Giants Talk

Mario Manningham questionable; Bradshaw probable; Canty, Boley, Ross still out. (Connecticut Post)

Time once again to overmatch Justice? (Newark Star-Ledger)

Westbrook listed as questionable. (philly.com)

In addition to stunts, schemes and coverage, the New York Giants defense should have this incident burned into their brains by game time Sunday.

McNabb on phone

Despite the statistics, the Giants have been defensively challenged since Chatty McNabb and company came into to Giants Stadium and left with a 23-11 playoff win. Let’s face it: 23, 31, 48, and 24 points allowed in four games against the varsity in calendar 2009 isn’t scaring anyone. The defense flashed a bit of intensity late against Arizona; they need to turn it up another notch Sunday. It can be done.

Bradshaw has cracked bone in foot; will solider on. Michael Boley, Chris Canty practice; Antonio Pierce does not. (Connecticut Post)

Steve Smith vs. Sheldon Brown: I’ll take Manufactured Controversies for $200, Alex. (Newark Star-Ledger)

Brian Westbrook sits; remains game-day decision. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

New York beats Philadelphia. (Connecticut Post)

Randall Cunningham was one of the more flamboyant quarterbacks in NFL history. His pure athleticism lead to his being tagged “The Ultimate Weapon.” A knee injury in 1991 derailed Cunningham’s best shot at the Super Bowl with the Eagles. Cunningham came out of retirement to quarterback the 1998 Minnesota Vikings, one of the most prolific offensive teams in recent memory. He retired in 2000.

But for New York Giants fans, the most vivid memory of Randall Cunningham was etched on October 10, 1978.

The play in shows up multiple times in the first clip, and once at the 20-second-mark in the second.

Ahmad Bradshaw gets a second opinion; Pierce sits out practice. (Connecticut Post)

Defenses paying attention to Steve Smith. (Connecticut Post)

Brian Westbrook probably a game-day decision. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Philadelphia beats New York. (Connecticut Post)

Edwards

Before he became a head coach better known for his one-liners than on-field success, Herman Edwards was a pretty good defensive back for the Eagles. He played nine seasons, reached the Super Bowl once, and remains among the Eagles all-time leaders for interceptions.

But for New York Giants fans of a certain vintage, the most vivid memory of Herman Edwards was etched on November 19, 1978.

No more smashmouth? (New York Daily News)

Dirty Eagles are banged up. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

A few words on that other New York – Philly matchup, from a hated Phanatic. (Connecticut Post)

Chuck Bednarik epitomizes the vintage NFL. Pennsylvania bred by immigrant parents in the middle of steel mill country, decorated WWII veteran, All-American at Penn, the last man in NFL history to play every play of a game, going all out on offense, defense and special teams in the 1960 NFL Championship, member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

But for New York Giants fans of a certain vintage, their most vivid memory of Bednarik is the kill shot he laid on Frank Gifford in another 1960 game, and his jerky reaction after knocking him out. Typical dirty Eagles nonsense. After that concussion, Gifford didn’t play again until the middle of the 1962 season.

That’s Bednarik counting out an unconscious Gifford in the still below. Pick up the video at the 2:15 mark to see the play.

More on Bednarik.