If you were Tom Coughlin...

Slimdust

Would you start every starter you can against the Pats? Or play it safe, rest you players?

I know I want them to start every player they can, I don't want to see the pats win. But what is the best thing to do?

Danny Diamond

Founder/Admin

So wierd. I was just about to type a very similar thread.

Basically Slim, the Giants cant change their playoff position no matter if they win or lose and same if Tampa wins or loses.

Coughlin has basically come out and in not so many words said that he wont be playing his starters much or at all.

The real question is this........

Say Troy Brown muffs the opening kickoff and the Giants score, then in the next possesion Brady throws a INT for a TD and the Giants are up 14-0 early in the 1st. NOW what do you do if you are Tommy Coughlin?

Dr. Giganto

I think that no matter what Brandon Jacobs and Plaxico Burress shouldn't play more than 2 drives. They have been bothered by injuries all season, and they should put minimal strain on their lower appendages. Plaxico should play a little bit just to get in sync with Eli, but be on a limited snap count. Further, Eli needs to develop some chemistry with his 3 and 4 WRs, Sinorice Moss and Steve Smith, and Shockey's replacement, Kevin Boss.

On the defensive side of the ball, the two starting safeties, Gibril Wilson and James Butler, have missed some games due to injury. Coughlin should limit their time on the field.

I think some other key players, such as Eli Manning, Antonio Pierce, Amani Toomer, Michael Strahan, and Osi Umenyiora should sit in the second half.

The Giants have gotten bounced from the playoffs in the first round two straight years. They need to take a step forward as a franchise and defeat the Tampa Bay Bucs. Yes, beating the Patriots would be nice, but the long-run effects are limited. Winning a playoff game is more important.

Coughlin needs to give his players just enough time on the field to stay sharp, but not too much that they injure themselves or reaggravate and existing injury

Slimdust

this is from si.com

Tom Coughlin should play his starters and try to beat the New England Patriots on Saturday. It's a no-brainer.

Coughlin is under immense pressure. Despite 10 victories, his job security is shaky. He's cooked, in my opinion, if he treats a game that is going to be broadcast on three networks like an exhibition.

One of the most significant games in league history is going to be played in the Big Apple. Coughlin cannot afford to ruin it by resting his starters. No way. If he takes all the drama out of the Pats' last obstacle to perfection and then loses his first-round playoff game, Shaun Powell, Mike Vaccaro, William C. Rhoden, Steve Serby and George Willis will have all the ammo they need to call for Coughlin's ouster.

I'm sorry, but this fight is way too big to turn the other cheek. This isn't a civil-rights movement. It's football, and it would be cowardly for the Giants to no-show the biggest game of the year.

The fact that we're in having this debate is exhibit No. 1 in why there's not a damn thing wrong with college football. You don't have these ridiculous scenarios where games don't matter in college football.

Dr. Giganto

I couldnt possibly disagree with that any more than I do