With a loss to the Carolina Panthers in week 16, it looks like the 2009 NFL season may be over for the New York Giants.
This comes as a major surprise given the team's 5-0 start to the season and the fact that they've made 4 playoffs in 5 years, but that's how it goes in the sports world sometimes.
The Giants came into week 16 with a must win situation. Facing the Carolina Panthers at home, the team entered the week with an 8-6 record, trailing both the Cowboys and the Packers by a game.
Another loss would be a crippling blow to this football club, as the Giants surely couldn't depend on Green Bay and Dallas to both lose each of their last two games.
The Giants were a 7 point favorite to win against the Panthers, leading many to believe that this would be an easy game for the team. With a new quarterback in Matt Moore, the Panthers looked to be somewhat revitalized. Still, the Giants were expected to win this game.
The results turned out to be the opposite of what was expected. The Panthers jumped out to an early lead and took control of a game that never belonged to the Giants.
With a 24-0 lead after the end of the first half, it looked as if this game was completely out of reach for New York. And that it was.
The Panthers ended up winning by a score of 41-9, with a standout performance by QB Matt Moore. The Giants lost an extremely disappointing game, and it looks as if the season is just about done in New York.
Barring a miracle, fans of the team will have to look forward to 2010 for any hopes of a playoff appearance. Needless to say, this was the last thing fans expected after the start of the season.
Scott Maloney also writes about the small bathtub at http://smallbathtubs.net.