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	<channel>		<title>RUWT? News</title>
		<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com</link>
		<description>RUWT? News for New York Giants</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
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		<lastBuildDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:00:23 GMT</lastBuildDate>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:00:23 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Giants LB Pierce out indefinitely with neck injury]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- New York Giants linebacker Antonio
Pierce is out indefinitely after an MRI exam on Friday
surprisingly revealed a bulging disk in his neck.

The Giants said their defensive captain underwent the test in
New York and was examined by team physician Dr. Russell Warren
and Dr. Frank Camissa, chief of the spinal surgical services at
the Hospital for Special Surgery.

The 31-year-old Pierce originally sustained a burner when the
Giants played Arizona on Oct. 25. He had very little discomfort
until practice this week, when the club's medical staff
scheduled the MRI exam.

"I'm shocked with what I heard from the doctors this afternoon,"
Pierce said in a statement released by the Giants. "I had no
idea that what happened a few weeks ago could keep me off the
field. I didn't think it was that serious.

"I'm going to do everything the doctors tell me to do so I can
get back out on the field as soon as possible."

The Giants (5-4) will host Atlanta on Sunday. New York, coming
off its bye week, has lost four straight games.

Pierce, in his ninth NFL year and fifth with the Giants, has 55
tackles one sack, and one forced fumble in nine games this
season. He was looking forward to trying to help New York snap
its losing streak on Sunday against the Falcons (5-4).

"This game means a lot to us," Pierce said earlier Friday. "For
one, we need a win to get out of this four-game slump and, two,
it will help us in the playoff hunt. We are tied for one of the
wild card spots and you always want to win the head-to-head
battles."

Pierce played in 15 games last season after appearing in all 16
contests each of the previous two seasons. He has led the Giants
in tackles for the last three seasons and missed only four
regular-season games since leaving the Washington Redskins to
join the Giants.

He spent much of the past year in the spotlight after helping
former teammate Plaxico Burress when the wide receiver
accidentally shot himself in the thigh in a New York nightclub.

Pierce drove Burress to the hospital and then took the gun that
Burress used back to his home in New Jersey, later arranging to
get it back to the wounded receiver's home. Pierce testified
before a grand jury, which declined to indict him for his role
in the incident.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135812-Giants-LB-Pierce-out-indefinitely-with-neck-injury</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135812-Giants-LB-Pierce-out-indefinitely-with-neck-injury</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:39:26 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Falcons-Giants Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
STATS Senior Writer

New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin gave his team four days off
during its bye week. It's time to find out if the once-mighty
Giants can respond and save what seemed like a promising season.

The Giants look to end their four-game slide Sunday when they
host the Atlanta Falcons, who could be without top rusher
Michael Turner.

New York looked dominant during a 5-0 start but hasn't won
since. The Giants (5-4) were in good position to break through
in their last game before allowing San Diego to drive 80 yards
in the final 2 minutes for the winning touchdown in a 21-20 loss
two weeks ago.

Coughlin, once known as one of the league's toughest
disciplinarians, gave New York some extra time off hoping it can
take the pressure off his club entering its final seven games.

"That was the purpose, obviously, and they should certainly have
done that," he said. "Before they left we told them to have a
good vacation and spend some time with their families, relax and
get away from football, get away from the routine."

On Friday, though, New York learned linebacker and defensive
captain Antonio Pierce will be out indefinitely after an MRI
revealed a bulging disc in his neck. Pierce, who leads the
Giants with 40 tackles and 15 assists, originally sustained a
burner in a 24-17 loss to Arizona on Oct. 25, but had very
little discomfort until practice this week.

New York got plenty of help during the bye as the teams above it
in the NFC East - Dallas and Philadelphia - both lost. The
Giants are in a second-place tie with the Eagles, one game
behind the Cowboys.

"We knew we weren't in an awful situation," quarterback Eli
Manning said. "It's not exactly where we wanted to be, but we
knew that there were still a lot of games left, a lot of season
and if we went out and handled our business and play well, got
hot again and got back to winning some games, we would be very
much into the playoff hunt."

The Giants got another break last Sunday when Atlanta (5-4) - a
team in contention for a wild card - fell 28-19 at Carolina and
suffered a bigger loss on the field. Turner, seventh in the NFL
with 831 yards, sprained his right ankle and is in a walking
boot.

Turner carried nine times for 111 yards last week and has
amassed 428 over the last three. The Falcons are being coy about
his status, calling it day to day.

"He is working extremely hard," coach Mike Smith said. "He did
injure his ankle in the ballgame last week and wasn't able to
finish it. But he is working extremely hard to get back as quick
as possible."

Jason Snelling could start in place of Turner after he had 61
yards on 18 carries last week.

"Whether or not Michael Turner plays or not, they have a style,"
Coughlin said. "They play the game a certain way. They do rush
the football very well."

The visiting team has won the last 12 meetings in this series,
with Atlanta taking five straight at Giants Stadium. New York
won 31-10 in the last matchup two seasons ago.

For the Falcons to continue their mastery in the Meadowlands,
they will likely need Matt Ryan to play much better. Ryan has 12
interceptions - surpassing his total by one from his 2008 rookie
season - with eight in his last four games.

"We know that Matt has got to play better," Smith said. "He
knows that he has got to play better. But there is a learning
curve and it is not something that happens in a very short
time."

The defense Ryan will face is ranked No. 1 in the NFL despite
allowing some big plays during the losing streak. That unit
appears to be at its healthiest, with the possibility that
cornerback Aaron Ross will make his season debut.

Linebacker Michael Boley returned in the San Diego game after
missing the previous four due to knee surgery. Boley was signed
as a free agent after spending the last four seasons with the
Falcons, who drafted him in 2005.

The Falcons own the seventh-worst rushing defense in the league,
but the Giants' normally vaunted ground game has been sporadic
despite ranking seventh. Brandon Jacobs has yet to record a
100-yard effort and Ahmad Bradshaw's production is down to 35.0
yards per game during the skid compared to 75.0 in the 5-0
start.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135140-Falcons-Giants-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135140-Falcons-Giants-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:30:31 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Reeling Falcons, Giants looking to end slides]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- The New York Giants and Atlanta
Falcons looked like powerhouse teams through five games. Now
each team is struggling just to remain above .500.

The Giants, who started 5-0, have lost four straight. The
Falcons, who started 4-1, have lost three of four, leaving each
team 5-4 for Sunday's game at Giants Stadium.

The Falcons are four games behind undefeated New Orleans in the
NFC South and already must shift their focus to the NFC
wild-card race.

The Giants, only a game behind NFC East-leading Dallas, are
still in their division chase.

"It is an important game for us because we have to get back on
track," said Giants quarterback Eli Manning. "Obviously it is a
big one for them. We are in similar situations. We know they
will come in ready to play. They have lost three of their last
four and so they are going to feel they have something to prove,
just like us."

The Giants are coming off their bye week.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin gave his players instructions to use
the bye week as a "vacation" in hopes the team can return
refreshed and end its losing streak.

"The importance is winning," Coughlin said. "Obviously at home,
this time of year, it is very important for us to win. We want
to win at home. We want to win for our fans.

"But we need to win a game, yes."

The Falcons are expected to be without running back Michael
Turner, who sprained his right ankle in last week's 28-19 loss
at Carolina.

Atlanta backup running back Jerious Norwood is trying to return
after missing four straight games with a hip injury. Jason
Snelling, who had 18 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown last
week, could make his first start of the season.

The Falcons avoided key injuries while making the playoffs with
an 11-5 record last season. This year they have lost their two
top draft picks - starting defensive tackle Peria Jerry and
safety William Moore - and starting cornerback Brian Williams to
season-ending injuries.

The Atlanta defense, ranked 25th overall, couldn't afford the
losses.

Snelling insists the Falcons haven't lost their swagger.

"Oh, definitely. It's all around here," Snelling said. "This
team has a lot of resolve. We didn't get where we were last year
and this year by letting a little adversity keep us down. The
team is still high. We know it's a long season. We've got a lot
of games left."

Turner has three straight games with more than 100 yards
rushing. His injury puts more pressure on second-year
quarterback Matt Ryan, who is slumping along with the team.

Ryan has thrown 10 interceptions in the last five games and 12
for the season, one more than his 2008 total.

"I think, as a team, what we've done the past five or six games
is not what we would have wanted and, personally, not what I
have wanted," Ryan said. "But within that there are a lot of
things to learn from. You have to learn from your mistakes,
bounce back."

Ryan threw two interceptions in last week's loss at Carolina.

The Giants are the Falcons' fourth opponent coming off a bye
week.

"We could sit here and say it's not fair or it's not right or
whatever," said Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. "But that's
what the scheduling folks thought was best."

The Giants are tied for second with Philadelphia in the East
after losses by Dallas and the Eagles last week.

"Lucky for us it puts things back in reach with us," said New
York defensive end Justin Tuck. "But we still can't worry about
what other people did. We have to go out there and win games for
ourselves."

Manning said the Giants have remained confident.

"Yeah, we felt that all the way along," Manning said. "We knew
we weren't in an awful situation. It's not exactly where we
wanted to be, but we knew that there were still a lot of games
left, a lot of season and if we went out and handled our
business and play well, got hot again and got back to winning
some games, we would be very much into the playoff hunt. We need
to have that mindset.

"We know that we have to play Philly again, the Cowboys and the
Redskins again. Really what it comes down to is we have to focus
on Atlanta this week."

A bizarre series history is on the side of Ryan and the Falcons.
The last win by a home team in this series was 30 years ago.

Since the Giants beat the Falcons in New York in 1979, visiting
teams are 12-0 in the series. It is the longest streak of wins
for visitors for any series in NFL history. The Falcons have won
five straight at Giants Stadium, including their most recent win
in 2004.

---=

AP Sports Writer Charles Odum in Atlanta contributed to this
story.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135448-Reeling-Falcons-Giants-looking-to-end-slides</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135448-Reeling-Falcons-Giants-looking-to-end-slides</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:04:52 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Aaron Ross ready to return]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- After missing the first nine games of
the season with a severe hamstring strain, New York Giants
cornerback Aaron Ross is poised to make his 2009 debut Sunday
against the Atlanta Falcons.

Ross continued to practice at full speed Thursday, his third
practice since returning to action. While the coaching staff has
not made any determination about Ross' playing status or whether
he will be in the starting lineup, Ross just wants to be playing
again.

"I'm happy to be out there and I feel real good," said Ross, the
third-year defensive back out of Texas. "I'm very excited.
Whatever the coaches want me to do, I'm ready. I have about
three months saved up in me, so I'm ready.

"The plan is that if I'm healthy all the way to Sunday, then
I'll be out there and playing," Ross said.

Coach Tom Coughlin said he's being a little cautious with Ross.

"We are just going to go and watch him practice, let him put a
few practices together," Coughlin said, adding that Ross did
"about less than half" of the regular practice regimen.

Ross made his return to the practice field for one day during
the bye week, then began practicing regularly and at full speed
in preparation for facing the Falcons.

"Last Wednesday, I felt really rusty," Ross said. "Monday, I
felt pretty good and now I feel really good. I have no idea
where and when I'm going to play and how they're going to work
me in. But if they call No. 31 (Ross' jersey number), then I'm
going to be ready."

Ross said the training staff worked hard to get him back into
playing shape.

"The trainers did a great job of holding me back," Ross said.
"Before I could go out there again, I had to strengthen my
legs."

He also went to see a trainer from Switzerland who has helped
his fiancee, world-class sprinter Sanya Richards, in the past.
Richards is currently the No. 1-ranked runner in the world in
the 400-meter dash.

"I dont know his name or how to spell it, but it's probably
the reason why I'm doing better now," Ross said. "It's really
helped."

More than likely, the Giants will stay with Terrell Thomas and
Corey Webster starting at cornerback, with Ross perhaps getting
chances in nickel and dime formations. But after missing so much
time with what was first diagnosed as a hamstring strain that
was day to day since training camp, Ross is chomping to be back
out there playing.

"I'm rested and my legs are strengthened," said Ross, who was
jumping up and down in the locker room to prove he was healthy.
"It's really been an emotional roller coaster. I worked hard in
the offseason to get ready for training camp and then I get hurt
to start off. I never would have thought it would hold me out
for three months. It's been extremely frustrating.

"But now, I know I'm back. I don't want to think about it. I
don't want to think I have any limitations. I just want to
play."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135411-Aaron-Ross-ready-to-return</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135411-Aaron-Ross-ready-to-return</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:32:13 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Giants' Boley faces former team when Falcons visit]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- When Michael Boley left the Atlanta
Falcons last year in free agency, he didn't exactly depart on
good terms.

Now, as the New York Giants prepare to face Boley's old team
Sunday at Giants Stadium, the linebacker doesn't want to get too
excited.

"If I do that, then I might try to do too much," Boley said
Wednesday after practice. "Especially with the way things went
down, I don't want to get too pumped up. But I was definitely
looking forward to this game."

Boley said Wednesday he thought he was going to be a Falcon for
life.

"During my first couple of years, I really felt like I was going
to be there for a while," said Boley, drafted out of Southern
Mississippi by the Falcons in the fifth round in 2005. He spent
four years in Atlanta.

"But after what happened last year, I knew I was gone."

After a solid season in 2007 with 109 tackles, three sacks, four
forced fumbles and two interceptions, Boley's numbers dipped in
2008 to 73 tackles. Boley was then removed from the starting
lineup by Falcons coach Mike Smith.

"The reason they said was that I wasn't being productive," Boley
said. "A lot of things happened over the course of the year. I
lost my starting job midway through the season. There were some
telltale signs that told me I wouldn't be back. I don't want to
talk about those things, but I knew I wasn't going to be there."

Boley said that there was some discussion about a contract
extension with the Falcons, but those talks "died down in a
hurry."

"Things worked out for the best," Boley said.

Smith got a little defensive Wednesday when asked about Boley
during a conference call.

"I thought Michael Boley played very well for us last year,"
Smith said. "When you're building a roster, decisions have to be
made and they are made from both sides. He was a free agent and
he chose to test the market. Michael is a very athletic
linebacker that was very productive in his time in Atlanta. I
don't see any reason why he won't be productive in New York. On
film, he looks like the athletic Michael Boley that we had
here."

But when pressed about why the Falcons didn't re-sign Boley,
Smith retorted: "I'm not going to get into that, in terms of
negotiations and on a specific player. Michael had an
opportunity to test free agency and he tested free agency."

In February, Boley signed a five-year contract with the Giants
worth about $25 million. Then Boley ran into some obstacles
before he could take the field with his new club.

He was suspended for one game by the NFL for violation of the
league's personal conduct policy for an alleged domestic
violence incident involving his wife. Boley also had surgery to
repair a torn labrum in his hip in June, then after he served
the suspension and got back on the field for three games, he
injured his right knee, which required surgery and cost him a
month.

"The season has had its ups and downs," said Boley, who returned
to the field in a loss to San Diego before the Giants had their
bye week. "It's been hard for me to get to 100 percent healthy.
When I played (against San Diego), I felt like I wasn't in tune
with everyone else. I felt like everyone was faster than me.

"But I'm back now. It's been tough trying to get back."

Boley has 21 tackles in four games with the Giants.

"I definitely feel like I have a lot more to show," Boley said.
"I played three games, got hurt, then came back after missing a
month. I'm just looking forward to getting into a groove."

It might be against his former teammates.

"I still chitchat with some of the guys," Boley said. "I've
talked to the coaches about the way they play and how certain
guys do certain things. I'm sure my friends on the team are
saying the same things about me."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135322-Giants-Boley-faces-former-team-when-Falcons-visit</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/135322-Giants-Boley-faces-former-team-when-Falcons-visit</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:06:48 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Bye turns into bonanza for Giants as foes lose]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- The bye week turned into a bonanza
for the New York Giants.

Not only did quarterback Eli Manning and company get a chance to
rest and get away from a four-game losing streak, the Giants
(5-4) also got lucky.

The Dallas Cowboys (6-3), Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) and Atlanta
Falcons (5-4) all lost while the Giants were hunting, fishing
and watching football games, and New York's playoff chances
improved markedly.

New York is now a game behind Dallas in the NFC East and tied
with Philadelphia, Atlanta and Green Bay for wildcard playoff
berths with seven games left in the regular season.

The Giants return to action Sunday at home against the Falcons.

"We have to worry about the Giants," Manning said Monday. "We
have to handle our business; we have to go out there and play
well and win games. We know that we have to play Philly again,
the Cowboys and the Redskins again.

"Really what it comes down to is we have to focus on Atlanta
this week," Manning added. "That's all we can do is focus on
them, go out there and play well and see if we could get a win
and get back on a winning streak."

After last Wednesday's practice, coach Tom Coughlin gave the
Giants four days off.

Players returned at 8:30 a.m. Monday, lifted weights, went on
the field for about an hour and were done by noon. Everyone
practiced except backup running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who has
been bothered by foot and ankle injuries all season.

Defensive end Justin Tuck said he hopes the time off helped
everyone clear their minds after consecutive losses to New
Orleans, Arizona, Philadelphia and San Diego.

"I think it did," said Tuck, who came up empty deer hunting in
an undisclosed mountain location. "In our little work that we
did today, it seemed like guys were happy to be back. Guys were
bouncing around and things like that. But like I said, it only
matters what we do on Sunday, so we will find out this week."

Tuck said the time off also gave everyone a chance to rest
injuries. His left shoulder, for example, has been bothering him
since the second week of the season, forcing him to wear a
harness during games.

During the past week, he has done some strengthening work and
said the lack of contact has given him time to recover.

Manning, who went to Mississippi on Saturday to watch his Rebels
play, also got time to rest the right heel that has bothered him
for more than a month.

"The foot feels fine, it's not an issue," Manning said. "That
injury I think is kind of over and done with. I think a week off
of not practicing, not putting any pressure on the body and the
arm definitely helps and refreshes the whole body."

Now, Manning and the Giants are ready for a fresh start.

"I know in the NFL you are never out of anything, especially
after nine games," Manning said. "There is a lot of football
left, and teams can turn things around. Teams can get hot at the
end of the season. We have to go out there and start playing
better football, and we are capable of doing that."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134538-Bye-turns-into-bonanza-for-Giants-as-foes-lose</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/134538-Bye-turns-into-bonanza-for-Giants-as-foes-lose</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:03:23 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Giants take 4-game losing streak into bye week]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- If you're wondering what's gone wrong
with the New York Giants, look at the final three-plus minutes
of their 21-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers.

The offense failed to ice the game after getting a
first-and-goal at the Chargers 4 and the defense then gave up an
80-yard game-winning drive as New York lost its fourth straight
game.

So is it time to put a fork in the Giants (5-4) with seven games
remaining after their bye week?

Not yet.

Sure, the path to the playoffs is going to be hard with five of
the remaining seven games coming against teams at least two
games over .500, including three with division leaders and one
against the Philadelphia Eagles, who crushed the Giants a couple
of weeks ago.

What's important to remember is that Tom Coughlin's teams
usually play their best when everybody has written them off.

Have doubts? Remember 2007. The Giants got on a roll late in the
season and never stopped.

Last year after Plaxico Burress shot himself in the thigh in a
Manhattan night club, the Giants came up big against Carolina
late in the season to clinch home-field advantage for their
fourth straight trip to the playoffs.

This team is just as talented.

"That is the mentality we always have in this locker room and
that is why it is still an optimistic room," defensive end
Mathias Kiwanuka said. "Even though we took some tough hits, we
know the guy standing next to us is going to put us in position
to win. We know nobody is going to fold and that is an inspiring
thing."

The problem is the Giants didn't get the job done on Sunday in a
game they did everything but win. New York held the ball for
almost 38 minutes, limited the Chargers to 226 total yards -
with 80 of those coming on the final drive - and won the
turnover battle.

The final 3:14 killed them. Instead of going into the bye week
with a 6-3 record and being in good position, the Giants fell
apart after Terrell Thomas' 33-yard interception return put New
York in position to lock up the game.

Guard Chris Snee, Coughlin's son-in-law, got called for a
holding penalty on first down with a take down of Luis Castillo,
nullifying Brandon Jacobs' run to the 1-yard line.

Pushed back to the 14, the Giants got conservative. A flanker
screen to Hakeem Nicks netted nothing and Jacobs ran for 5 yards
on each of the next two plays, setting up a meaningless field
goal by Lawrence Tynes.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride admits in hindsight
different play calls might have been advisable, but going for
the end zone would have been risky the way the Chargers were
lined up.

Still, all the Giants needed was a stop by the defense on a day
that San Diego did not put together one long drive, that is
until it mattered.

The pass rush that had Philip Rivers moving all day never got to
him on the game-winning eight-play drive despite four blitzes.

The Chargers covered the final 39 yards in two plays, and both
featured major mistakes by the defense.

Weakside linebacker Michael Boley faked a blitz from the right
side and then turned to his outside while dropping into pass
coverage. That allowed Darren Sproles to get inside of him and
Rivers found the halfback in the seam for a 21-yard gain.

The game-winning 18-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson came
on a play in which safety Michael Johnson didn't give Corey
Webster help over the top and Jackson caught the deciding TD
with 21 seconds to go.

Defensive end Justin Tuck said the Giants aren't feeling sorry
for themselves, knowing they tossed the San Diego game away and
also coughed up one to Arizona two weeks before that with four
turnovers. They are going to work harder.

"I don't expect to lose too many more this year," Tuck said.

The one area that Coughlin plans to focus on in the bye is his
so-called green and red zones. Green for the offense, red for
the defense.

The Giants offense is 28th in the NFL in scoring touchdowns from
inside the 20-yard line. They scored 15 touchdowns on 36
attempts, or 41.7 percent. The only team that has had more
green-zone chances is the undefeated New Orleans Saints with 41.

The defense's red-zone numbers are pitiful. New York has allowed
22 touchdowns in 29 opponent possessions inside the 20-yard
line, or almost 76 percent, which is last in the NFL.

"It's just of a matter of making plays and for whatever reason
we have not had success," Tuck said. "I don't know. We haven't
changed much what we do in the red zone and we had a lot of
success last year. We just got to keep chiseling away at it and
hopefully we'll start getting some breaks."

The bye should help the defense. Tuck has been bothered by a
sore left shoulder for weeks. Boley (knee) and defensive tackle
Chris Canty (calf) both returned to action last week and
cornerback Aaron Ross, a starter who has not played all season
because of an injury to his left hamstring, returned to practice
this week.

Offensively, Jacobs is getting back into form pounding the ball
and receiver Steve Smith leads the league with 61 receptions.
The week off should help halfback Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been
bothered by foot and ankle injuries all season.

"I know we have the ability to respond and get back to playing
great football," quarterback Eli Manning said. "We have
character guys, guys who understand and are committed to doing
whatever it takes to get back to winning. I don't have a doubt
that we're capable of turning it around and making a run. We
have always been a team of runs. We've gotten hot before, and
cold. We just have to know this is the time to get hot again."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133710-Giants-take-4-game-losing-streak-into-bye-week</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133710-Giants-take-4-game-losing-streak-into-bye-week</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:01:34 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Giants take 4-game losing streak into bye week]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- If you're wondering what's gone wrong
with the New York Giants, look at the final three-plus minutes
of their 21-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers.

The offense failed to ice the game after getting a
first-and-goal at the Chargers 4 and the defense then gave up an
80-yard game-winning drive as New York lost its fourth straight
game.

So is it time to put a fork in the Giants (5-4) with seven games
remaining after their bye week?

Not yet.

Sure, the path to the playoffs is going to be hard with five of
the remaining seven games coming against teams at least two
games over .500, including three with division leaders and one
against the Philadelphia Eagles, who crushed the Giants a couple
of weeks ago.

What's important to remember is that Tom Coughlin's teams
usually play their best when everybody has written them off.

Have doubts? Remember 2007. The Giants got on a roll late in the
season and never stopped.

Last year after Plaxico Burress shot himself in the thigh in a
Manhattan night club, the Giants came up big against Carolina
late in the season to clinch home-field advantage for their
fourth straight trip to the playoffs.

This team is just as talented.

"That is the mentality we always have in this locker room and
that is why it is still an optimistic room," defensive end
Mathias Kiwanuka said. "Even though we took some tough hits, we
know the guy standing next to us is going to put us in position
to win. We know nobody is going to fold and that is an inspiring
thing."

The problem is the Giants didn't get the job done on Sunday in a
game they did everything but win. New York held the ball for
almost 38 minutes, limited the Chargers to 226 total yards -
with 80 of those coming on the final drive - and won the
turnover battle.

The final 3:14 killed them. Instead of going into the bye week
with a 6-3 record and being in good position, the Giants fell
apart after Terrell Thomas' 33-yard interception return put New
York in position to lock up the game.

Guard Chris Snee, Coughlin's son-in-law, got called for a
holding penalty on first down with a take down of Luis Castillo,
nullifying Brandon Jacobs' run to the 1-yard line.

Pushed back to the 14, the Giants got conservative. A flanker
screen to Hakeem Nicks netted nothing and Jacobs ran for 5 yards
on each of the next two plays, setting up a meaningless field
goal by Lawrence Tynes.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride admits in hindsight
different play calls might have been advisable, but going for
the end zone would have been risky the way the Chargers were
lined up.

Still, all the Giants needed was a stop by the defense on a day
that San Diego did not put together one long drive, that is
until it mattered.

The pass rush that had Philip Rivers moving all day never got to
him on the game-winning eight-play drive despite four blitzes.

The Chargers covered the final 39 yards in two plays, and both
featured major mistakes by the defense.

Weakside linebacker Michael Boley faked a blitz from the right
side and then turned to his outside while dropping into pass
coverage. That allowed Darren Sproles to get inside of him and
Rivers found the halfback in the seam for a 21-yard gain.

The game-winning 18-yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson came
on a play in which safety Michael Johnson didn't give Corey
Webster help over the top and Jackson caught the deciding TD
with 21 seconds to go.

Defensive end Justin Tuck said the Giants aren't feeling sorry
for themselves, knowing they tossed the San Diego game away and
also coughed up one to Arizona two weeks before that with four
turnovers. They are going to work harder.

"I don't expect to lose too many more this year," Tuck said.

The one area that Coughlin plans to focus on in the bye is his
so-called green and red zones. Green for the offense, red for
the defense.

The Giants offense is 28th in the NFL in scoring touchdowns from
inside the 20-yard line. They scored 15 touchdowns on 36
attempts, or 41.7 percent. The only team that has had more
green-zone chances is the undefeated New Orleans Saints with 41.

The defense's red-zone numbers are pitiful. New York has allowed
22 touchdowns in 29 opponent possessions inside the 20-yard
line, or almost 76 percent, which is last in the NFL.

"It's just of a matter of making plays and for whatever reason
we have not had success," Tuck said. "I don't know. We haven't
changed much what we do in the red zone and we had a lot of
success last year. We just got to keep chiseling away at it and
hopefully we'll start getting some breaks."

The bye should help the defense. Tuck has been bothered by a
sore left shoulder for weeks. Boley (knee) and defensive tackle
Chris Canty (calf) both returned to action last week and
cornerback Aaron Ross, a starter who has not played all season
because of an injury to his left hamstring, returned to practice
this week.

Offensively, Jacobs is getting back into form pounding the ball
and receiver Steve Smith leads the league with 61 receptions.
The week off should help halfback Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been
bothered by foot and ankle injuries all season.

"I know we have the ability to respond and get back to playing
great football," quarterback Eli Manning said. "We have
character guys, guys who understand and are committed to doing
whatever it takes to get back to winning. I don't have a doubt
that we're capable of turning it around and making a run. We
have always been a team of runs. We've gotten hot before, and
cold. We just have to know this is the time to get hot again."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133266-Giants-take-4-game-losing-streak-into-bye-week</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133266-Giants-take-4-game-losing-streak-into-bye-week</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:39:57 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Giants CB Aaron Ross practices on Wednesday]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross
practiced Wednesday for the first time since pulling his left
hamstring in training camp in August.

Ross, who started 24 of 30 games in his first two seasons with
the Giants, hopes to be ready to play when New York (5-4)
returns from a bye and plays the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 22.

"This is my livelihood, this is how I feed myself, my family,"
Ross said. "Not being able to be out there and do it is very
hard. I am very, very, very, very excited to be out there with
the guys."

Ross plans to spend the next 10 days undergoing treatment and
working on his conditioning.

Second-year pro Terrell Thomas has started in Ross' absence.

Secondary coach Peter Giunta said it was great to have Ross
back, but he said the former first-round pick has to get some of
the rust off and get his timing back.

"Hopefully, we will get a situation where he can bump people
around a little rather than going right into live football the
first time he makes any contact," Giunta said. "It's nice to
kind of wean him in during the preseason, a few plays here and
few plays there and build it up. He doesn't have that
opportunity right now, so he'll have to get himself ready. When
he puts some pads back on, he'll hit the sled, do some things
with leg driving, wrapping up and those kinds of things."

Since Kenny Phillips was lost to a knee injury in September, the
Giants have struggled at safety.

Ross played some safety at Texas, but he said would prefer
returning as a cornerback.

"I just hope it helps being out there," he said.

Ross pulled his hamstring early in August and then re-injured it
just before the team broke training camp.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133063-Giants-CB-Aaron-Ross-practices-on-Wednesday</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/133063-Giants-CB-Aaron-Ross-practices-on-Wednesday</guid>
				<pubDate>Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:42:44 GMT</pubDate>
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			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Giants put LB Gerris Wilkinson on injured reserve]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- The New York Giants have placed
backup linebacker Gerris Wilkinson on injured reserve with a
wrist injury.

The Giants announced the move Wednesday and signed cornerback
D.J. Johnson off the Denver Broncos practice squad to fill out
the roster.

Wilkinson was hurt in Sunday's 21-20 loss to the San Diego
Chargers. He had surgery on Monday. He was leading the Giants
with 12 tackles on special teams.

Johnson is a rookie out of Jackson State. He was signed as a
free agent by the Broncos in April.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132958-Giants-put-LB-Gerris-Wilkinson-on-injured-reserve</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132958-Giants-put-LB-Gerris-Wilkinson-on-injured-reserve</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:47:03 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Four-game slide has NY Giants with backs to wall]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- A four-game losing streak has not
only hurt the New York Giants' chances of repeating in the NFC
East, it has put their playoff hopes in serious doubt.

Heading into their bye week, the Giants (5-4) are a half-game
behind Atlanta (5-3) for the NFC's second wild-card playoff spot
with the teams scheduled to meet at the Meadowlands on Nov. 22.

Tom Coughlin's team faces the tough part of its schedule in the
final seven weeks. Five of the teams remaining on the schedule
would be in the playoffs if the season had ended Sunday and
three are division leaders: Minnesota, Dallas and Denver.

"This is a situation that the Giants are comfortable in,"
defensive end Osi Umenyiora said Monday. "We have our backs to
the wall. We always come out swinging, and we hope to be able to
do that for the rest of these games right here. This is
something we are used to."

Losing has been another companion the past four weeks and
Sunday's 21-20 loss to the San Diego Chargers might have been
the most excruciating in the slump.

The Chargers won the game with an 80-yard march capped by Philip
Rivers' 18-yard pass to Vincent Jackson with 21 seconds to play.

It was the only long drive of the game for San Diego, which got
its other two touchdowns following short punts by Jeff Feagles.
It also came after New York failed to capitalize on a
first-and-goal at the Chargers 4 with just over three minutes to
play.

A holding penalty against Chris Snee on first down pushed back
New York 10 yards and then it seemingly settled for a field
goal. Eli Manning never threw to the end zone, and it cost the
Giants.

Even Coughlin seemed to question why offensive coordinator Kevin
Gilbride didn't try to put the game away.

"I'm not exonerating anyone from anything, including me,"
Coughlin said Monday. "I'm at fault, and I should have found a
way for us to win. No one is going to feel any worse than I do."

Coughlin is going to let his players get away for the bye week
after a workout Wednesday, although Umenyiora plans to stick
around a few days to get a jump on the Falcons game, noting it's
hard not to think about football with the team slumping.

For his part, Coughlin has tried to remain consistent. He has
pointed out where the mistakes have been made each week and
tried to get his players focused on what's ahead.

"We have seven games to go when we come back," Coughlin said.
"All you need is a chance and to have an opportunity. That's
what we really believe: 'We'll have a chance."'

Defensive captain Antonio Pierce sounded frustrated talking
about the slide, but he blamed his tone on being tired - maybe
tired of losing.

He insisted the Giants still have a chance of winning the
division because they have games remaining with Dallas (6-2),
Philadelphia (5-3) and Washington (2-6).

"This team is very capable," Pierce said. "This team is capable
of winning a championship, but until we go out there and play
football and win games and do what we are supposed to do and
finish them and play physical and win the fourth quarters, we
have to find ways to do that.

"I have all the confidence in the world in this team to turn it
around," he added. "Hopefully we can go 7-0 in this stretch. I
know one thing, every game from this point on is very critical
to our season and we have to win the majority of games to see if
we will play in January and February."

The Giants probably need to go about 5-2 down the stretch to
make the playoffs. It's not what they envisioned when they got
off to a 5-0 start, the Giants' best since 1990, when they also
won a Super Bowl.

"We have put ourselves in some level of a bind," Eli Manning
said. "Not a bind, we're not the exact position we want to be in
at 5-4, but it's not an awful position."

It's just not as good as it could have been.

Two of the four losses in the slump were giveaways. San Diego
won despite having the ball for 22 minutes and being limited to
34 yards rushing. Manning threw three interceptions and turned
over the ball four times in a home loss to Arizona two weeks
ago.

"Right now we are going through a midseason slump where things
aren't going well for us, but you can't say it's all over,"
Pierce said. "It's not all over. We are going to take one game
at a time. When you find a way to win one game, we'll just get
on a roll."

For the Giants sake, it better be soon.

"We believe in each other," center Shaun O'Hara said. "We'll get
through this. We've been through tough times before and the only
way that you can prove your mettle is to just go out there and
remain faithful to each other and the process."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132588-Four-game-slide-has-NY-Giants-with-backs-to-wall</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132588-Four-game-slide-has-NY-Giants-with-backs-to-wall</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:59:49 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Giants LB Gerris Wilkinson has wrist surgery]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Backup New York Giants linebacker
Gerris Wilkinson will be sidelined up to two months following
surgery to repair a dislocated right wrist.

The surgery was performed on Monday by Dr. Robert Hotchkiss at
the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Wilkinson was hurt in the second half of the Giants' 21-20 loss
to the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The fourth-year pro had a
team-high 12 special teams tackles, including on the opening
kickoff of the second half.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132587-Giants-LB-Gerris-Wilkinson-has-wrist-surgery</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132587-Giants-LB-Gerris-Wilkinson-has-wrist-surgery</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:55:36 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Rivers TD to Vincent Jackson stuns Giants, 21-20]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Five years after being traded away in
a draft-day swap for Eli Manning, Philip Rivers came back and
stuck it to the New York Giants.

Rivers capped an 80-yard drive with an 18-yard pass to Vincent
Jackson with 21 seconds to play and the San Diego Chargers
stunned the Giants 21-20 on Sunday, posting their third straight
win while handing New York its fourth straight loss.

San Diego (5-3) is now well positioned for the second half of
the season. The Giants (5-4) can only shake their heads in
disbelief after blowing their first 5-0 start since 1990.

"It's a big emotional win," said Rivers, who threw for 209 yards
and three touchdowns. "I don't need a real reason why, but it
ranks right up there with the win at Indy in the playoffs
(2009). The link between me and Eli is always going to be there.
So yeah, it's a little special. Any time you play against a team
that won the Super Bowl, it's fun. It (the trade) didn't weigh
into my mind and my thinking, but I bet it was there."

Rivers had the Giants to thank for giving him the chance to pull
the game out.

Giants cornerback Terrell Thomas returned an interception 33
yards to the Chargers 4 with 3:14 to play. If Manning and
company had punched the ball in, the game would have been over.

But a first-down holding penalty on Chris Snee pushed New York
back 10 yards and it settled for Lawrence Tynes' second field
goal, a 22-yarder with 2:07 to play for a 6-point lead.

"We had a chance and you can't leave that team in the game,"
said Manning, who was 25 of 33 for 215 yards and two touchdowns.
"You can't leave that team an opening. They are good and
talented and if you have a chance to end it, you have to end
it."

Rivers did. He hit 6 of 8 passes in the game-winning march,
hitting Malcolm Floyd for 12 yards, two to Antonio Gates and a
21-yarder to Darren Sproles that put the ball at the 18. On the
next play, Rivers found Jackson in the right corner of the end
zone for the game-winner.

"Vincent just came open and separated himself from the
defender," Rivers said. "On that play, he was probably the last
option to get the ball by the way it set up. But we had all that
field and I just wanted to give him a chance to get to it."

Jackson also caught a 10-yard TD pass in the second quarter.

"He's calm and confident and that just rubs off on everyone
else," Jackson said of Rivers. "It didn't matter what the score
was or how much time was left. We were going to get the job
done."

Appropriately, the game ended with Shawne Merriman sacking
Manning. San Diego drafted the linebacker in 2005 with one of
the picks the Chargers got from the Giants in the Manning deal.

"We showed a lot of team character to bounce back," Merriman
said. "We never want to start off slow, but we've learned when
we need to hit our stride."

Rivers also hit Kris Wilson on a 2-yard TD in the third to give
San Diego a 14-7 lead in a game in which the Giants defense
rebounded from a miserable efforts the previous three weeks.

Manning drove the Giants 60 yards in 10 plays on the next
possession and Tynes got New York within 14-10 with his 38-yard
field goal early in the fourth quarter.

The Giants defense, which gave up 112 points in the first three
games of the losing streak, then helped them take the lead,
recording three straight tackles for losses and forcing the
Chargers to punt from their 4.

Domenik Hixon returned the ball to the San Diego 39 and Manning
needed only six plays to put New York on top, hitting Kevin Boss
with an 8-yard TD on a play when the Chargers were offside.

A bizarre play at the end of the Giants' opening drive cost them
3 points. New York lined up for a 39-yard field goal attempt,
but Tynes never got the kick off. Feagles took the snap and
Tynes said Feagles had both hands on the ball so he could not
kick it.

"We are all very, very upset, very disappointed obviously in the
loss," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "We played hard, did a
lot of good things but obviously we didn't do enough."

Rivers gave the Chargers a 7-0 lead on the first play of the
second quarter with his first TD pass to Jackson. It capped a
45-yard drive after a short punt by Feagles.

The Giants tied the game on the ensuing series on Manning's
6-yard TD pass to Steve Smith. The pair had kept the nearly
11-minute drive alive with a 19-yard completion on third-and-18
from the Chargers 44.

NOTES: Giants weakside LB Michael Boley and DT Chris Canty
returned to the lineup. Boley missed a month after knee surgery.
Canty was out since the opening week with a calf injury. ...
Chargers starting ILB Kevin Burnett was inactive with an ankle
injury. ... The Giants decided to honor the Yankees for their
recent 27th world championship and introduced manager Joe
Girardi during a break in the game. He was identified on the
scoreboard as the team's general manager. Does Brian Cashman
know?]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132422-Rivers-TD-to-Vincent-Jackson-stuns-Giants-21-20</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132422-Rivers-TD-to-Vincent-Jackson-stuns-Giants-21-20</guid>
				<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:12:14 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Boley, Canty return to Giants lineup for Chargers]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Weakside linebacker Michael Boley and
defensive tackle Chris Canty returned to the New York Giants for
Sunday's game against the San Diego Chargers.

Boley has been out about a month after having surgery on his
right knee. Canty has not played since sustaining a calf injury
in the season opener.

The Giants' defense has given up 112 points in losing its last
three games.

Backup defensive end Dave Tollefson was made inactive to clear
space for Canty.

Chargers starting inside linebacker Kevin Burnett was inactive
for the game with an ankle injury. His status was questionable
Friday. Brandon Siler replaced him in the starting lineup.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132378-Boley-Canty-return-to-Giants-lineup-for-Chargers</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/132378-Boley-Canty-return-to-Giants-lineup-for-Chargers</guid>
				<pubDate>Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:32:55 GMT</pubDate>
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				<title><![CDATA[Giants face Chargers in Manning-Rivers matchup]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Having been to the playoffs the past
four years, the New York Giants have rarely referred to a game
as must-win unless it was in the postseason.

Things have changed dramatically with three straight losses, and
more than one Giant is putting Sunday's game with the San Diego
Chargers into the better-not-lose category.

Forget that the contest will mark the first time Eli Manning and
Philip Rivers face each other since the draft-day trade in which
the Giants obtained the No. 1 overall pick from the Chargers for
the rights to Rivers, who was the No. 4 pick, and three other
draft choices, including one which turned out to be linebacker
Shawne Merriman.

Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce went so far as to proclaim this
another Super Bowl for the Giants (5-3), who have fallen behind
Philadelphia and Dallas in the NFC East.

It's just as important for the Chargers (4-3), who trail the
Denver Broncos by two games in the AFC West.

"I don't ever remember losing three games in a row," Giants
running back Brandon Jacobs said. "So a lot of guys around here
realize that in five years they have never really been part of
losing three games in a row and we have to do something about
it. And a lot of guys are willing to step up and go out and make
plays."

Actually, the Giants lost four in a row in 2006, when they
managed to make the playoffs despite an 8-8 record.

The Chargers are very similar to the Giants in that most of
their wins have been against the NFL's weaker teams (Kansas
City, Oakland twice and Miami), while their losses have been to
Denver, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

"It'll be a heck of a challenge," said running back LaDainian
Tomlinson, who scored three touchdowns when the Drew Brees-led
Chargers beat Manning and the Giants in their last meeting in
2005.

"These guys are Super Bowl champs from a couple years ago. I
think it's a different type of team," Tomlinson said. "This is a
team that can run the ball effectively, they can throw the ball.
Defensive-wise, they get after the quarterback. They can stop
the run. And playing at their house, losing three straight, it's
going to be a tough game."

The key might be the big play. The Chargers have 18 passing
plays of 25 yards or more this season, tied for the third in the
NFL. The Giants, who have given up at least 40 points in two of
their three losses, have surrendered 15 pass plays of 20 yards
or more in their losing streak.

"I think everybody in the building recognizes where we are and
how we need to respond," Giants defensive coordinator Bill
Sheridan said.

The fun part of the game will be watching Manning and Rivers,
who have both become outstanding quarterbacks. The difference is
Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl win over New England in
2008. Coincidentally, the Patriots beat Rivers and the Chargers
in the AFC title game to earn the trip to Arizona.

Manning, who has thrown six interceptions in the losing streak,
downplayed the head-to-head matchup with Rivers.

"This is the Giants versus San Diego," Manning said. "It is
about us getting back on track and getting that winning feeling
again. I think that is my only concern. I think that is kind of
in the past."

Rivers also was indifferent about facing New York. He said he
never talked to any Giants front office personnel after they
drafted him and he had no hard feeling in the wake of the trade.

"Again, I know it wasn't just a straight trade me for Eli or
vice versa," Rivers said. "There were some very key picks and
players involved in what the Chargers were able to acquire and,
honestly, players that have had a huge impact over this past six
years and continue to have. So I'm sure both teams are happy the
way it worked out."

If the Giants have an advantage it should be their running game
against the Chargers' defense, which is giving up 132.1 yards
per game. New York plays its best when the running game allows
Manning to pick when he throws.

Giants safety C.C. Brown has struggled since taking over for
Kenny Phillips (IR) and Rivers will likely target him in New
York's final game before a bye week.

Tomlinson said road games against NFC East teams can be tough.

"We just kind of expect when you go play physical teams like
these, with the big crowds, fans are really into the game, it
becomes a tough place to play," he said. "It's somewhere that
we're really not used to. It's different from Kansas City and
Oakland and Denver. It's a little bit more."

For the Giants, this game has also come to mean a little bit
more.

"Guys are running around, flying around, making a lot of noise,"
Jacobs said of recent practices. "Everyone has been that guy
this week to get on someone else when they are not doing it
right, make them do it the right way. I said on Wednesday
morning that I was going to be that guy to come in here and jump
on people's backs when it doesn't look like they are working
hard. And about 40 other guys had the same mentality."

Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips isn't concerned how the
Giants feel.

"We can't look at that, the Giants lost three in a row," he
said. "I mean, they're still a good football team, and they're
one of the better teams in the league. So, them losing three
straight has nothing to do with us. But we can't control what
they do. We can control what we do. As long as we continue to
have that mentality, I believe we'll be OK."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131955-Giants-face-Chargers-in-Manning-Rivers-matchup</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131955-Giants-face-Chargers-in-Manning-Rivers-matchup</guid>
				<pubDate>Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:02:13 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Aaron Rouse replacing C.C. Brown as Giants safety]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Riding a three-game losing streak,
the New York Giants decided Friday to insert Aaron Rouse into
the starting lineup at safety for Sunday's game against the San
Diego Chargers.

Rouse will replace beleaguered veteran C.C. Brown, who has been
beaten twice on deep passes for touchdowns during the losing
streak.

Brown missed a defensive audible in last Sunday's 40-17 loss to
the Philadelphia Eagles, allowing DeSean Jackson to score on a
54-yard pass play late in the first half.

"This is the NFL, pressure comes week in and week out," Rouse
said. "As a team and as a member of this team, everybody has to
be prepared to play whether you are a starter or not. We look at
it as if you are first- or second-string you are going to be a
starter because it only takes one play for you to come up in
that starting 11. Regardless whether or not I was starting this
week, that is how I practice. I'm looking forward to the
opportunity."

In making the switch, coach Tom Coughlin said Rouse plays the
ball better in the air than Brown, so he will be paired with
Michael Johnson.

"We have three guys, they all play a lot," Coughlin said. "The
third safety played 26 snaps the other day. So we are just going
to try to maneuver around a little bit and defend the deep ball
better, that's all."

Rouse was awarded to the Giants on waivers in September after
Kenny Phillips was lost with a season-ending knee injury that
required surgery.

Rouse was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the third round in
2007. He played in 27 games with 11 starts before being waived
in September.

The highlight of Rouse's Green Bay career was a 99-yard
interception return for a touchdown in 2008 against Peyton
Manning. It was the longest interception return in Lambeau Field
history.

Coughlin said defensive tackle Chris Canty and linebacker
Michael Boley took 50 percent of the snaps Friday and will be
listed as questionable for Sunday's game. Canty has been
sidelined since the opening game of the season with a calf
injury and Boley had surgery on his right knee a month ago.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131818-Aaron-Rouse-replacing-CC-Brown-as-Giants-safety</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131818-Aaron-Rouse-replacing-CC-Brown-as-Giants-safety</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:01:31 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Giants face Chargers in Manning-Rivers matchup]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Having been to the playoffs the past
four years, the New York Giants have rarely referred to a game
as must-win unless it was in the postseason.

Things have changed dramatically with three straight losses, and
more than one Giant is putting Sunday's game with the San Diego
Chargers into the better-not-lose category.

Forget that the contest will mark the first time Eli Manning and
Philip Rivers face each other since the draft-day trade in which
the Giants obtained the No. 1 overall pick from the Chargers for
the rights to Rivers, who was the No. 4 pick, and three other
draft choices, including one which turned out to be linebacker
Shawne Merriman.

Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce went so far as to proclaim this
another Super Bowl for the Giants (5-3), who have fallen behind
Philadelphia and Dallas in the NFC East.

It's just as important for the Chargers (4-3), who trail the
Denver Broncos by two games in the AFC West.

"I don't ever remember losing three games in a row," Giants
running back Brandon Jacobs said. "So a lot of guys around here
realize that in five years they have never really been part of
losing three games in a row and we have to do something about
it. And a lot of guys are willing to step up and go out and make
plays."

Actually, the Giants lost four in a row in 2006, when they
managed to make the playoffs despite an 8-8 record.

The Chargers are very similar to the Giants in that most of
their wins have been against the NFL's weaker teams (Kansas
City, Oakland twice and Miami), while their losses have been to
Denver, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

"It'll be a heck of a challenge," said running back LaDainian
Tomlinson, who scored three touchdowns when the Drew Brees-led
Chargers beat Manning and the Giants in their last meeting in
2005.

"These guys are Super Bowl champs from a couple years ago. I
think it's a different type of team," Tomlinson said. "This is a
team that can run the ball effectively, they can throw the ball.
Defensive-wise, they get after the quarterback. They can stop
the run. And playing at their house, losing three straight, it's
going to be a tough game."

The key might be the big play. The Chargers have 18 passing
plays of 25 yards or more this season, tied for the third in the
NFL. The Giants, who have given up at least 40 points in two of
their three losses, have surrendered 15 pass plays of 20 yards
or more in their losing streak.

"I think everybody in the building recognizes where we are and
how we need to respond," Giants defensive coordinator Bill
Sheridan said.

The fun part of the game will be watching Manning and Rivers,
who have both become outstanding quarterbacks. The difference is
Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl win over New England in
2008. Coincidentally, the Patriots beat Rivers and the Chargers
in the AFC title game to earn the trip to Arizona.

Manning, who has thrown six interceptions in the losing streak,
downplayed the head-to-head matchup with Rivers.

"This is the Giants versus San Diego," Manning said. "It is
about us getting back on track and getting that winning feeling
again. I think that is my only concern. I think that is kind of
in the past."

Rivers also was indifferent about facing New York. He said he
never talked to any Giants front office personnel after they
drafted him and he had no hard feeling in the wake of the trade.

"Again, I know it wasn't just a straight trade me for Eli or
vice versa," Rivers said. "There were some very key picks and
players involved in what the Chargers were able to acquire and,
honestly, players that have had a huge impact over this past six
years and continue to have. So I'm sure both teams are happy the
way it worked out."

If the Giants have an advantage it should be their running game
against the Chargers' defense, which is giving up 132.1 yards
per game. New York plays its best when the running game allows
Manning to pick when he throws.

With veteran C.C. Brown stuggling in recent weeks, the Giants
decided on Friday to start former Green Bay Packer Aaron Rouse
at safety in New York's final game before a bye week. Brown had
taken over for Kenny Phillips (IR) in September.

Tomlinson said road games against NFC East teams can be tough.

"We just kind of expect when you go play physical teams like
these, with the big crowds, fans are really into the game, it
becomes a tough place to play," he said. "It's somewhere that
we're really not used to. It's different from Kansas City and
Oakland and Denver. It's a little bit more."

For the Giants, this game has also come to mean a little bit
more.

"Guys are running around, flying around, making a lot of noise,"
Jacobs said of recent practices. "Everyone has been that guy
this week to get on someone else when they are not doing it
right, make them do it the right way. I said on Wednesday
morning that I was going to be that guy to come in here and jump
on people's backs when it doesn't look like they are working
hard. And about 40 other guys had the same mentality."

Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips isn't concerned how the
Giants feel.

"We can't look at that, the Giants lost three in a row," he
said. "I mean, they're still a good football team, and they're
one of the better teams in the league. So, them losing three
straight has nothing to do with us. But we can't control what
they do. We can control what we do. As long as we continue to
have that mentality, I believe we'll be OK."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131821-Giants-face-Chargers-in-Manning-Rivers-matchup</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131821-Giants-face-Chargers-in-Manning-Rivers-matchup</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:23:38 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Giants face Chargers in Manning-Rivers matchup]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- Having been to the playoffs the past
four years, the New York Giants have rarely referred to a game
as must-win unless it was in the postseason.

Things have changed dramatically with three straight losses, and
more than one Giant is putting Sunday's game with the San Diego
Chargers into the better-not-lose category.

Forget that the contest will mark the first time Eli Manning and
Philip Rivers face each other since the draft-day trade in which
the Giants obtained the No. 1 overall pick from the Chargers for
the rights to Rivers, who was the No. 4 pick, and three other
draft choices, including one which turned out to be linebacker
Shawne Merriman.

Middle linebacker Antonio Pierce went so far as to proclaim this
another Super Bowl for the Giants (5-3), who have fallen behind
Philadelphia and Dallas in the NFC East.

It's just as important for the Chargers (4-3), who trail the
Denver Broncos by two games in the AFC West.

"I don't ever remember losing three games in a row," Giants
running back Brandon Jacobs said. "So a lot of guys around here
realize that in five years they have never really been part of
losing three games in a row and we have to do something about
it. And a lot of guys are willing to step up and go out and make
plays."

Actually, the Giants lost four in a row in 2006, when they
managed to make the playoffs despite an 8-8 record.

The Chargers are very similar to the Giants in that most of
their wins have been against the NFL's weaker teams (Kansas
City, Oakland twice and Miami), while their losses have been to
Denver, Pittsburgh and Baltimore.

"It'll be a heck of a challenge," said running back LaDainian
Tomlinson, who scored three touchdowns when the Drew Brees-led
Chargers beat Manning and the Giants in their last meeting in
2005.

"These guys are Super Bowl champs from a couple years ago. I
think it's a different type of team," Tomlinson said. "This is a
team that can run the ball effectively, they can throw the ball.
Defensive-wise, they get after the quarterback. They can stop
the run. And playing at their house, losing three straight, it's
going to be a tough game."

The key might be the big play. The Chargers have 18 passing
plays of 25 yards or more this season, tied for the third in the
NFL. The Giants, who have given up at least 40 points in two of
their three losses, have surrendered 15 pass plays of 20 yards
or more in their losing streak.

"I think everybody in the building recognizes where we are and
how we need to respond," Giants defensive coordinator Bill
Sheridan said.

The fun part of the game will be watching Manning and Rivers,
who have both become outstanding quarterbacks. The difference is
Manning led the Giants to a Super Bowl win over New England in
2008. Coincidentally, the Patriots beat Rivers and the Chargers
in the AFC title game to earn the trip to Arizona.

Manning, who has thrown six interceptions in the losing streak,
downplayed the head-to-head matchup with Rivers.

"This is the Giants versus San Diego," Manning said. "It is
about us getting back on track and getting that winning feeling
again. I think that is my only concern. I think that is kind of
in the past."

Rivers also was indifferent about facing New York. He said he
never talked to any Giants front office personnel after they
drafted him and he had no hard feeling in the wake of the trade.

"Again, I know it wasn't just a straight trade me for Eli or
vice versa," Rivers said. "There were some very key picks and
players involved in what the Chargers were able to acquire and,
honestly, players that have had a huge impact over this past six
years and continue to have. So I'm sure both teams are happy the
way it worked out."

If the Giants have an advantage it should be their running game
against the Chargers' defense, which is giving up 132.1 yards
per game. New York plays its best when the running game allows
Manning to pick when he throws.

Giants safety C.C. Brown has struggled since taking over for
Kenny Phillips (IR) and Rivers will likely target him in New
York's final game before a bye week.

Tomlinson said road games against NFC East teams can be tough.

"We just kind of expect when you go play physical teams like
these, with the big crowds, fans are really into the game, it
becomes a tough place to play," he said. "It's somewhere that
we're really not used to. It's different from Kansas City and
Oakland and Denver. It's a little bit more."

For the Giants, this game has also come to mean a little bit
more.

"Guys are running around, flying around, making a lot of noise,"
Jacobs said of recent practices. "Everyone has been that guy
this week to get on someone else when they are not doing it
right, make them do it the right way. I said on Wednesday
morning that I was going to be that guy to come in here and jump
on people's backs when it doesn't look like they are working
hard. And about 40 other guys had the same mentality."

Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips isn't concerned how the
Giants feel.

"We can't look at that, the Giants lost three in a row," he
said. "I mean, they're still a good football team, and they're
one of the better teams in the league. So, them losing three
straight has nothing to do with us. But we can't control what
they do. We can control what we do. As long as we continue to
have that mentality, I believe we'll be OK."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131639-Giants-face-Chargers-in-Manning-Rivers-matchup</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131639-Giants-face-Chargers-in-Manning-Rivers-matchup</guid>
				<pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:10:27 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
			<item>
				<title><![CDATA[Chargers-Giants Preview]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
STATS Senior Writer

Eli Manning and Philip Rivers will forever be linked by the
draft-day trade in 2004 that brought Manning to the New York
Giants and Rivers to the San Diego Chargers.

This season, they may end up being linked for leading a pair of
contenders that underachieved.

The quarterbacks meet for the first time Sunday at Giants
Stadium, with Manning looking to help New York avoid a fourth
straight loss and Rivers trying to lead the Chargers to their
first victory over a winning team.

San Diego (4-3) took Manning with the first pick in the 2004
draft, even though his family told the Chargers not to select
him days before. After they selected him anyway and the Giants
(5-3) chose Rivers at No. 4, the Chargers sent Manning to New
York for Rivers and picks that San Diego used on linebacker
Shawne Merriman and kicker Nate Kaeding.

The trade seems to have helped both clubs. Manning was the Super
Bowl MVP two years ago when the Giants upset the 18-0 Patriots -
the team that knocked off Rivers and the Chargers in the AFC
championship game. Both players have been to one Pro Bowl.

"It's fun," Rivers said Monday. "The one thing I know and I know
Eli knows, all the quarterbacks know, we're not playing one
another out there. We've got plenty of other things to worry
about on the defensive side of the ball we have to go against.

"But it is fun competing against another team led by a
quarterback that you are linked to in many ways, especially
being the same draft class."

Rivers backed up Drew Brees the last time these teams met - a
45-23 Chargers win Sept. 25, 2005. Manning was booed throughout
his first game in San Diego, but completed 24 of 41 passes for
352 yards and two touchdowns.

Manning would likely settle for a similar effort, considering
what he has produced during the Giants' slide. He had 10
touchdowns and two interceptions in New York's 5-0 start, but
threw three TDs and six interceptions over the last three games.

"There is no secret ingredient," Manning said. "There is no 'We
have to change our philosophy.' There is none of that. We are
not in panic mode right now. But we do need to get better and we
do need to play better than what we are playing right now. This
is going to be a big week for us, this week versus San Diego,
and hopefully we get back on track."

While Manning has played poorly the last three weeks, New York's
defense has been worse. The Giants were outscored 112-61 during
that span, with opponents totaling 1,172 yards.

New York allowed 180 rushing yards for the game and 30
first-half points in a 40-17 loss at Philadelphia on Sunday. The
Giants' last four-game losing streak came Nov. 12-Dec. 3, 2006.

"I don't know what has happened to us the last three weeks,"
defensive end Justin Tuck said. "That's kind of disheartening,
but it lets me know the guys care. You can just tell that
frustration is kind of boiling over."

The defense should get some help this week, with defensive
tackle Chris Canty and weakside linebacker Michael Boley
expected to play.

Canty has been sidelined since the opening game with a calf
injury. Boley had surgery on his right knee last month.

All of San Diego's wins were against losing teams, with its
defeats coming to contenders Denver, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.
The Chargers' two straight victories came against lowly Kansas
City and Oakland - teams that also account for two of New York's
wins.

"Every week is a treat to play in the NFL, to play in an NFL
game," Rivers said. "But these are the kind of games, the reason
why you play. You get to go right in the thick of all the action
in the East Coast, being in New York, and play, obviously, a
team that won the championship two years ago and is a very
capable one and thought of highly this year.

"It's a tough place to go on the road, in a game I think that
will say a lot about us."

San Diego limited Kansas City to 203 yards in a 37-7 road
victory Oct. 25 and held Oakland to 180 yards in last Sunday's
24-16 win. The Chargers know it will be more difficult against a
Giants offense that is fifth in the league with an average of
386.9 yards.

"We are growing and we're getting better," coach Norv Turner
said.  "We're getting some guys going. We'll have a great week
of practice and we're looking forward to going back and
playing."

The Giants rank 19th against the run, but will face a Chargers
rushing attack that is second worst in the league with 523
yards. LaDainian Tomlinson ran for 192 in the 2005 game against
New York, but has gone a career-high 13 straight games without
gaining 100.]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131341-Chargers-Giants-Preview</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131341-Chargers-Giants-Preview</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:59:07 GMT</pubDate>
			</item>
		
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				<title><![CDATA[Coughlin tells Giants leaders to lead by example]]></title>
				<description><![CDATA[By TOM CANAVAN
AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.(AP) -- The job of turning around the New
York Giants belongs to Eli Manning, Antonio Pierce and the other
leaders on the defending NFC East champions.

Coach Tom Coughlin went out of his way Wednesday to tell the
team its leaders have to take control and end the Giants'
current three-game losing streak.

"Leaders are lifters," Coughlin said twice during his news
conference Wednesday. "And normally what has to happen when a
team does fight their way out of a problem, your best players
have to show the way. They are the ones that show the way. The
guys that are in the role of a foot soldier, they will play and
they will work their tails off.

"But what ultimately shows is when the guys that are recognized
as your quality football players, your better football players,
they have to play themselves into a position where they are
showing the way."

That's not happened for the Giants (5-3) in the recent slide
that has seen them slip from first place in the NFC East to
third, a game behind Philadelphia and Dallas.

Manning has thrown six interceptions in the losing streak and
Pierce has been the leader of a defense that has allowed New
Orleans and Philadelphia to both score at least 40 points.

Things won't get any easier Sunday when the Giants are home for
the San Diego Chargers (4-3), who have won their last two games.

Manning and Pierce both welcomed the coach's challenge in what
will be New York's final game before a bye, a week that the
Giants want to avoid entering with a four-game losing streak.

"You always expect your leaders and the guys who expect to play
well to go out there and do their job and play at a high level,"
said Manning, who has thrown three TD passes in the last three
games. "That level motivates the other guys and gets everybody
going. We have to do our job. Each individual has to do their
job, whether you are a guy expecting to make plays. If you are
out there on the field, everybody has to do their job."

Pierce admitted he has played poorly in the streak.

"Coach didn't need to challenge any of us," Pierce said. "We are
on a three-game losing streak and we're turning into pretty much
the laughingstock as far as how we're playing on defense, so
it's a fun week for us. So he doesn't need to call none of us
out, we'll step it up this week. We had a good practice."

Pierce scoffed at the idea of having a team meeting, saying the
Giants need to do their talking on Sunday.

"It's one of our biggest games of the year," said Pierce, who
earlier this week in a radio interview equated this game with
another Super Bowl.

Pierce echoed Coughlin, saying the stars need to play like
stars, the contributors need to contribute and everyone needs to
do a little more.

"Obviously what we are doing now is not working," he said. "It
has nothing to do with Xs and Os. Sometimes it does. Sometimes
you have to go above Xs and Os and play a little harder, run to
the ball more, have energy, show some spirit that you want to
enjoy playing the game, have some passion about the game because
it passes you by fast and we don't what to see our season pass
us by."

Linebacker Danny Clark said there is a definite sense of
urgency.

"I don't think at this point we need a bunch of 'rah-rah' guys,
we need more leadership by example, going the extra mile to get
us better," he said. "That's something we've taken pride in, the
veterans, going out on the practice field and doing a little
more, going a little harder, faster, longer."

The defense will probably get some help Sunday: defensive tackle
Chris Canty and weakside linebacker Michael Boley are expected
to play.

Canty has been sidelined since the opening game with a calf
injury. Boley had surgery on his right knee last month.

Boley expects to play but noted the final decision will be left
to the medical personnel.

"It's a young season, it's a real young season," he said. "It's
not one of those things where I am going to sit here and say I'm
rushing to get back, it's Week 15. That's not the case. The
season is still young, we've got another half of the season."

Canty, who never missed a game in four seasons with Dallas, said
having to sit out seven in a row has been hard.

"It's difficult in any circumstance, even when we were winning,"
he said. "When we were 5-0 it was difficult not being out there
contributing to the success of your football team. It's tough. I
have never had to deal with that and it comes with a dose of
humility as well."]]></description>
				<category><![CDATA[nfl]]></category>
				<link>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131325-Coughlin-tells-Giants-leaders-to-lead-by-example</link>
				<guid>http://areyouwatchingthis.com/nfl/news/131325-Coughlin-tells-Giants-leaders-to-lead-by-example</guid>
				<pubDate>Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:17:05 GMT</pubDate>
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