92 Will Never Be Worn By Another Giants Player
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Andrew Rosario
The New York Giants honored ex-quarterback Eli Manning this past September putting his name in the Ring of Honor and retiring his #10. Unfortunately, the team would give up 10 points in the last 5 minutes and ending up losing to the Atlanta Falcons 17-14 putting a damper on the festivities. This would not be the case when Big Blue hosted their hated division rival Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium on a gloomy, overcast day. This time, the honor was bestowed upon #92 Michael Strahan, arguably the best defensive end in franchise history who played his entire 15-year career with the organization. On hand to take part in the halftime festivities was his head coach Tom Coughlin, owners John Mara, Steve Tisch as well as ex-teammates Plaxico Burress, Justin Tuck, David Tyree and Manning. Strahan, who was inducted in the Hall of fame in 2014 and is the team’s all-time leader in sacks. He also holds the single season record for sacks with 22.5. “I never dreamed of this,” said Strahan. “I’m just so thankful to be here.”
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
New York was coming off a debacle the week before playing Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Monday night prime time game. They only scored 10 points and it cost offensive coordinator Jason Garrett’s job as second year head coach Joe Judge dropped the ax the day after the game. Freddie Kitchens took over the Giants’ play-calling responsibilities and the results were not much better in the 13-7 victory as the defense who has had problems all season, finally came up with big stops when they had to.
The Giants got on the board after the second time they touched the ball in the first quarter. Quarterback Daniel Jones moves the team downfield 47 yards in 11 plays. Graham Gano converts the 35-yard field goal. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was moving the team the second time they had the ball when the defense would come up with the first of three interceptions. Looking for wide receiver Quez Watkins, cornerback Darney Holmes steps in front and picks of the pass.
Both teams sputtered in the second quarter as no points were put on the board. Gano had a chance to add 3 more points but pushed his 51-yard attempt to the right. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was moving the team right before halftime when the defense came up with their second interception. Hurts attempted a short pass to running back Boston Scott but linebacker Tae Crowder comes away with pick.
The Giants extended the lead in the third quarter after the Eagles punted after 5 plays. 59 yards and 10 plays later, Jones (19-30, 202 yards, 1 td) connects with tight end Chris Myarick for the 1-yard touchdown catch. It was Myarick’s first career touchdown. “It was just crazy for me personally – finally getting the sign up, and that’s the first touchdown of the game and it was coming to me. It was kind of a crazy experience. It wasn’t the cleanest catch, but it still counts. I’ll take it,” he said.
Hurts (14-31, 129 yards) last interception came on the very next possession. Looking deep for wide receiver Jalen Reagor, safety Xavier McKinney comes down with the pass, stalling the drive. “We played really good defense and we won the game,’’ McKinney said.
It was a tumultuous week for Big Blue. They get embarrassed in front of a national television audience. The head coach calls out the coaching staff and then fires the offensive coordinator who does not get through his second year. Michael Strahan brings the sold-out crowd to its feet as his number gets retired. He then made this declaration: “I’ve got to say this. Every team has their ups and downs,” Strahan said. “But the New York Giants have won Super Bowls. There are teams that never have. Appreciate what you got. We will be back! We will be up again! I guarantee you that!” Only time will tell when that happens.
