MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Other moments that could have changed Giants history
What if Bill Belichick was the successor to Bill Parcells in 1991?
Parcells left in May following the Super Bowlwinning 1990 season. But before that, GM George Young had shown favoritism for Ray Handley, the running backs coach and clock-management guy, over Belichick, the defensive coordinator who Young thought cursed too much and was a bit of an oddball. Belichick left in February, leaving Handley to be named head coach, and the rest is very sad Giants history. Belichick went on to have some success, it seems.
What if the Eli Manning-Philip Rivers draft-day trade never happened?
GM Ernie Accorsi loved Manning, liked Ben Roethlisberger and was not interested in Rivers. When San Diego was on the clock with the No. 1-overall pick, Chargers GM A.J. Smith called Accorsi and asked, “You want Eli?’’ Smith insisted on Osi Umenyiora as part of the package and was rebuffed. Smith wanted Rivers, and Manning had already stated he did not want to play in San Diego. The deal was made. The Chargers took Manning, the Giants at No. 4 took Rivers and then swapped the players.
What if Hakeem Nicks did not get hurt in Week 2 in 2012?
It is hard to believe Nicks at present is just 32 years old. He complied 2,244 yards and 18 TDs in a two-year span and was a central figure in the Super Bowl XLVI run. He hurt his left knee in a blowout victory at Tampa Bay, and he was never the same. If Nicks stays healthy and productive, the Giants do not take Odell Beckham Jr. with the No. 12 pick in the 2014 draft. They probably take guard Zack Martin (No. 16, Cowboys) or, maybe, Aaron Donald (No. 13, Rams).
What if Tom Coughlin did not become more player-friendly after the 2006 season?
Coughlin came close to getting fired after a tumultuous 8-8 finish. Co-owner John Mara told Coughlin he had to stop being so unlikeable. Charles Way, the director of player development, offered advice: “You need to let the players see you the way you are with your grandchildren.’’ That hit home and turned into a crossroads moment in franchise history.
What if Trey Junkin, in his first and last game for the Giants, did not make a bad snap in a wild-card playoff game in the 2002 season?
After the 49ers shockingly turned a 38-14 deficit into a 39-38 lead, Matt Bryant lined up for a lastsecond 41-yard field goal. Junkin’s snap to holder Matt Allen was low and wide. Allen scooped up the ball and throw a pass that fell incomplete. Referee Ron Winter missed a blatant interference penalty on eligible receiver Rich Seubert and declared the game over. Coach Jim Fassel was fired after the next season.