2007 NFC Wild Card Game New York Giants vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. 2011 NFC Wild Card Game Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants

Attribute	2007 NFC Wild Card Game New York Giants vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers	2011 NFC Wild Card Game Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants
Teams	New York Giants vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants
Date	January 6, 2008	January 8, 2012
Location	Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida	MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Result	New York Giants won 24-14	New York Giants won 24-2
Key Players	Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, Plaxico Burress	Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks, Jason Pierre-Paul

Introduction

The NFL playoffs are always an exciting time for football fans, as teams battle it out for a chance to advance to the next round and ultimately compete for the Super Bowl title. In this article, we will compare two NFC Wild Card games from different years - the 2007 matchup between the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the 2011 game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants. Both games were filled with drama and excitement, but each had its own unique attributes that set it apart from the other.

2007 NFC Wild Card Game: New York Giants vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 2007 NFC Wild Card game between the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took place on January 6, 2008, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Giants, who were the visiting team, came into the game as the underdogs, facing off against the NFC South champions, the Buccaneers. The Giants had finished the regular season with a record of 10-6, while the Buccaneers had an impressive 9-7 record.

One of the key attributes of this game was the performance of the Giants' defense, which held the Buccaneers to just 14 points. The Giants' defense, led by players like Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora, put constant pressure on the Buccaneers' quarterback, Jeff Garcia, forcing him into making mistakes and limiting the effectiveness of the Buccaneers' offense.

On the offensive side, the Giants were led by quarterback Eli Manning, who had a solid game, throwing for 185 yards and 2 touchdowns. Manning's performance, along with the strong running game led by Brandon Jacobs, helped the Giants control the clock and keep the Buccaneers' defense on their toes throughout the game.

In the end, the Giants emerged victorious with a final score of 24-14, advancing to the next round of the playoffs. This game showcased the Giants' resilience and ability to perform under pressure, as they overcame the odds to defeat a tough Buccaneers team on the road.

2011 NFC Wild Card Game: Atlanta Falcons vs New York Giants

The 2011 NFC Wild Card game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants took place on January 8, 2012, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants, who were the home team this time, were coming off a strong regular season with a record of 9-7, while the Falcons had an impressive 10-6 record as the visiting team.

One of the key attributes of this game was the dominant performance of the Giants' defense, which shut down the Falcons' high-powered offense led by quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones. The Giants' defense, anchored by players like Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul, put constant pressure on Ryan, sacking him twice and forcing him into making costly turnovers.

On the offensive side, the Giants were led by quarterback Eli Manning, who had a stellar game, throwing for 277 yards and 3 touchdowns. Manning's performance, along with the strong running game led by Ahmad Bradshaw, helped the Giants build an early lead and maintain control of the game throughout all four quarters.

In the end, the Giants emerged victorious with a final score of 24-2, advancing to the next round of the playoffs. This game showcased the Giants' ability to dominate on both sides of the ball, as they outplayed the Falcons in every aspect of the game and secured a convincing win in front of their home crowd.

Comparison

When comparing the attributes of the 2007 NFC Wild Card game between the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2011 NFC Wild Card game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants, several key differences and similarities emerge.

• One key difference is the location of the games - the 2007 game was played in Tampa, Florida, while the 2011 game was played in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This difference in location may have had an impact on the outcome of the games, as home-field advantage can play a significant role in playoff matchups.
• Another difference is the performance of the quarterbacks - in the 2007 game, Eli Manning had a solid but not outstanding performance, while in the 2011 game, Manning had a stellar game with 3 touchdown passes. Manning's improved performance in the 2011 game was a key factor in the Giants' victory over the Falcons.
• One similarity between the two games is the strong defensive play by the Giants - in both matchups, the Giants' defense played a crucial role in limiting the effectiveness of their opponents' offenses and securing the win. Players like Michael Strahan and Justin Tuck were instrumental in both games, putting constant pressure on the opposing quarterbacks and disrupting their rhythm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2007 NFC Wild Card game between the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the 2011 NFC Wild Card game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants were both exciting matchups that showcased the talent and resilience of the Giants. While each game had its own unique attributes and standout performances, the Giants' ability to perform under pressure and dominate on both sides of the ball was a common theme in both victories. These games will be remembered as classic playoff matchups that highlighted the Giants' championship pedigree and their ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.