GIANT NOTES
All good things must come to an end, even the remarkable streak that Kerry Collins carried into yesterday’s game.
As a tribute to durability and all the close games played by the Giants, Collins had thrown 1,852 consecutive passes for the Giants. He became the first player in NFL history to throw every pass for his team in two consecutive seasons. The last time anyone other than Collins threw a pass for the Giants was Nov. 21, 1999, when Collins came in to replace Kent Graham in a 23-13 loss at Washington.
The streak is finished. Collins was 13 of 27 for 190 yards, helping the Giants to a 30-0 lead when he was replaced early in the fourth quarter by Jesse Palmer. Moments later, Palmer completed a 10-yard pass to Charles Stackhouse, the first NFL completion for Palmer. That ended Collins’ streak. The Giants went on to win 37-7.
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RB Ron Dayne had two rushing TDs for the first time in his three-year career.
WR Amani Toomer had a big game, and if not for a bad call, it could have been an even bigger day. Toomer became the first Giants player to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in four consecutive seasons when he hauled in a seven-yard pass on the Giants’ opening drive.
In the third quarter, he extended himself fully to make a terrific catch at the Dallas 37-yard line, near the left sideline. Toomer made the grab, rolled over and clearly was not touched by safety Tony Dixon, who made a half-hearted swipe at Toomer but didn’t touch him.
Toomer sprung to his feet and ran alone for what should have counted as a 66-yard touchdown pass play. Instead, the officials ruled Toomer was down by contact, leaving him with a 29-yard gain.
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The Giants scored 21 points in the first quarter. The last time they scored 21 points in any quarter was Dec. 23, 2000 against the Jaguars.
Punter Matt Allen had another uneven performance, wobbling one kick 14 yards out of bounds.
The Giants swept the Cowboys and Redskins in the same season for the first time since 1990.
RB Delvin Joyce continues to turn heads with his punt returns. He had a 37-yard return late in the third quarter.
Dallas rookie QB Chad Hutchinson got little help as he struggled through a nightmarish performance. He was a dismal 1 of 7 passing in the third quarter.
