"The Giants were beaten long before the games ever started this season, at least that's what so many thought. Too many free-agent losses. Way too many injuries. The world had a good laugh when GM Jerry Reese insisted he had a playoff team.

Tom Coughlin never laughed. Nor did he worry about the losses of two offensive linemen, a tight end, a Pro Bowl receiver and a defensive tackle. There were also injuries to a starting cornerback and his middle linebacker. He looked at what he had, not at what he didn't.

He had no other choice."