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  This week, Saturday December 28, 2002, was the most important game of the regular season. The Giants record was 9-7 and they were about to play their biggest rivals (for us youngin’s at least), NFC East division champs the Philadelphia Eagles. Most importantly, if the Giants won they would get the wild-card spot for the playoffs. Otherwise they would have to depend on the Saints and the Falcons both losing their next games in order to be in contention. Prior to the last 3 losing games against the Eagles the Giants had won nine straight games. It is true the Eagles are not the same without McNabb but no one believed how well they put themselves together after also losing their second string QB Koy Detmer. Third string QB A.J. Feely showed that he could get the job done in their surprising Monday night win against the 49ers. Not to mention the “Deuce” (1,029 rushing yards and another 541 receiving yards). We all knew the Eagles were not the same team they were earlier in the season, but we also knew that that didn’t really matter.  We entered the stadium with fragile egos and free towels that read “Win and In!”.  Which for me evoked a twinge of hopelessness rather than the intended enthusiasm. But, in the back of my mind I knew that the unbelievable could always be made believable for my Giants.

Tailgating Roster

Jim Hershberger- Offensive Coordinator, Valley Cottage, NY

Mary Hershberger- Head Chef, Valley Cottage, NY

Stephen Vick- Rookie, Tappan, NY

Jenny Kotecha- Mooch, Valley Cottage, NY

  The sky was bright and crystal clear. Temps were in the 30s and we were cold but ready. The festivities were a good time as usual. Highlights include Jim wearing a bright red hunting jacket he bought in high school. (This photo says more than 1000 words.) Jenny’s Michelob breakfast at 10:49AM. Mary’s story from her early days as a young Red Sox fan: When watching wide-eyed after the game to meet the Pro’s she exclaimed “Look Ma! Ted Williams bites his nails too!!” And of course, Stephen’s great Giants jokes which are even funnier now that they’ve been proven wrong:

How do you keep the Giants from playing in your yard? -Set up a goal post.

What is the difference between the Giants and a dollar? -A dollar is still worth 4 quarters.

Why doesn’t Newark have a football team? -Because then East Rutherford would want one too.

  Ha. We also stopped by the WFAN live radio broadcast. It was a real treat to see Sid in action. We couldn’t get Mary out of there! They had a stuffed eagle “hung in effigy” and Jim caught two free footballs.

The Game

  In my opinion I give kudos to Joyce (good returns!), Bryant, Barber, Collins and Shockey. Unfortunately, Matt Mitrione is injured and hasn’t played since the December 1 game against the Titans. We thought he did a great job in his first year out of Purdue and wish him a rapid recovery for a fresh start next season.

   I’ve been to a few Giants games in my time, including the Eagles @ Giants in 1998, but I’ve never seen the crowd this rowdy from the get-go. The team must have noticed that for once the 70,000 jaded New Yorkers were actually exhibiting some emotion. This lasted for a mere 3 minutes when the Eagles scored a touchdown and PAT after winning the coin-toss. Then Collins threw his 1^st interception ever against the Eagles. Next Barber fumbled and Bryant missed a field goal. Our heads hung low and we waited in familiar misery through three quarters. The Giants were outplaying their opponents in all categories, but the 7-0 score just didn’t show it. At some point the Giants got an amazing touchdown revoked due to a penalty. Throughout the game Barber also fumbled 3 times (plus one in overtime?). I guess when you’re that good you’ve gotta drop the ball sometime.

  Moving on to the 4^th quarter. I always say that when watching a 4^th quarter of a Giants game I never know whether I am going to laugh, cry or puke. This game was certainly no exception. The fans were hanging in a bizarre balance between somber and frantic. Finally the excitement picked up when an amazing catch was made by Shockey. As he went to complete a pass he was leveled to the ground by Lewis. We froze in silence, as our favorite rookie lay stunned. He jumped up, slowly unfurled the ball and flicked it at the bewildered Eagle. That action said more than words, he had made the catch. The stadium went crazy, because we knew that the game wasn’t over yet.

  I think that drive consisted of a good pass from Collins to Barber and consequently another from Collins to Shockey who beat Dawkins with an incredible jump to make the score.  With 1 minute left the Eagles’ Pro Bowler, Akers, missed a 35-yard field goal through the post just to the right of our seats.

Overtime (Here’s where my puking versus crying option intensifies.)

  We were all nervous wrecks especially after the Eagles won the coin toss and took the ball. But the Giants defense had shut down the Eagles most of the game and this Saturday they were worth more than just a dollar (see above joke ).

Feely’s third pass was intercepted by Williams (unbelievable?). Then the Giants made it all the way to the 23^rd when Barber fumbled but recovered the ball. I cannot even explain the excruciating suspense when Giants set up for the field goal. Matt Bryant’s kick was good! It went through the goal post directly to our right. Both officials had their arms straight up in the air, we screamed like preschoolers and hugged strangers. Mediocre no longer, the Giants were in the playoffs.

  In a post-game interview rookie kicker, Matt Bryant simply stated, “Just get out of the way and let yourself be great.” Enough said.

See you in San Fran. ~ Jenny