Antrel Rolle guarantees playoffs for Giants ... again
Antrel Rolle sees big things for the 6-5 Giants again this year. (The Star-Ledger/US Presswire)
After the Giants imploded in Week 15 last year -- you remember that one, right? The infamous "Holy crap, they punted to DeSean Jackson" game? -- safety Antrel Rolle guaranteed that New York would go into Green Bay and win in Week 16.
"I don’t think it, I know it," Rolle said at the time. "That’s because that’s what's going to happen. I know it’s going to happen this weekend. I have no doubt. I said it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen."
It didn't happen.
The Giants turned the ball over six times en route to a 45-17 loss, which led to them missing the playoffs, while the Packers claimed a wild-card spot and went on to win the Super Bowl.
Just about one year later, the Giants' playoff hopes are on life support again, thanks to three straight losses. And, wouldn't you know it, they play the Packers this week.
Lo and behold, Rolle's feeling confident again, saying in a radio interview Tuesday that the 6-5 Giants are going to make the playoffs.
"Absolutely. Absolutely, man," Rolle said on 660 AM radio. "Let me tell you something: We're going to fight. I don't care how we fight. I don't care what corner we back ourselves up into.
"And you know what, everyone might be off the Giants' bandwagon, which is fine. We've only had us from the beginning anyway."
What is it with New York football teams and these guarantees? Rolle's working on round two of his playoff promises, while Jets coach Rex Ryan guaranteed a Super Bowl again this season -- and his team's outside the playoff picture too, at 6-5 overall.
The Giants do have a shot to make Rolle's prediction come true this time around. After hosting the undefeated Packers in Week 13, they play Dallas twice, the Redskins and Ryan's ... uh ... "Super Bowl bound" Jets over the last four weeks of the season. The Cowboys currently hold a game lead in the NFC East over the Giants, who are also in a four-team fight with Atlanta, Chicago and Detroit for two wild-card spots.
A 4-1 close to the year or a sweep of the Cowboys probably would send the Giants to the postseason.
They'll have to play much better than they have recently, though, in losses to the 49ers, Eagles and Saints. There's no shame in losing on the road in San Francisco or New Orleans, but the Giants looked lifeless Monday night against the Saints.
Rolle's defense was a big part of the problem, too, as the Giants allowed 363 yards passing and four touchdowns (plus a rushing TD) to Drew Brees.
