I know that I've taken a bit to get the next review out there, but I've been able to actually get my hands on more games from the mid 2000s, which is actually tougher to come by because that was the period when VCRs started going away, and TiVo/DVRs started to take over and it wasn't as clear as how to back up those video files as it is now.
The first one that I've done is the 2005 Giants vs. Broncos game. This was the first time that we saw Eli come up big in a late spot against a tough team. The Giants were down 23-10 in the 4th quarter and got lucky that Jason Elam missed a late field goal that put them in position for Toomer's game winning TD catch. I was in the stands for this game, in my usual end zone seats, which was the same end zone that Toomer caught the game winner against Denver in 1998 to ruin their unbeaten run.
For the next review, I'm going to go slightly further back in the archives. When the 1994 Giants went into Cleveland and beat a very good Browns team, led by the defensive coaching tandem of Bill Belichick and Nick Saban (who had just accepted the Michigan State job), in what was (IMO) Dave Brown's most impressive win of his career (I know, not saying much).
Enjoy!
http://bigbluevcr.blogspot.com/2015/04/2005-giants-vs-broncos.html - (
New Window )
What a fun ending that was. I freaked. That was the first time I really started having a great feeling about a NYG QB. I was always hopeful with Eli and felt he'd have his day but until we saw it....we saw it that day.
For just his second season, Eli put up some great numbers...in fact, it took him four more seasons before he eclipsed those numbers, he put up in his first full season....
For whatever reason the entire team just ran out of gas. They left a little too much in Seattle in my eyes. If they win maybe they cruise to the NFC title game. Instead they lose and really had to scratch and claw to win the East.
You wonder if one game could have changed that season. Sometimes I think that's a stretch to believe in but maybe not in 2005.
Jon,
Yup. The crowd was booing pretty much the entire 3rd quarter and the Giants looked dead. If Elam hits that 49 yarder in the 4th quarter, the Giants lose that game.
What a fun ending that was. I freaked. That was the first time I really started having a great feeling about a NYG QB. I was always hopeful with Eli and felt he'd have his day but until we saw it....we saw it that day.
Me, too. That throw to Amani showed a high echelon level of field vision.
And we are not the only ones. That Sunday my wife was waiting at Newark airport to get a jump on her business trip the next week. The Giants win the game and she immediately calls me up. She was having a drink in the bar and so uncharacteristically caught the game. Her first comment was that Eli was going to be a great player.
I'll never forget this game.