Tom Coughlin made two calls—one before and one during— a game against the Dallas Cowboys yesterday that saved the New York Giants season and probably saved his job—again.
Before Sunday's game in Dallas, the Giants head coach benched arguably his best running back Ahmad Bradshaw for the first half before the season's biggest game and then later called a time-out to ice rookie Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey's 47-yard field goal seconds from sending the game into overtime.
Taking a cue from Cowboy's head coach Jason Garrett—who iced his own kicker last week in a loss against the Arizona Cardinals— Coughlin's call made Bailey attempt a do-over which was blocked by Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul.
The blocked kick gave the Giants (7-6) an unbelievable 37-34 victory and put them in first place of the NFC East ahead of the Cowboys (7-6) via tie breaker. The two teams will clash again on New Year's Day at MetLife Stadium.
Benching Bradshaw was a game day decision after the running back reportedly violated team curfew although neither the player or coach would confirm that. Either way, Bradshaw suited up and played ineffectively during the second half.
Brandon Jacobs, who was called a "bully" by Cowboys DB Mike Jenkins earlier in the week, got the start and lived up to the new nickname. The Giants bruiser rumbled through the Cowboys defense for 101 yards on 19 carries and two TD's.
As many things that went right for the Giants went wrong.
Eli Manning overcame numerous tipped and dropped passes to keep the G-Men close for three quarters but when it looked like the Cowboys had the game in control, Manning came alive and led the team to 15 points in the last 5:41.
It was Manning's fifth fourth quarter comeback victory this season and after losing four straight, the Giants find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt.
But it all comes down to Coughlin.
Call him a taskmaster, old school or just plain out of touch with today's player—but he does it his way.
Every year there are calls for the rosy-cheeked Coughlin's head— especially when the team begins their annual December swoon. Maybe this year things will be different.
"We needed to have a locker room celebration," said Coughlin in the Giants locker room after the win. "We've been starving for for that."
Yesterday's victory changes everything about the Giants. If the Giants lost, they would trail the Cowboys by two games for even the final wild-card spot and end the regular season facing division rival The Washington Redskins, New York City rival the New York Jets and, of course, their arch enemy the Cowboys.
That road is more of a slosh through the Meadowlands swamps than a romp through Central Park.
Maybe this Giants team isn't reminiscent of Coughlin's former teams. The running game has been anemic, the defense lets opponent's offense have their way all game long and it has given up 114 points in the last three games, but if there is a constant, it is Coughlin.
The more things change, the more they don't.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Bears Barber Get Tebowed By Broncos
Two costly mistakes by Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber in the final minutes gave the Denver Broncos another come-from-behind win for the seventh time in eight weeks.
Call it a Mile High Miracle or a testimony to Tim Tebow's grit, but this improbable 13-10 victory seemed like it had higher power— or at least some unbelievable luck.
After leading 10-7 with under two minutes to play, the Bears Barber inexplicably ran out of bounds to stop the clock—giving the Broncos an additional 35 seconds of play when the Broncos got the ball back.
Tebow drove his team to the Bears 42 yard line where Prader kicked the game tying 59 field goal with three seconds remaining in regulation.
In overtime, the Bears won the toss and were moving the ball at will until, on a play where it looked like Barber (the anti-Tebow) was going to break free for a long gain or score, the running back fumbled in field goal range with 12:46 left in OT. Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil picked up the loose ball and it was Tebow time once again.
The Broncos QB did just enough to get his team to the Bears 34 yard line and close enough for kicker Matt Prader to split the uprights in the thin Colorado air.
After the 51-yard field goal by Prader with 8:40 left in overtime gave Denver the win, Tebow pointed to the skies and thanked "my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... and my teammates" in an interview.
For three quarters, Tebow was as accurate as a sightless sniper. He completed 3-of-16 passes in the first three quarters, as has been his m.o. throughout his 7-1 streak as a starter.
But once again, Tebow came alive in the fourth quarter. He went 15 of 20 for 163 yards in the final 15 minutes. He finished the game 21-40 for 236 yards with a TD and an INT with a few dropped passes but nary a spiral in the bunch.
Again, he did enough to get the win and put the Broncos two full games ahead of the second place Oakland Raiders—who were sliced and diced by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers—in the AFC West.
The Denver Broncos may not be the most polished team in the NFL, but with the soft-speaking Tebow strong-willing his team to fourth quarter comebacks, they are a fun group to watch and Tebow Time is something to cheer for.
"I believe we're a team that keeps the faith and keeps believing in each other," Tebow said. "And that's special."
Call it a Mile High Miracle or a testimony to Tim Tebow's grit, but this improbable 13-10 victory seemed like it had higher power— or at least some unbelievable luck.
After leading 10-7 with under two minutes to play, the Bears Barber inexplicably ran out of bounds to stop the clock—giving the Broncos an additional 35 seconds of play when the Broncos got the ball back.
Tebow drove his team to the Bears 42 yard line where Prader kicked the game tying 59 field goal with three seconds remaining in regulation.
In overtime, the Bears won the toss and were moving the ball at will until, on a play where it looked like Barber (the anti-Tebow) was going to break free for a long gain or score, the running back fumbled in field goal range with 12:46 left in OT. Broncos DE Elvis Dumervil picked up the loose ball and it was Tebow time once again.
The Broncos QB did just enough to get his team to the Bears 34 yard line and close enough for kicker Matt Prader to split the uprights in the thin Colorado air.
After the 51-yard field goal by Prader with 8:40 left in overtime gave Denver the win, Tebow pointed to the skies and thanked "my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ... and my teammates" in an interview.
For three quarters, Tebow was as accurate as a sightless sniper. He completed 3-of-16 passes in the first three quarters, as has been his m.o. throughout his 7-1 streak as a starter.
But once again, Tebow came alive in the fourth quarter. He went 15 of 20 for 163 yards in the final 15 minutes. He finished the game 21-40 for 236 yards with a TD and an INT with a few dropped passes but nary a spiral in the bunch.
Again, he did enough to get the win and put the Broncos two full games ahead of the second place Oakland Raiders—who were sliced and diced by Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers—in the AFC West.
The Denver Broncos may not be the most polished team in the NFL, but with the soft-speaking Tebow strong-willing his team to fourth quarter comebacks, they are a fun group to watch and Tebow Time is something to cheer for.
"I believe we're a team that keeps the faith and keeps believing in each other," Tebow said. "And that's special."
Jeter's Historic 3K Foul Ball To Be Auctioned Off
If you want to buy the home-run ball Derek Jeter hit for his 3,000th hit against the Tampa Bay Rays last summer—fuhgedaboudit. But you can purchase one of the three balls he fouled off Rays pitcher David Price before the memorable hit on July 9 at Yankee Stadium.
The ball Jeter fouled off during the at-bat which produced the historic home-run is being sold at auction by Lelands.com until Dec. 16.
You can relive that glorious foul ball moment in the video below and dream about being the proud owner of that wayward ball.
I wonder if the 3-2 count foul ball—caught by a fan on the first-base side of the field—will rake in more for this guy then Christian Lopez—the young man who caught the historic No. 3,000— got for returning his prize catch to Jeter.
The generous Lopez was rewarded with four box-seat season tickets and assorted signed Jeter memorabilia. Some think he was underpaid and the payoff should have been equivalent to winning Powerball.
The shortstop fouled off three pitches before hitting the milestone 3,000 on that sunny day. Two were retrieved by ballboys and the third was caught by the fan behind the first base side.
The ball is reported to have a big, black smudge on it and is marked with a "J-1" by Major League Baseball to certify its authenticity.
You may not be able to own the actual ball which made Jeter only the 28th major leaguer to join the exclusive 3K club, but you can lay title to the ball which set up the big moment with the highest bid.
The ball Jeter fouled off during the at-bat which produced the historic home-run is being sold at auction by Lelands.com until Dec. 16.
You can relive that glorious foul ball moment in the video below and dream about being the proud owner of that wayward ball.
I wonder if the 3-2 count foul ball—caught by a fan on the first-base side of the field—will rake in more for this guy then Christian Lopez—the young man who caught the historic No. 3,000— got for returning his prize catch to Jeter.
The generous Lopez was rewarded with four box-seat season tickets and assorted signed Jeter memorabilia. Some think he was underpaid and the payoff should have been equivalent to winning Powerball.
The shortstop fouled off three pitches before hitting the milestone 3,000 on that sunny day. Two were retrieved by ballboys and the third was caught by the fan behind the first base side.
The ball is reported to have a big, black smudge on it and is marked with a "J-1" by Major League Baseball to certify its authenticity.
You may not be able to own the actual ball which made Jeter only the 28th major leaguer to join the exclusive 3K club, but you can lay title to the ball which set up the big moment with the highest bid.
The Paulina Gretzky Photo Which Had Wayne "At The End Of His Rope"
Popular Twitter star Paulina Gretzky is back to her old tricks again—posting racy pictures of herself—against the wishes of her dad hockey great— Wayne Gretzky.
The 22 year-old wild-child daughter of Gretzky and his actress wife Janet had angered her father so much—by posting the suggestive snapshots of herself on her Twitter account— that he ordered her to remove the provocative photos from the Internet.
The Hall-of-Fame hockey player finally flipped out after seeing the racy shots of his daughter—especially one where she is sucking a lollipop in a revealing low-cut top.
"Wayne had been very tolerant until now," said a family source. "His hair was standing on end when the photos came to his attention—especially the one where she sucking on a lollipop with her boobs front and center."
"'He was like what's next?'" said the source. "That's when he finally sat her down and told her 'This is just not about you—it's about the family name, so stop it.'"
Much to the sadness of her growing legion of followers, the Great One then sent Paulina to the penalty box.
Even her mother, a former Playboy and lingerie model herself, is incensed by her daughter's photo spreads.
The long-time feud between father and daughter came to a head during Thanksgiving. Paulina even tweeted about the situation herself: "Having a nice sit-down with my dad about social media...haha."
Right after that, she replaced the saucy photos with a family holiday shot and tweeted: "Taking a break from Twitter for a bit. Happy Holidays!!!Xoxox."
The oldest of Gretzky's five kids is an aspiring actress and singer but still gets an allowance from her parents. She refused to go to college and her plans in the entertainment business haven't panned out.
Her name and wealthy upbringing haven't really opened many doors and, until this lifestyle disagreement with her famous father, wasn't known for anything but a song she sang which was used on the MTV show Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County soundtrack.
There has been speculation that the conservative Gretzky was considering buying the Toronto Maple Leafs and some of his daughter's R-rated pix could hamper the deal according to reports.
Darren Blake, Gretzky's manager, said, "Wayne won't be issuing any comments."
Gretzky has confided to friends, according to the New York Post, that "Boys are easier to raise than girls."
Last week, Paulina was at it again and tweeted: "Hi everyone I'm back! But shh don't tell my dad."
That tweet abruptly disappeared but there are still racy photos on her account including a new photo with a pouting Paulina in a white T-shirt with the word SEX in big black letters.
I'm sure Wayne considers that a blue line infraction.
The 22 year-old wild-child daughter of Gretzky and his actress wife Janet had angered her father so much—by posting the suggestive snapshots of herself on her Twitter account— that he ordered her to remove the provocative photos from the Internet.
The Hall-of-Fame hockey player finally flipped out after seeing the racy shots of his daughter—especially one where she is sucking a lollipop in a revealing low-cut top.
"'He was like what's next?'" said the source. "That's when he finally sat her down and told her 'This is just not about you—it's about the family name, so stop it.'"
Much to the sadness of her growing legion of followers, the Great One then sent Paulina to the penalty box.
Even her mother, a former Playboy and lingerie model herself, is incensed by her daughter's photo spreads.
The long-time feud between father and daughter came to a head during Thanksgiving. Paulina even tweeted about the situation herself: "Having a nice sit-down with my dad about social media...haha."
Right after that, she replaced the saucy photos with a family holiday shot and tweeted: "Taking a break from Twitter for a bit. Happy Holidays!!!Xoxox."
The oldest of Gretzky's five kids is an aspiring actress and singer but still gets an allowance from her parents. She refused to go to college and her plans in the entertainment business haven't panned out.
Her name and wealthy upbringing haven't really opened many doors and, until this lifestyle disagreement with her famous father, wasn't known for anything but a song she sang which was used on the MTV show Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County soundtrack.
There has been speculation that the conservative Gretzky was considering buying the Toronto Maple Leafs and some of his daughter's R-rated pix could hamper the deal according to reports.
Darren Blake, Gretzky's manager, said, "Wayne won't be issuing any comments."
Gretzky has confided to friends, according to the New York Post, that "Boys are easier to raise than girls."
Last week, Paulina was at it again and tweeted: "Hi everyone I'm back! But shh don't tell my dad."
That tweet abruptly disappeared but there are still racy photos on her account including a new photo with a pouting Paulina in a white T-shirt with the word SEX in big black letters.
I'm sure Wayne considers that a blue line infraction.
Friday, December 9, 2011
"Tebowing" Makes Time Magazine's 2011 Top 10 List
Tim Tebow just got a spot on Time magazine's "The Top 10 Everything of 2011" list. The weekly publication picked the quarterback's signature "Tebowing" pose as No. 5 on its 2011 list of "Top Ten Memes."
Memes—for the Luddites—is a name used to describe a concept that spreads via the Internet and is commonly used in viral marketing as a cheap form of mass-advertising.
Tebow's pose was surpassed by the No. 1 meme—"We Are the 99 Percent" protesters and other memorable memes like Planking, Princess Beatrice's Fascinator (don't ask) and "Winning" by Charlie Sheen.
The Denver Broncos quarterback did top other popular memes like Hipster Ariel, Ted Williams' (not the baseball icon) Golden Voice and Bronies (again, don't ask).
Tebow first introduced the often parodied move after an upset win over the Miami Dolphins in October when he dropped to one knee in a zen-like state and the act went viral.
The practice has been copied by many Tebowers and attained its impressive meme status through the Internet and on the football field.
"Typically it's wide receivers who are known to make a statement when their team makes an impressive play," wrote Time. "That was until Tim Tebow. The Denver Bronco's habit of dropping to one knee and bowing his head in prayer after a particularly successful play made him not only the most visibly faithful member of the NFL, but an Internet celebrity."
Time even described that "Tebow's prayerful pose, reminiscent of Rodin's Thinker sculpture" has inspired a website devoted to the move and has turned it into a global phenomenon.
People have been photographed Tebowing underwater and at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
For now, people will just have to get used to Tebowing becoming a part of our popular culture as long as the Broncos keep winning.
Skier Lindsey Vonn dropped to her knee after her first U.S. victory this week and members of the Colorado Avalanche have also been spotted Tebowing on ice.
Tebow, himself, is endorsing the fad as long as it remains focused on the prayer aspect.
"At least it's being talked about, and that's a cool thing," Tebow told reporters. "If I can help be an example of that, then I look at it like a blessing."
Memes—for the Luddites—is a name used to describe a concept that spreads via the Internet and is commonly used in viral marketing as a cheap form of mass-advertising.
Tebow's pose was surpassed by the No. 1 meme—"We Are the 99 Percent" protesters and other memorable memes like Planking, Princess Beatrice's Fascinator (don't ask) and "Winning" by Charlie Sheen.
The Denver Broncos quarterback did top other popular memes like Hipster Ariel, Ted Williams' (not the baseball icon) Golden Voice and Bronies (again, don't ask).
Tebow first introduced the often parodied move after an upset win over the Miami Dolphins in October when he dropped to one knee in a zen-like state and the act went viral.
The practice has been copied by many Tebowers and attained its impressive meme status through the Internet and on the football field.
"Typically it's wide receivers who are known to make a statement when their team makes an impressive play," wrote Time. "That was until Tim Tebow. The Denver Bronco's habit of dropping to one knee and bowing his head in prayer after a particularly successful play made him not only the most visibly faithful member of the NFL, but an Internet celebrity."
Time even described that "Tebow's prayerful pose, reminiscent of Rodin's Thinker sculpture" has inspired a website devoted to the move and has turned it into a global phenomenon.
People have been photographed Tebowing underwater and at the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
For now, people will just have to get used to Tebowing becoming a part of our popular culture as long as the Broncos keep winning.
Skier Lindsey Vonn dropped to her knee after her first U.S. victory this week and members of the Colorado Avalanche have also been spotted Tebowing on ice.
Tebow, himself, is endorsing the fad as long as it remains focused on the prayer aspect.
"At least it's being talked about, and that's a cool thing," Tebow told reporters. "If I can help be an example of that, then I look at it like a blessing."
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Brandon Jacobs To Cowboys: "I Am A Bully"
Brandon Jacobs agrees with Cowboys Mike Jenkins that "he is a bully" and because the Dallas cornerback said it, the Giants running back thinks the Cowboys are scared.
On Wed., Jenkins said this about Jacobs, "That's him. That's what you get from him. He is a bully."
Jacobs, the 260-pound pile driver, pulled no punches when he said that he doesn't mind the derogatory label.
On Wed., Jacobs proudly claimed "I am a bully" in response to Jenkins dig.
Not exactly politically-correct, but it makes some awfully good bulletin board material.
"I think people who call out bullies are afraid of bullies," said Jacobs on Thursday. "If you call me a bully, that's how I see it. They're just sitting back waiting for us to come there, and we're going in there ready to play football."
Just another one of the controversial tid-bits Jacobs has babbled this season.
Earlier in the season, he criticized the coaches for not using him enough and— after the recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles— Jacobs commented about the fans who booed him during his 12-carries for 21 yards game.
"I don't take nothing back about what I said about the fans," he crowed.
Jacobs hasn't exactly been bowling over too many opponents this season with bully-like running. His physical running style has been hampered by injuries all season and pulled a hamstring, after gaining 25 yards on two carries, last week against the Green Bay Packers.
It sounds like Jacobs wants to make a statement on the field in this week's critical game in Dallas.
"That's always our plan," he said. "If you go in there and bring it to them and keep doing it all game long, some body's going to break. Either the person who's giving it is going to get tired of bringing it or they're going to get tired of trying to stop the person that's bringing it. Whoever wants it bad enough."
Giants DE Justin Tuck agrees.
"I always tell him 'First they're going to try and face you up,'" Tuck said. "'Second quarter they might slide and ask for their teammate to help them. Third quarter, man, they're going to be jumping out of the way.' I'm hoping that he understands how dominant of a back he can be when he wants to be."
Tuck laughed off Cowboys DeMarcus Ware's assertion that he wants to swap the "NY" on his helmet for a star.
"Me wanting to be a Cowboy? Hmmm," Tuck said. "Well, I don't wear Wranglers. I don't wear cowboy hats or boots or those buckle belts. And I don't need a star on my helmet to tell me I'm pretty good at what I do. I plan on retiring a Giant."
On Wed., Jenkins said this about Jacobs, "That's him. That's what you get from him. He is a bully."
Jacobs, the 260-pound pile driver, pulled no punches when he said that he doesn't mind the derogatory label.
On Wed., Jacobs proudly claimed "I am a bully" in response to Jenkins dig.
Not exactly politically-correct, but it makes some awfully good bulletin board material.
"I think people who call out bullies are afraid of bullies," said Jacobs on Thursday. "If you call me a bully, that's how I see it. They're just sitting back waiting for us to come there, and we're going in there ready to play football."
Just another one of the controversial tid-bits Jacobs has babbled this season.
Earlier in the season, he criticized the coaches for not using him enough and— after the recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles— Jacobs commented about the fans who booed him during his 12-carries for 21 yards game.
"I don't take nothing back about what I said about the fans," he crowed.
Jacobs hasn't exactly been bowling over too many opponents this season with bully-like running. His physical running style has been hampered by injuries all season and pulled a hamstring, after gaining 25 yards on two carries, last week against the Green Bay Packers.
It sounds like Jacobs wants to make a statement on the field in this week's critical game in Dallas.
"That's always our plan," he said. "If you go in there and bring it to them and keep doing it all game long, some body's going to break. Either the person who's giving it is going to get tired of bringing it or they're going to get tired of trying to stop the person that's bringing it. Whoever wants it bad enough."
Giants DE Justin Tuck agrees.
"I always tell him 'First they're going to try and face you up,'" Tuck said. "'Second quarter they might slide and ask for their teammate to help them. Third quarter, man, they're going to be jumping out of the way.' I'm hoping that he understands how dominant of a back he can be when he wants to be."
Tuck laughed off Cowboys DeMarcus Ware's assertion that he wants to swap the "NY" on his helmet for a star.
"Me wanting to be a Cowboy? Hmmm," Tuck said. "Well, I don't wear Wranglers. I don't wear cowboy hats or boots or those buckle belts. And I don't need a star on my helmet to tell me I'm pretty good at what I do. I plan on retiring a Giant."
Lindsey Vonn "Tebows" After First U.S. Victory
Downhill skier Lindsey Vonn won her first World Cup race on a U.S. slope and her fourth straight Alpine race on Wednesday at the difficult Birds of Prey course in Beaver Creek, Colorado.
After the gratifying victory, she did a little "Tebowing" and gave a shout-out to the Denver Broncos.
Vonn's Super-G win was her first on American snow and it came near her hometown of Vail. It was so hyped, local kids were excused from school to watch their hero.
"Getting a chance to win at home, with a home crowd here," gushed Vonn. "It's just more than I could've expected."
Vonn's excitement was not as surprising as the Tebowing move and the rumors it fanned.
Different media outlets have linked the the attractive and newly-separated Vonn and the wildly popular Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow's brother Robby since last week after a Public Relations Coordinator at the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association tweeted about the two sports stars: "Depressed after learning about the new couple: Lindsey Vonn and Robby# Tebow. Only in Colorado."
Vonn dropped to one knee, pumped her arms and did her Tebowing on the victory stand after getting permission from Robby—who was a member of the skier's "Vonntourage"—to perform the move.
"I said if I did it [won] in Colorado or at home I would do it," said Vonn. "Go Broncos. I did it. I got to represent."
Tongues and blogs started wagging about a Vonn/Tebow relationship after she pulled out of a season opening world cup slalom event due to a bad back on Nov. 27. On the same day, Vonn released a statement saying she was divorcing her husband—and trainer—of four years, Thomas Vonn.
Vonn said she and Robby—who she met at the ESPY Awards are "just good friends."
And what does the Denver quarterback's bro think about Vonn's imitation of the once-ridiculed Tebow pose?
"It's pretty cool," he said.
After the gratifying victory, she did a little "Tebowing" and gave a shout-out to the Denver Broncos.
Vonn's Super-G win was her first on American snow and it came near her hometown of Vail. It was so hyped, local kids were excused from school to watch their hero.
"Getting a chance to win at home, with a home crowd here," gushed Vonn. "It's just more than I could've expected."
Vonn's excitement was not as surprising as the Tebowing move and the rumors it fanned.
Different media outlets have linked the the attractive and newly-separated Vonn and the wildly popular Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow's brother Robby since last week after a Public Relations Coordinator at the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association tweeted about the two sports stars: "Depressed after learning about the new couple: Lindsey Vonn and Robby# Tebow. Only in Colorado."
Vonn dropped to one knee, pumped her arms and did her Tebowing on the victory stand after getting permission from Robby—who was a member of the skier's "Vonntourage"—to perform the move.
"I said if I did it [won] in Colorado or at home I would do it," said Vonn. "Go Broncos. I did it. I got to represent."
Tongues and blogs started wagging about a Vonn/Tebow relationship after she pulled out of a season opening world cup slalom event due to a bad back on Nov. 27. On the same day, Vonn released a statement saying she was divorcing her husband—and trainer—of four years, Thomas Vonn.
Vonn said she and Robby—who she met at the ESPY Awards are "just good friends."
And what does the Denver quarterback's bro think about Vonn's imitation of the once-ridiculed Tebow pose?
"It's pretty cool," he said.
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