pro Bowl balloting. The lone Pro Bowl consideration for the Giants (6-9) was strong safety Antrel Rolle and he was merely a second alternate. Defensive end Justin Tuck, who was thought to have generated support with his four-sack performance vs. Washington in a Sunday night nationally-televised game, was left off the roster as well.

Dec 27 There is a good chance that when the NFL announces its Pro Bowl teams on Friday night, Antrel Rolle's name will be on the list, and he deserves it. But if he goes to Hawaii at the end of January for the Pro Bowl, he doesn't think he should be the only Giant going. And he's right. Because Justin Tuck deserves to make the Pro Bowl, too.

Eli Manning hasn't missed a game since becoming the Giants' full-time starting quarterback in 2004. His streak is the third-longest among QBs in NFL history. Only his brother, Peyton, with 208 consecutive games and Brett Favre with 297 have shown greater endurance among quarterbacks.

Among the Giants who may be playing their final game on Sunday at MetLife Stadium against the Redskins is veteran offensive lineman David Diehl.
Even after nine sacks, a pick and a forced fumble, nothing is guaranteed. Justin Tuck knows that Sunday could very well be his final game as a Giant.

Mathias Kiwanuka is under contract with the Giants until 2016. So, in theory, his future with the franchise should not come up in preparation for Sunday's finale against Washington. "But nothing is guaranteed after your bonus," Kiwanuka said after practice

Hakeem Nicks, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason, was expected to carry a lot of weight this season, especially with the increased attention to Victor Cruz. Despite almost 900 receiving yards, Nicks' impact plays have been few and far between. He has the fewest catches in his career on third downs (13) this season.

Dec 26 Justin Pugh, the Giants' rookie right tackle, cares a great deal about taking care of his body, so much so that he has assembled a team of experts to help keep him in peak condition.

The Giants made a roster move on Christmas Day when they placed rookie safety Cooper Taylor on injured reserve. Offensive lineman Eric Herman was signed off the practice squad to take his roster spot.

Dec 25 Of the games remaining in the regular season - this Sunday is the only time when all 16 games are on the same day - only three will go off with absolutely no playoff implications. Giants-Redskins is part of the unholy trio, and that eats at John Mara.

Tom Coughlin believes he learned a lot about his current group of players with the way the Giants rallied for Sunday's 23-20 overtime victory over the Lions in Detroit. They were overmatched on paper, significantly undermanned at multiple positions, yet still found a way to prevail against an opponent that was playing for its playoff life.

Don't count on Tom Coughlin going out like this. At least not if he has a say in matters. The Giants coach chose a strange venue -- a conference call with Redskins reporters on Christmas Eve -- to give his most definitive answer yet that he expects to be back in 2014.
Count former Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield among those who feel head coachTom Coughlin should get at least one more year. "I think he deserves to stick around as long as he wants to coach," Cofield told NJ.com at the Washington Redskins practice faculty on Tuesday.
The Giants fell apart on the field this season but Coughlin never lost the locker room. There have been no leaks or dissension, and time and again, the players have blamed themselves - not their coach - for the losses.

Dec 24 For a half at least, the Giants' offense had a very different look, a vastly different feel from the unit that has spent most of the season out of sync and unable to score points.
It was hardly a masterpiece performance but the offensive line, which will undergo major changes this offseason, made plays when it had to against a highly-respected Lions defensive front.

Maybe it's a good thing the Giants won't be in the playoffs. They might not be able to field a team beyond this week. As the Giants come limping across the finish line, eight players could be injured and unable to play in the regular-season finale Sunday against the Redskins.
David Wilson, Brandon Jacobs, Da'Rel Scott, Andre Brown and Peyton Hillis all have started games at running back for the New York Giants this year. The first two are on injured reserve, the third has been released and the other two are being treated for concussions.

For long stretches, it certainly felt as if the Lions were ripe to be picked apart by Eli Manning, operating in the climate-controlled environs he adores. Then you opened your eyes and the new reality of Eli Manning revealed itself. He was just a bit out of sync. That could be the calling card for his season: "Hi, I'm Eli Manning and I was Just Off in 2013."

Giants still playing for pride, ready to battle Washington. Redskins Despite the familiarity as a divisional rival, Washington shut down Robert Griffin III two weeks ago and quarterback Kirk Cousins now runs the show.

Will Hill must know his teammates and coaches all want him to succeed. Tuck, Antrel Rolle, and Mathias Kiwanuka love the guy. There are already enough areas that need an influx of talent: running back, offensive line, and cornerback. The Giants don't need to have to look for another safety because Hill can't stay clean.

NFC East News
Cowboys - ESPN reported that a back injury suffered by Romo Sunday in the Redskins game would end his season, thus preventing him from playing in this weekend's NFC East winner-take-all finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Eagles - If there was not enough theater for Sunday's game between the Eagles and Cowboys to determine the NFC East title, the plot took a turn Monday when the news broke that Dallas quarterback Tony Romo would miss the remainder of the season, according to an ESPN report.
Redskins - Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins, given the chance to start three games late this season after the benching of Robert Griffin III, was unable to take a step forward Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

Dec 23 Giants win over the Lions in overtime, 23-20  | Photos  | Photos | Videos

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On The Game: Game 15 Gamegirl - "Wow! Nobody expected the Giants to win today against the Lions. It shows you what this team is made of that they played the way they did. I felt bad for the Detroit fans at the game because I know how it feels to lose an important game at home. Both teams had their ups and downs, and Christmas came a little early for Giants fans who are still hanging in there." Mikefan. - "It didn't make sense to me that the Lions didn't try to do something, having 23 seconds and two timeouts left at the end of the game. They were on their own 25, but why not take a shot or two for a breakout run or long pass downfield to win the game instead of committing to overtime."

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ESPN - Lions eliminated from playoff contention with OT loss to Giants.
ESPN - Rapid Reaction: Giants 23, Lions 20.
ESPN - Hill is vital, volatile part of Giants' future.
ESPN - Giants injury report: Brown concussed.
ESPN - Upon Further Review: Giants Week 16.
Giants.com - Instant Analysis: Giants 23, Lions 20 (OT).
Giants.com - Giants show fight in overtime win,
NYPost - After blowing lead, Giants dodge 10th loss in OT.
NYPost - Jernigan comes up big for Giants.
NYPost - Giants discover something to play for.
NYDailyNews - Giants vs. Lions quick hits and instant analysis.
NYDailyNews - Giants DB Will Hill makes big play with interception return.
NYDailyNews - Giants gut out overtime win over Lions to play spoilers in Detroit.
StarLedger - Giants rise up to knock off Lions, 23-20, in overtime.
StarLedger - Giants vs. Lions quick hits and instant analysis.
StarLedger - Two days after arrest, Giants safety Will Hill makes key play in OT stunner.
StarLedger - The explanation behind Bear Pascoe's rushing attempt in the Giants' victory.
NYTimes - After a Battle of Blunders, the Giants Get It Right When It Counts.
Newsday - Undermanned Giants show grit, beat Lions in overtime.
DetroitFreePress - Giants 23, Detroit 20 (OT): Lions' slide continues right out of playoff picture.

NFC East News
Cowboys 24 - Redskins 23. TonyRomo recovered from a bad interception and rallied the Cowboys from a nine-point, fourth-quarter deficit Sunday, finding DeMarco Murray for a 10-yard touchdown pass on fourth down with 1:08 remaining to give the Cowboys a 24-23 win over the Washington Redskins. More here.
Eagles 54 - Bears 11. Nick Foles threw two touchdown passes, LeSean McCoy ran for two scores and the Philadelphia Eagles routed the Chicago Bears.The Eagles (9-6) have to tie or beat the Cowboys (8-7) in Dallas next Sunday night to win the NFC East and complete a worst-to-first season under rookie coach Chip Kelly.

Giants (5-9) vs Lions (7-7)
On Monday night the Lions were on their way to a win when a long 61-yard field goal put Baltimore ahead 18-16 with only 38 seconds left on the clock. It gave them their fourth loss in five games as they continued to self destruct from once having the lead in the NFC North.
Last Sunday the Giants planned to come off playing a bad game against the Chargers, but instead did even worse against the Seahawks. They lost the game 23-0, and for the second time this season they failed to put points up on the scoreboard.

Dec 22 Hampered by an injury-ravaged offensive line, Eli Manning voiced only optimism as he prepared to take snaps from a third-string center in Detroit. Manning will also be without Victor Cruz, his leading receiver and the only Giants wideout this season who has had good hands and has been dependable running his routes.
But those who have been around Manning for any period of time know that the man is always searching for answers about what he can do to lift his game and help his team. He's already at work trying to find the solutions, even as the Giants' failed season winds down.

At this time of year, with a team like this, the conversation always heads in this direction: Can winning the last game or two help as a springboard into next season? The bar has been lowered, as "let's do some positive things offensively".

Prince Amukamara is preparing for his most daunting assignment of the season, knowing respect will come Sunday if he can raise his game. He is also well aware of the freakish talent Lions star receiver Calvin Johnson possesses and how he can make those covering him look silly if they don't bring their best.

Dec 21 Regardless of the dead-end circumstances - a 5-9 record and eliminated from playoff contention with two games still to play - the goal for the Giants remains the same: Play to win the game.

The team's first round draft choice this season, Justin Pugh has started every game at right tackle with a changing of the guard next to him. The Giants continue to dig deeper into their depth chart as injuries sideline an increasing number of players..

Tom Coughlin wasn't thrilled Victor Cruz needed knee surgery this week, but the Giants coach liked the timing of it. Indeed, by having the surgery now Cruz is expected to be healed by the start of the Giants' offseason program.

It was barely a month ago the Giants looked as if they might have found the perfect low-cost replacement for Hakeem Nicks - if they wanted one - in Rueben Randle. Cruz's recent season-ending knee surgery will give Randle a great opportunity in the final two games to regain the Giants' trust and reassert himself.
The second-year Rueben Randle has been much more of a factor in the end zone than Hakeem Nicks, recording a team-high six touchdowns. Randle, though, would like to have more than 37 receptions for 571 yards so far.

Another guy who might get a look is Jerrel Jernigan. He's questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions but said after limited practice Friday that he's "feeling all right." I f he can play, Jernigan, who thus far has disappointed in his three seasons with the Giants but made some strides in a seven-catch, 67-yard performance against the Seahawks last week, is an option in the slot.

Dec 20 Victor Cruz's season ended on an operating table, not on the football field. The Giants receiver underwent left knee surgery Thursday afternoon performed by renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, Fla.

Despite facing constant double coverage, Victor Cruz this season had team-high totals of 73 catches for 998 yards, just two shy of his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. Rueben Randle will likely start in Cruz's place and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said Jerrel Jernigan will replace Cruz as the slot receiver.

Kevin Gilbride says injuries have been a factor behind Giants' offensive struggles. Two positions in particular -- offensive line and running back -- have been hit hard this season. Those used to be points of stability for the team.

The Lions have taken self-inflicted wounds to a new level, especially late in games. They're among the league's worst in giveaways, penalties and bonehead plays, although the latter isn't an official statistic yet.

Former Giants
Kareem McKenzie's final NFL game ended with him walking off the field a two-time Super Bowl champion. McKenzie and his teammates had just won their second title in five years, with the 6'6", 327-pound 11-year veteran starting at right tackle as the Giants beat the Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI. The retired Super Bowl champ goes back to school to help struggling NFL peers.
Mike Sullivan to interview for Army coaching job. While Sullivan seems to be on shaky footing with the Bucs, it is a steep fall to go from an NFL coordinator's job to Army's coach. Army has had only one winning season since 1996.

Dec 19 Eli Manning has already been sacked a career-high 36 times and Victor Cruz missed practice with a concussion and knee sprain. Asked if starting guards David Diehl (knee) and James Brewer (ankle) will be available when the Giants face the Lions Sunday in Detroit, coach Tom Coughlin said, "I hope so."
Those guys were already backups to previously injured starters. That left Dallas Reynolds and Brandon Mosley taking reps on either side of Kevin Boothe, who had to slide to center several weeks ago when the Giants lost backup Jim Cordle for the season after putting projected starter David Baas on IR. Forget about time to pass the football. Can that configuration keep Manning alive?"

With Pro Bowler Victor Cruz manning the slot, it's been difficult for 2011 third-round pick Jerrel Jernigan to earn reps. In the 23-0 loss, Jernigan showcased the skills that excited the Giants when they drafted him. Quarterback Eli Manning targeted Jernigan eight times and he caught all but one pass.

Chris Snee, a four-time Pro Bowler, only played until Week 3 this season, his 10th in the NFL. His hip is fine, but a more extensive elbow surgery than anticipated has put him on a tough rehab road. After one season of helplessness, is he really ready to set himself up for the prospect of more?

Jason Pierre-Paul came off a long, arduous back surgery this offseason and did his best to make it work through lingering pain this year. Now, he has a shoulder injury.

Stadium News
The NFL has contingency plans for something that has never been done before for a Super Bowl: move the game up to Saturday or delay it to Monday if forecasts - or an actual storm - made Sunday unplayable.

Dec 18 After the offensive line's worst performance of the year on Sunday, Giants captain Justin Tuck said maybe he can offer some assistance, even if that means playing scout team.

Eli Manning's getting picked apart, but 25 interceptions is not all his fault. Manning was sacked 16 times during those first six games, possibly leading to mechanical adjustments as he has worked to shield his battered body.
Eli Manning has performed like two different quarterbacks during his tenure with the Giants. Is a quarterback who has not made the playoffs in four of his five prime seasons worth investing in? Is a quarterback who has won two Super Bowl MVPs? And which one is Manning, again?

The Giants (5-9) are the only team in the NFL to be shut out this season, and Sunday represented the second time. Not only is the offensive line failing to protect Manning, but the Giants will likely be without their most consistent offensive weapon.
It is possible that Victor Cruz will be unable to play this week in Detroit (or next week against the Redskins for that matter). He's basically the only person involved in the Giants' passing game who's having any kind of consistently decent season.

Corey Webster has played in only four games this season and today the Giants conceded he won't again suit up and placed the veteran cornerback on injured reserve.

The Giants will finish in third place in the NFC East this season no matter what they do in the final two games, and playing essentially, if not mathematically, the last five weeks amid non-playoff contention is sure to prompt a significant roster shake-up.

Dec 17 Tom Coughlin declares 'a day of healing' in wake of post-game comments. For his part, Rolle said he stood by what he said following the game and doesn't need to apologize.
Coughlin backtracked from his own criticism, saying that upon review, much of the offensive ineptitude was due to lack of execution, not lack of effort.
Tom Coughlin does not appear to be among those who think Gilbride should be fired. Asked whether he still had faith in his offensive coaching staff Monday, Coughlin said, "Yes. Oh yeah."

It's been a very disappointing season for Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP who should still be in his prime at the age of 32. His current completion percentage, 58.6, is his lowest since 2007.
Eli Manning isn't going anywhere, so something around him must change. That something must be the voices he hears on a daily basis in the workplace.

Tom Coughlin sounded Monday like a coach who will be sticking with the players who got him to this point of meaningless games with two weeks remaining in the season. "We are who we are," Coughlin said when asked about potentially benching players off the embarrassing 23-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

NFC East News
Cowboys - Tony Romo's defenders - yes, they actually exist - love to say his reputation as a choke artist is undeserved, that it's just a phony "narrative" cooked up by uninformed detractors. Good luck defending that after Sunday's debacle against the Packers.
Redskins - The high-stakes game of chicken between Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and Coach Mike Shanahan figures to continue. At issue is the $7 million Shanahan is owed next year, which Snyder would rather not pay.
Eagles - For the second time in four years, the Eagles lost a late-season game to a bad Minnesota Vikings team behind a guy you never heard of before, and will probably never hear from again.

Dec 16 Giants lose to the Seahawks, 23-0  | Photos  | Photos | Videos

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On The Game: Game 14 Gamegirl - "The Seahawks are a real powerhouse and look like they could be one of the teams that will be playing here in the Super Bowl in February. I will have to say I did not see any 'quit' on this Giants team today, and that's why fans come out to these games, no matter what, to support them." Mikefan. - "They spared Manning any further embarrassment by substituting Curtis Painter in his spot for the final plays. Overall what did you expect anyway with this matchup, and general manager Jerry Reese will have a lot to account for on how he figured things would work out for the offensive line this year."

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ESPN - Seahawks have five interceptions, manhandle Giants.
ESPN - Rapid Reaction: Seahawks 23, Giants 0.
ESPN - How long will Coughlin want to do this?
ESPN - Coughlin: 'Pathetic offensive performance'
Giants.com - Instant Analysis: Seahawks 23, Giants 0,
NYPost - Eli throws 5 picks in Giants loss.
NYPost - Giants blitz: 'We didn't make any plays'.
NYDailyNews - Coughlin calls Giants effort vs Seahawks 'pathetic' - and he is right.
NYDailyNews - Eli Manning doesn't deserve free pass with Giants' disaster of season.
NYDailyNews - Manning throws five interceptions as Giants come up small against Seahawks.
StarLedger - Giants offensive line is overwhelmed by Seahawks.
StarLedger - Coughlin calls offensive performance pathetic; defensive players don't disagree.
StarLedger - Giants shut out, 23-0, by Seahawks; tempers flare in locker room afterward.
StarLedger - Giants vs. Seahawks quick hits and instant analysis.
NYTimes - Drubbing by Seahawks Assures Giants of a Losing Record.
TheRecord - Seahawks manhandle Giants, 23-0.
TheRecord - Problems may be rampant for Giants, but Eli Manning is one of the biggest.
Newsday - Eli Manning's five interceptions a big concern for Giants.
Newsday - Coughlin says Giants offense 'pathetic' after shutout loss to Seahawks.
Newsday - Injury might rob Victor Cruz of milestone.
TheNewTribune -Seahawks intercept five Manning passes, shut out Giants, 23-0.

NFC East News
Eagles 30 - Vikings 48. The lackluster effort by the entire team, when combined with questionable play calling, lead to the Eagles' worse loss of the season -- and Kelly's first game where he cost his team a win.
Cowboys 36 - Packers 37. Troy Aikman and play-by-play voice Joe Buck proved an excoriating tag team in their critique of the Cowboys play calling and clock management in Dallas' 37-36 come-from-ahead loss to the Green Bay Packers in front of a national television audience.
Redskins 26 - Falcons 27. How do you lose, 27-26, to an Atlanta Falcons team that turned the ball over twice and has one of the worst defenses in the league? By surrendering seven turnovers of your own, that's how.

Giants (5-8) vs Seahawks (11-2)
For only the second time this season the Seahawks were on the losing side of a score. They lost by only two points, 19-17 to San Francisco, the most recent two time division leaders, who denied Seattle from claiming that title on their turf.
Last Sunday the Giants played in San Diego, were down 24-0 at the half, and lost to the Chargers 37-14. That pretty much took them out of any chance to climb anywhere in the division or pull off some miracle comeback from their poor 0-6 start.

Dec 15 The NFC's best team faces off against one of the NFC's worst. The Giants have no chance on Sunday at MetLife Stadium when the Seattle Seahawks come for a visit. Not so fast.
The Seahawks have the look and feel of a team that could be playing Feb. 2 in Super Bowl XLVIII, on the same MetLife Stadium field where they will first face the Giants.
The Super Bowl-minded Seahawks won't just be trying MetLife Stadium on for size as they make try to stretch their Eastern time zone record to 3-0.
The Giants have one game left at MetLife Stadium after Sunday. So might the Seahawks. The eliminated Giants can only play Sunday and watch the Seahawks plan their return.

Former Giants
Lawrence Taylor has all the respect in the world for what Tom Coughlin has accomplished with Big Blue, but the NFL's greatest defensive player said it's time to sack the two-time Super Bowl winning coach.

Dec 14 Although Jason Pierre-Paul said on Thursday that he got a second opinion and surgery won't be needed to repair his right shoulder, coach Tom Coughlin didn't completely rule out the possibility of surgery.
Coughlin didn't sound optimistic the fourth-year defensive end would be cleared to play the rest of the way for 5-8 Big Blue, but he said the team hasn't made anything official to Pierre-Paul.

Many people expect a lackluster effort Sunday when the New York Giants host the Seattle Seahawks. But Giants coach Tom Coughlin likes what he's seen from his team this week, despite being eliminated from playoff contention last Sunday in San Diego.

The Seahawks have a reputation as a feisty, trash-talking team, led by cornerback Richard Sherman. So how do the Giants keep from being drawn into trouble against them Sunday? "Why'd you come to me with this question?" defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka asked Friday. Um . . . because you have three personal fouls in the past three games.

In addition to an 11-2 record and clear path to the NFC West title and top seed in the conference playoffs, the Seahawks have a rushing attack that is among the most formidable in the league. Seattle is an anomaly in today's pass-centric NFL, a team that happily and productively churns out yards on the ground.

Dec 13 Will Giants safety Antrel Rolle be a cap casualty in 2014? The Giants will have to decide which players to release, which contracts to restructure for the future. Some choices will be easy; others will be more complex.

Victor Cruz, who is 27 yards shy of his third straight 1,000-yard season but doesn't have a touchdown since September and has struggled to be as productive and explosive this year as he was in the last two. Gilbride said. "We've gotten a lot more doubles." Gilbride wasn't naming names, but everyone knows that wide receiver Hakeem Nicks and tight end Brandon Myers have been disappointments this year as receivers.

Archie Manning knew all along this would not be a Super season for his youngest son. The patriarch of the first family of NFL quarterbacks had a feeling that the Giants' expectations were set too high, especially with the injuries they began suffering in the months before the season opened.

Jason Pierre-Paul has missed the Giants' past two games due to a shoulder injury, and has not practiced yet this week. But on Thursday he scoffed at the notion of going on injured reserve. "I'm never gonna shut it down," Pierre-Paul said. "If I can go, I'm gonna go. There's no point in shutting it down. If I can still help my team win football games, that's what I'm gonna do."

The Seahawks (11-2) look every bit like a team that could represent the NFC when the Vince Lombardi trophy is at stake on Feb 2. That would mean spending the week at a New Jersey hotel, practicing at the Giants training facility, and spending quality time in the New York area before playing the big game in the Giants' home stadium.

Dec 12 Andre Brown has been cut, re-signed and placed on injured reserve enough times to understand that nothing comes easy in the NFL. That being said, entering an offseason where he feels 100 percent healthy and has racked up two 100 yard games out of the five he's played, he could have a few potential suitors on hand once he hits the market.

Andre Brown poked his head around the back corner of the Giants locker room and noticed it was gone. The Super Bowl countdown calendar (pictured above) had been removed sometime over the weekend -- after the Giants were officially eliminated from playoff contention -- putting one chapter of the season to bed.
The worst motivational ploy of the Giants' dismal season finally disappeared from its corner in the locker room on Wednesday. And it wasn't Tom Coughlin who took it down, something the coach made clear before he even knew it was gone. "I didn't put it up," said Coughlin, who had never taken to the idea of the countdown in the first place. "So I'm not taking it down."

Justin Tuck is even better than the stat sheet suggested. He had two more sacks against the Chargers, bringing his total in the past three games to seven. That's more than he had in his previous 26 games following Super Bowl XLVI. So what has changed? Ask Tuck and he'll tell you, "nothing." He's doing the same things he's always done, feels the same way he did several weeks back. it

Dec 11 With lingering issues still plaguing his knee, Brandon Jacobs was placed on injured reserve. Jacobs has been fighting swelling issues all season, especially after a breakout 106-yard performance against the Bears in Week 6.
If this is it for Jacobs, he ends with 5,087 rushing yards, the fourth-highest total in Giants history, behind Tiki Barber, Rodney Hampton and Joe Morris. Jacobs' 60 rushing touchdowns are the most in Giants history.

For nine seasons, Justin Tuck has been a fixture along the Giants' defensive line. He's been a key voice in the locker room, and a major contributor on the field. He was all these things before he erupted for six sacks in the last two games. And if the Giants are wise, they'll let him be these things again next season.

After Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks leave MetLife Stadium on Sunday, the Giants will have faced nine of the NFL's top 10 rushers in this week's official statistics. The exception is San Francisco's Frank Gore, who is at No. 7. And next week, they are scheduled to face Detroit's Reggie Bush, who is currently 11th in the league in rushing yardage.

Antrel Rolle, in his weekly spot on WFAN radio Tuesday, said the team came out "extremely, extremely flat" and had "no fire, no intensity, no emotion whatsoever" against the Chargers. It could happen again. The Seahawks come to town with a high-powered offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson.

Dec 10 The playoffs were a pipe dream by early October, but the New York Giants somehow kept their mathematical hopes for the postseason alive until Sunday. Now that they are gone, the question becomes what the final three games on the Giants' schedule are about.
This is foreign territory to almost all of the current Giants. Not since 2004 - Coughlin's first year as coach and Eli Manning's rookie season - have they been eliminated from the playoff chase with three games remaining.
Tom Coughlin conceded that a couple of players who had been inactive might be given an opportunity in the next three weeks. But Coughlin is also old school. The 5-8 Giants can still avoid a losing season, something Coughlin has had only five times in a 19-year career as an NFL. head coach.

Stadium News
Why a Super Bowl in a Jersey blizzard would be the best Super Bowl ever! The weather is supposed to affect the way football gets played. So if Roger Goodell insists on staging his annual corporate convention out in the elements in East Rutherford, I say let it snow.

NFC East News
Cowboys 28 - Bears 45. Chicago scored on every possession in a 45-28 triumph as the Bears rolled back into first place in the NFC North and the Cowboys dropped out of their first-place tie with the Eagles in the East.

Dec 9 Giants lose to the Chargers, 37-14  | Photos  | Photos | Videos

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On The Game: Game 13 Gamegirl - "I was hoping for more from the Giants on offense this week playing against San Diego, but they never seem to be able to get their act together. The same old problems keep happening with passes bouncing off receivers hands or with them being in the wrong place for Eli Manning's throws" Mikefan. - "Some of the individual numbers may look good, Hakeem Nicks - 5 catches for 135 yards, Brandon Myers - touchdown catch for the third-straight game, Justin Tuck - 2 sacks and a forced fumble, but that just hides how poorly they actually played in this game."

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ESPN - Philip Rivers tosses 3 TDs as Chargers drop Giants.
ESPN - Rapid Reaction: Chargers 37, Giants 14.
ESPN - Blowout loss snaps Giants back to reality.
ESPN - Chargers fans greet Manning with jeers.
ESPN - Nicks has rare big game in Giants' loss.
Giants.com - Instant Analysis: Chargers 37, Giants 14,
NYPost - Giants' slim playoff hopes extinguished in ugly loss.
NYPost - Rivers the Mann: Super sharp Chargers' QB outplays awful Eli.
NYPost - Giants secondary beaten badly for big plays.
NYDailyNews - Chargers eliminate NY Giants from playoffs.
NYDailyNews - Eli Manning may be having worst season of his career.
NYDailyNews - Hakeem Nicks thinks he's in end zone on Hail Mary attempt.
StarLedger - Giants eliminated from playoff race with 37-14 loss to the Chargers.
StarLedger - Tom Coughlin can't explain Giants' offside penalties.
StarLedger - Giants vs. Chargers: Instant analysis and quick hits.
StarLedger - Five biggest issues facing the Giants moving forward.
NYTimes - In Mistake-Filled Year, Giants Are Eliminated From Playoff Race in Fitting Fashion.
TheRecord - Giants fall to Chargers, 37-14, eliminated from playoffs.
Newsday - Giants lose, eliminated from playoff contention.
UTSanDiego - Chargers fans passionate about Eli.
UTSanDiego - Instant analysis: Rivers over Eli.

NFC East News
Eagles 34 - Lions 20. Eight inches of snow fell at the Eagles-Lions game, as LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson set personal bests. More than that, there were four special teams' touchdowns - two for the Lions that counted and two for the Eagles that didn't. At 8-5, the Eagles took control of the No. 3 seed in the NFC playoff picture and will hold it for at least a day before the Cowboys play Chicago on Monday night.
Redskins 10 - Chiefs 45. Mike Shanahan's future was cast into doubt as the Redskins suffered a demoralizing, 45-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on a cold and sloppy day before the smallest announced crowd since Fed Ex Field opened in 1997. Some fans threw snowballs toward the Redskins' bench, and one was removed by stadium security personnel for screaming at Shanahan late in the game.

Giants (5-7) vs Chargers (5-7)
The Chargers took a 17-10 loss last Sunday at home against the Bengals. The ten points scored was their lowest in a game this season. It was disappointing to the fans as the Chargers were coming off an exciting 41-38 win over division rival Kansas City.
Last Sunday night the Giants got their record up to 5-7, which is not bad coming off an 0-6 start. The 24-17 win over the Redskins keeps them mathematically alive in the division race, but the rest of the teams would have to play poorly for them to have a shot.

Dec 8 Special Report - It was April 24, 2004, as the Giants' new head coach, Tom Coughlin, was preparing for his first draft. The 2003 Giants had finished with a 4-12 record, but sadly, so did three other teams. They were Oakland, San Diego and Arizona, and in cases like that the NFL awards all ties in an inverse order of the winning percentages of the teams they played. So it was decided that San Diego had compiled its 4-12 record against the worst-rated opponents, that Oakland was second, Arizona third and the Giants fourth.
This did not sit well with general manager Ernie Accorsi, who was experiencing a near-fatal attraction condition over a quarterback from the University of Mississippi named Eli Manning. "You can tell about the special ones," he said, having had previous experience with the likes of Johnny Unitas. "You can just tell when one of the special ones walks into a room," he said one spring afternoon at lunch in Manhattan. "Eli has that look, that aura." Unfortunately, the Chargers felt the same way, and their general manager, A.J. Smith, told everyone he could think of - even those who didn't ask.

For Eli Manning, Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger, not only did they wind up with their respective teams on that April day in 2004 but nearly 10 full years later, they're still playing for them.

The Giants have won five of their past six games and are eager to build on that, but let's face it, their momentum was pulverized with their last-second loss to the Cowboys, and it isn't coming back.

Brandon Myers has caught touchdowns in consecutive games and seems to have earned a larger role in the passing game. The fifth-year player caught five passes for 61 yards last week against Washington, his highest totals since Week 2.

Dec 7 Terrell Thomas can celebrate solid season but wonders if he'll be back. He has purchased a whopping 67 tickets for friends and family to watch him Sunday in San Diego, and admits the opportunity to finally play an NFL game in his home state, after six sometimes frustrating years, has been "a long time coming." But there will be more than a homecoming on Terrell Thomas' mind when his Giants take on the Chargers, because no matter how hard he tries, he sometimes thinks past Sunday.

While Andre Brown has performed exceptionally well in the four games he has played for the Giants since returning from a broken left fibula, the fifth-year running back expects to see even more improvement. "I still feel like I'm just scratching the surface of what my potential can be, and that comes with more playing time, more experience, more games," he said.

Defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka can't recall the last time he played every single snap of a game as he did Sunday; college, perhaps. And with Jason Pierre-Paul likely to miss his second straight game, Kiwanuka could see another marathon outing - and another chance to fill Big Blue's pass-rushing void.

First round draft choicefree Justin Pugh has started every game at right tackle. If he starts each of the final four, beginning Sunday in San Diego, he will become a) the first Giants rookie to start an entire 16-game season since defensive tackle Barry Cofield in 1995; b) the first offensive lineman to do it since David Diehl 10 years ago; and c) the first Giants' first round draft choice to do so since Hall of Fame linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1981.

Dec 6 Victor Cruz thinks this is the week for the Giants' passing game. Been a tough year. Very few big plays, lots of sacks allowed. Cruz hasn't caught a touchdown pass since September. Hakeem Nicks hasn't caught one all year. But this Sunday in San Diego, Cruz says, this is the game.

Although the Giants have won five of their last six games, the offense is taking its time getting untracked. The Giants did not score a first-quarter point in either of their last two games and have just one offensive touchdown in the opening quarter of the last six games. They will try to change that when they face the Chargers Sunday in San Diego.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has been seen numerous times this year on the field and sideline visibly upset with teammates (mostly his young receivers). He admitted he needs to improve his body language. Eli Manning has refrained from pointing fingers or public tirades. He's once again shown an incredible amount of restraint despite already being sacked a career-high 31 times with four games remaining in the season.

After an eight-game stretch during which they barely connected, Giants tight end Brandon Myers finally seems to be back on the same page as quarterback Eli Manning. Myers has caught a touchdown in the past two games, and his 100 combined receiving yards over the past two games are his most in back-to-back games since September.

Former Giants
Bill Parcells is impressed with the way Tom Coughlin has held his team together after an 0-6 start. It's reminiscent of the Jets' 1999 season under Parcells when he got off to a 1-6 start. The Jets wound up 8-8, with Parcells calling it the best coaching job of his career.

Dec 5 Eli Manning-Philip Rivers trade: 10 years later, Ernie Accorsi knows he made the right call. What if Accorsi had bent to San Diego general manager A.J. Smith's demands and included Osi Umenyiora in the deal? What if he didn't want to part with the picks and he took Ben Roethlisberger, as his draft board suggested?

Eli Manning won't say why he didn't want to play for Chargers: 'I forgot, I think' 'I just can't remember. It's been 10 years. It slipped my mind,' Manning said before the Giants were set to visit San Diego on Sunday, almost a decade after the Chargers' No. 1 pick in the 2004 Draft was traded to New York.

Philip Rivers never heard from Giants when they drafted him in 2004. Philip Rivers was a member of the Giants, for 15 minutes at least. It was an awkward 15 minutes for sure. The Giants selected Rivers fourth overall in the 2004 NFL Draft out of N.C. State. He was swiftly traded to the Chargers for Eli Manning and some draft picks.

As much as Justin Tuck would relish completing his career with a team he helped lead to two Super Bowl triumphs, he knows that only time will tell whether that feeling is reciprocal. His four-sack performance in Sunday night's 24-17 victory over the Washington Redskins was compelling, adding to a legacy of strong performances in big games through his nine years with the only professional team he has played for. His future is too uncertain for the glare of the spotlight to shine elsewhere as he completes a five-year contract worth $30 million.

Hurting Brandon Jacobs needs knee surgery, still rather be with Giants than undefeated team. When asked to play, Jacobs has enjoyed success this season. He has 58 carries for 238 yards (4.1 ypc) and four touchdowns. In his opinion, it could be even better. "I wish like hell my knee was 100 percent. I just wish it was 85 percent. I'd take 80," Jacobs said. "It would be different. It would be nasty."

Jon Beason considered the question for a handful of seconds and then, decisively and with an impact - just like the way he plays - predicted his future with the Giants. "I think they'll keep me,'' Beason told The Post on Wednesday. Seeing what Beason has done in his short time with the Giants, why in the world would they not keep him?

Will Beatty knows the numbers now. His 10 sacks surrendered this season are more than the last four combined. He has given up three in a game twice, the last time on Sunday against the Redskins in Washington. He also knows this is not the reason the Giants signed him to a five-year, $38-million contract extension in the offseason. He told our Dave Hutchinson after the Redskins game that he knows he's not living up to the expectations.

Five players who would (and are starting to) benefit from increased action this month. DaMontre Moore, Adrien Robinson, Jerrel Jernigan, Jayron Hosley, James Brewer. Big Blue on a 5-1 run after their horrific 0-6 start, and clinging to the slimmest of playoff hopes must start getting increased snaps to several youngsters. This would enable GM Jerry Reese to evaluate how much the kids can contribute in 2014 and perhaps alter his free agency attack plan.

Stadium News
PSE&G touts its 'green power' at Super Bowl 2014. Public Service Electric & Gas, New Jersey's largest utility and a PSEG subsidiary, will deliver power to the Feb. 2 Super Bowl at MetLife and related venues that weekend, providing enough energy at the East Rutherford complex to light about 8,000 homes.

Dec 4 Justin Tuck 'definitely' not considering retirement any time soon, will hold off on any contract talks until offseason. Defensive end Justin Tuck is having a resurgent season, quite possibly his best since his Pro Bowl campaign in 2010.

After they fell behind 14-0 and came back to beat the moribund Redskins 24-17, Justin Tuck said, "I'm pretty proud of the way we fought the last six games." Pride always is a good thing, but playoff contention is even better, and the Giants can't break into the "In the Hunt" column in even the most inclusive graphics.

They were consigned to the background by the officiating controversy, Justin Tuck's four sacks and an inspiring comeback, but quarterbacks Eli Manning and Robert Griffin III threw the ball impressively Sunday night when the Giants defeated the Washington Redskins, 24-17.

Middle linebacker Jon Beason has received much of the credit for the Giants' defensive turnaround. But Beason wasn't the only change to the Giants' starting lineup that coincides with the defensive resurgence. Safety Will Hill stripped Pierre Garcon in the final minutes to clinch the Giants' fourth victory in five games. It was the biggest play of Hill's young career.

Safety Antrel Rolle was among the many Giants who got in their shots against Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III in Sunday night's 24-17 victory at FedEx Field. But that didn't stop Rolle from expressing concern for RG3's health. Despite several warnings and a devastating knee injury, the second-year quarterback continues to take big hits.

Dec 3 The Redskins were, understandably, confused following last night's officiating mishap toward the end of the game. In a statement released by vice president of officiating Dean Blandino, their explanation was simple: The refs needed to stop the play regardless of whether or not Washington had any time outs.
The NFL said play should have been stopped to clear up confusion over what down was being played late in the Giants-Redskins game Sunday night, but Tom Coughlin said that would not have been fair to his team.

The Giants haven't been providing quarterback Eli Manning with the pass-protection he needs to be successful. The Giants will have a lot of areas to address once their season is over, a lot of problems to correct. But the biggest and most important remains their ability to protect quarterback Eli Manning.

Jason Pierre-Paul is dealing with a serious shoulder injury that kept him off the field for the majority of the Week 12 game against the Cowboys and the entirety of the Week 13 game against the Redskins. That pattern indicates that there's at least a chance that Pierre-Paul could be shut down for the final four games of the Giants' season, even though Giants coach Tom Coughlin sounds as though the team is resisting that.

Dec 2 Giants win over the Redskins, 24-17  | Photos  | Photos | Videos