After finishing the 2010 season with a 10-6 record, the Giants failed to make the playoffs for the second season in a row. They started 6-2 in 2010, but were 4-4 in the last eight games of the season. Thus, they come into 2011-2012 hoping to play to their potential throughout the entire season, and to return to the Super Bowl for the first time since their stunning victory over the New England Patriots in 2007.
The 2011-2012 Giants season starts with a tough divisional game at the Washington Redskins. The Redskins also are hoping to overcome a disappointing 2010 campaign, the first under head coach Mike Shanahan. Thus, this game is important to both teams for starting 2011-2012 off on the right foot.
In week 3, the Giants head to Philadelphia, where they will attempt to avenge a 38-31 loss from last year in which quarterback Michael Vick led the Eagles to a comeback from a 24-3 halftime deficit. This loss, now dubbed the “Miracle at the Meadowlands” by Eagles fans, played a large role in keeping New York out of the playoffs and has left a bad taste in players’ mouths since.
After a bye in week 7, the Giants schedule gets extremely difficult. They travel to New England to face the high-powered Patriots offense in week 9. By week 9, Tom Brady is sure to have the Patriots firing on all cylinders, although it’s questionable if the Patriot’s defense can play up to the level of their offense.
The Patriots game is followed by another tough road game, at the San Francisco 49ers in Candlestick Park. The 49ers boast a tough, hard-hitting defense and look to have an improved offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. Then the Giants host the Eagles in week 11. This matchup could have playoff implications, as it is possible the Eagles and Giants will be jockeying for first place in the division at this point.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier, though, as the Giants head to New Orleans in week 12 to battle Drew Brees and the deep passing game of the Saints. In week 13, the Giants host the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packer. Make sure to buy your Giants tickets early for this event, I am sure it will sell out fast! In week 14, the Giants head to Dallas for another game with potential playoff or divisional winner implications. As this is the first meeting between Dallas and the Giants in 2011, and since it could be a meaningful game, the atmosphere in Dallas is sure to be charged.
The last three weeks of the season offer no respite to the Giants. In week 15, they play their second game of the season against the Washington Redskins. Then they play the New York Jets (in New York). As both teams could be fighting for playoff spots at this point, this match-up could be potentially interesting and exciting for New York fans. Finally, the Giants finish up with the Cowboys at home in a game that could determine anything from the winner of the division to the last wild-card team let into the playoffs.
2011-2012 New York Giants Schedule
Week 1: at Washington Redskins
Week 2: St. Louis Rams
Week 3: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week 4: at Arizona Cardinals
Week 5: Seattle Seahawks
Week 6: Buffalo Bills
Week 7: Bye
Week 8: Miami Dolphins
Week 9: at New England Patriots
Week 10: at San Francisco 49ers
Week 11: Philadelphia Eagles
Week 12: at New Orleans Saints
Week 13: Green Bay Packers
Week 14: at Dallas Cowboys
Week 15: Washington Redskins
Week 16: at New York Jets
Week 17: Dallas Cowboys
