The New York Giants run to repeat as Super Bowl Champions came to a halting stop this afternoon at the Meadowlands losing to the Philadelphia Eagles 23-11. Going on a miracle run of their own, the resurgent Eagles baffled the Giants all afternoon with their hard defense, and even tougher determination. Sound familiar?
It should. After making a similar run to the Super Bowl and creating a classic finish, the Giants were looked at as the favorites in the NFC, if not the NFL to repeat as Champions, especially after a strong beginning to the season. Through week 13, the Giants were rolling at an impressive 11-1 with sights set on a repeat performance.
What could stop them? They had overcome the loss of defensive leaders Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to retirement and injury. David ‘Miracle Catch’ Tyree was out for the year. Star receiver Plaxico Burress was on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury, but was expected back in a couple of weeks, well before the playoffs. Despite this, they were winning.
The wheels to the season came off on the night of November 28th. Plaxico Buress and teammate Antonio Pierce were at New York City nightclub Latin Quarter when Plaxico’s gun, being held in the drawstring of his sweatpants accidentally went off.
The result? A bullet to the thigh, a season ending injury, a loss of nearly $30 million for Plaxico, and now an early vacation for the New York Giants.
Quote edited for length--IC