Prior to yesterday’s game against the Cardinals, Jessie Armstead had played in 140 games for the Giants. The most tackles he ever had in a game were the 18 he had against the Cowboys in 1997. Given the physical pounding he’s taken, those sort of exploits were supposed to be a thing of the past.
Not so fast. The proud linebacker came up with one of the most productive games of his nine-year career. He was credited with a game-high 16 tackles, including 13 solos, to spark a defensive effort that limited the Cardinals to an average of 2.9 yards per rushing attempt.
Thanks to Armstead, neither Michael Pittman (12-24) nor Thomas Jones (14-37) did much of anything and as a result the Giants were able to get a game-winning drive to secure a 17-13 victory.
Armstead was a week off in his prediction that he would finish with a flourish now that his hamstring has healed. He did not make a huge impact as the Giants lost in Dallas, but he came up with his best showing of the season against Arizona.
“I told everyone I was hurt,” he said. “Everyone’s been knocking me, saying this and that about me, but I told everyone in the last five games I can run.”
It was a sensational day for all three Giants linebackers. Mike Barrow had 13 tackles and Brandon Short had his best game, with a career-high 10 tackles and several solid stops at the line of scrimmage.
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Giants scored their winning points with 25 seconds remaining. It was the latest they scored a game-winning TD (not counting overtimes) since Nov. 24, 1991, when Phil Simms threw a 30-yard TD to Stephen Baker to beat the Buccaneers. This game was the latest come-from-behind Giants victory since Nov. 1, 1953, when Kyle Rote scored on a 75-yard pass from Arnold Galiffa with :07 left to beat the Chicago Cardinals. … Giants’ time of possession was a season-low 23:05. …
Jim Fassel admitted “it crossed my mind” when asked if he considered benching Amani Toomer, who had three drops prior to his game-winning catch. …
Prior to the game Giants held a moment of silence for their former GM, George Young, 71, who died last Saturday. The team wore Young’s initials, GBY, on a patch on their shoulders.
