Giants must fight for playoff survival against divisional rivals

For the NY Giants, the time has come. The Gmen face the hated Cowboys this Sunday, and the dreaded Eagles the following Sunday. With their backs against the wall, the Giants must prevail in both contests if they plan to continue playing football past Week 17. Behind the Dallas Cowboys a full 2 games in the standings, the Giants do not have much wiggle room in the win/loss column.

Currently 6-5 and "on the bubble" for a wildcard spot in the NFC - the Giants have an opportunity here and now to reclaim the division they once so boldly controlled just a few weeks ago. Depending on how the Cowboys and Eagles play in the next two weeks, the potential for a 2-way or even a 3-way tie for the NFC East by Week 14. This would work in the Giants favor as they hold a majority of the divisional tie-breakers based on the wins over Washington and Dallas in the early weeks of the 2009 season.

Hosting these two vital games is a decided advantage for the Giants, and the 12/13 game against the Eagles is the NBC Sunday Night game. So the Giants will have an opportunity to prove to the entire national audience that Big Blue is still alive and kicking. Injuries are still a significant reason behind the Giants recent losses; and one of the many tests the Giants will face over the next two week stretch. Can the Giants stay healthy (as possible!) and field a team that will match the intensity and desire to win that we witnessed the first half of the 2009-10 season.

With the loss of LB Antonio Pierce injuries continue to plague the Giants; who will step up to lead the defense? It is Coach Coughlin's responsibility to send out onto the field the best team possible.

This two-week battle will define the 2009-10 NY Giants.