I just rewatched this yesterday and, for those who may not have seen it or remember this game, it essentially clinched the NFC East for the Giants that year...their first division title since the merger. It was also the game in which Parcells was uncharacteristically ebullient about the team's performance. He commented to Peter King, who was writing for Newsday then as a beat writer: "I'm proud of my guys today, Peter"
This was not a perfect game by any stretch. The Skins committed seven or eight turnovers including six INTs from Jay Schroeder and Simms tossed one interception and there were a couple of fumbles. But the hitting was fierce, the game played with few penalties and until the third quarter it was a battle. Simms was magnificent after the Skins scored to tie the game 7-7 as he led a two minute drive to put the Giants back in front 14-7 at the half. What a treat to see just how good Mark Bavaro was...he was simply a beast...as good as I have ever seen as a tight end. He was coming off the massive catch and run against SF the previous Monday Night and he was simply brilliant...over 100 yards receiving and his usual run blocking mayhem.
When I look at that team offensively, no real star players. Morris was very good but not really one of the top runners in the game. The offensive line was unheralded but worked tremendously well together. Our wide receivers were Bobby Johnson and Stacy Robinson with McConkey backing up. Lionel Manuel was hurt for this game. It was a game where we also saw the emergence of Erik Howard at nose tackle.
To have that linebacking crew and then to see guys like Headen, Pepper Johnson and Hunt on the bench is something you just do not see anymore. Any one of these guys could start for any NFL team today. LT was just a blur when he wanted to rush the passer. Joe Jacoby looked like a statue but it was surprising the Skins didn't have a tight end chipping on him regularly. That only happened on occasion.
The Skins were no slouches...also 11-2 at the time. They had the Hogs, George Rogers backed up by Kelvin Bryant, Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders to catch passes and good tight ends. Manley was also a beast that year and he and LT entered the game tied for the league lead in sacks. LT had 3 in the game though and Manley had none. Benson did a number on him.
But it was the hitting and surprising to hear Madden talk about the poor tackling. Looking back, it was great tackling from my perspective especially when you compare it to what we see on a regular basis today.
BP, Belichick at 38, Mike Pope, Ron Ehrhardt...man, what a staff! What a team that was.
After the game, some fan started yelling at me as we were walking to our bus. I just said, "What are pissed at me about? I didn't throw 6 interceptions!" Bwwaaaahaaaahaahaaa.
A week later I moved to Boca Raton and listened to the division-clinching loss by the Skins ( on a missed extra point) at Denver while driving. 31-30 I believe was the final score
I'm assuming you're referring to the season-finale loss to the Pats
It certainly was one of many he's made during his HOF career, imo..Iirc, we did have a few starters injured and missing the TB game the following week, but that was a "landmark" decision that brought John Madden to tears(in his phone call message to TC)
Not even slightly true, but I'll give you credit for managing to write something that didn't involve James Dolan.
The Giant offense was clearly disappointing that game because with all those turnovers by the Skins it really should have been a blowout but Simms wasn't getting the team into the endzone enough. Credit Skins to some degree as they had a good defense too.
As the season wore on, Simms and his receivers woke up and really started playing well which made the Giants basically unbeatable to go along with a good running game and epic Defense.
My favorite season...
Washington was excellent. They had eliminated the Bears in Chicago. Then in the Wind Tunnel Game, Clark and Sanders dropped perfectly thrown passes by Schroeder that were two easy touchdowns. Parcells gave the margin of victory to McConkey catching the punts in the air, while Sanders gave up 20-yards of field position by letting the ball drop.
Phil was something like 4-17 for 56 yards with the only big passing play being a runner over the middle to Manuel, who was activated for the game. Washington made a permanent adjustment in preparing for the NFC Championship. No more 7-step drops for their quarterback. Jacoby could not steer LT wide from that angle.
It was a great series. Great teams. Great coaches.
Fortunately there was no way Giants were losing that game.
I think both teams had 2 losses going into the game so if the Giants lost they would have been one game behind even though they split the series with Skins.
What doesnt seem right Joe?
Quote:
As the game began I remember wondering with only two losses and a win previously against the Skins how the Giants found themselves having to win in Washington to win the division. I m not sure of the specifics even now but I remember thinking it didn't seem right
I think both teams had 2 losses going into the game so if the Giants lost they would have been one game behind even though they split the series with Skins.
What doesnt seem right Joe?
What he's saying essentially, is how could we only have 2 losses the ENTIRE season AND a win over the Skins and STILL FIND OURSELVES needing a win to take the division. That, just didn't seem right or make any sense
We had the same record when that game started...they were good too.
The winner would have a 1 game lead in the division with 2 to go.
When I look at that team offensively, no real star players. Morris was very good but not really one of the top runners in the game.
Morris and Bavaro were stars. And Morris absolutely was one of the top runners in the game. Not for very long but for a couple of years definitely.
We had the same record when that game started...they were good too.
The winner would have a 1 game lead in the division with 2 to go.
Ok, despite two attempts at clarification, you still miss the point(s)..Ok, moving on..:)
http://bigbluevcr.blogspot.com/2013/10/1986-giants-redskins.html - ( New Window )
85: 1336 4.5 21 tds
86: 1514 4.4 14 tds (missed a game)
All pro both years
Shouldn't have posted what I did. Didnt think it through. Thanks for clarifying it.
crazy other tie breaking scenarios
on another note. This game was pivotal to the giants winning a championship. it set the tone and was one of the important games in the long history of this franchise. It was a great team and competition at that time. Remember being so pumped up after winning down their in their place.
I remember my dad being so pumped for that game that he went out ond bot a brand new SONY Trinitron 27" console to watch it on. Thing had to weigh 200 pounds
It's on the web, I believe.
Link - ( New Window )
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Love to get a copy of that game if possible ...e-mail me (benjaminlloyd1963@gmail.com) please and let me know if you can make a copy for me and how much you would need from me for your trouble.
It's on the web, I believe. Link - ( New Window )
Thanks for the link ...I really want it on DVD to add to my collection...thanks again for the link though