When a team is on a two-game skid, you would think it needs nothing more than to look forward. But Perry Fewell knew his unit had to do the opposite.
The defensive coordinator used part of his film session leading up to the Packers game to show cutups of the Giants' Super Bowl run from last year. The same run during which his defense never allowed more than 20 points in four postseason games.
More motivational than tactical, the highlight reel had the desired effect on Sunday night, as the Giants held Green Bay's offense to 10 points, its lowest total of the season.
"It all works as a team," Antrel Rolle said after the 38-10 victory. "We're all on one accord tonight. We all gelled together. But more importantly, each man took care of his own responsibility and that's what happened. We went out there and made plays."
Just like old times.
Sunday also marked the return of Rolle's usual counterpart at safety, Kenny Phillips, who had missed the previous six games with a knee injury. On the first defensive play of the game, Phillips sniffed out a run and made his first of five tackles on the night.
The play came as the Giants defense was aligned in its familiar three-safety package (Rolle, Phillips and Stevie Brown), a trademark of Fewell's defense down the stretch last year.
"For the most part, we had a great time out there having fun," said Phillips, who re-injured his knee but didn't think it was too serious. "We played with more passion than we've been playing these past few weeks. And you could tell. A lot of guys were out there flying around, a lot of energy, just having fun."
Phillips could sense it building.
"When we got back off the bye week, we had a few meetings and everyone kind of felt like we need to step up our game," he continued. "Don't worry about what plays coaches were calling because we're out there on the field and we just needed to execute. And that's what we did."
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