FEELING THE ‘BURN’: Ever since Chase Blackburn returned to the Giants on Dec. 4 against the Packers, the middle linebacker has been in the starting lineup and Big Blue’s defense has hit its stride.
The running game vs. the Packers the first time around wasn’t bad at all—20 attempts, 100 yards—and actually was the start of a late-season uptick on the ground. Against the Falcons, Brandon Jacobs has had an awakening and Ahmad Bradshaw looked as quick as ever as they helped soar to a seasonhigh 172 rushing yards.
EnlargeChris Faytok/The Star-LedgerNew York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a touchdown reception after getting behind Atlanta Falcons strong safety James Sanders (36) during the fourth quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the New York Giants and the Atlanta Falcons at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on 1/8/12. Giants won 24-2. (Chris Faytok/The Star-Ledger)By Mike Garafolo - Star Ledger 1/10/12