Antrel Rolles first season with the Giants has been marked by strong play on the field and bold statements off of it.
The latter was in evidence again on Monday when Rolle addressed the media in the wake of Sundays epic fourth quarter collapse against the Eagles. Rolle was asked whether he thought the Giants would still make the playoffs this season and Tom Rock of Newsday lets us know that he was more than willing to take the bait.
I dont think it, I know it, Rolle said. Thats because thats what going to happen. I know its going to happen this weekend. I have no doubt. I said its going to happen, its going to happen.
Rolle could have just settled for guaranteeing the team a spot in the postseason, but went the extra mile by letting the Packers know that theres no reason for them to show up and give their best effort this Sunday. If the Giants beat the Packers this weekend, they are in the playoffs regardless of what happens in Week 17. If they lose, however, theyll need help from either the Packers or the Bears to find a way to continue their season during Wild Card weekend.
On the one hand, the only way for the Giants to get Sundays disaster behind them is to focus on whats next and remind themselves that theres still plenty worth fighting for in the next two weeks. Its a positive for the Giants that their confidence wasnt totally shattered by the Eagles. On the other hand, you probably want to avoid giving your opponent too much fuel for the bulletin board when theyre fighting for their own playoff lives on their home field. Well find out soon enough, but its a safe bet that Rolle and company are thrilled that Michael Vick and DeSean Jackson cant do anything else to hurt them during the regular season