How Big Is This Game?

It's not often you hear Antonio Pierce call himself a "culprit." But that's what we heard today when he spoke of the malaise that has overtaken that unit since their glory days. You remember, the old days, like three weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the Giants collectively were looking on this game as huge one. You know, when I was in the newspaper business, I used to hate writing those "must win" stories because, let's face it, in a 16-week season every game is a must-win. And writing those stories, even at the halfway point of the season, seemed silly because there was so much football left.

But this one, against yet another throwing team in San Diego, with the defense faltering and the offense stumbling in a three-game losing streak, fits right into that mold. Nobody wants to admit it, but a loss here going into the bye could spell the ruination of what was once a promising season.

You won't hear that specifically from anybody, but even the players know a loss here will be ill-placed, to say the least. Just listen to Eli Manning, Pierce, Michael Boley, and Chris Canty. The latter two have a good chance at playing Sunday, and the Giants need them.

In other news, CB Aaron Ross said he's feeling good, but he won't try to practice or push that troublesome hamstring until the bye week, with hopes of making his comeback the following week against Atlanta.

"I've learned that when you start feeling good, give it a week and then try it," Ross said. "I'll wait a week, and hopefully I'll be ready."

EP