HIGH FIVE: Referring to retired Yankee Hideki Matsui’s World Series MVP in the twilight of his career in 2009, Giants defensive captain Justin Tuck (right) said, “I’m trying to channel some Matsui these next four or five weeks,” as he envisions a long playoff run. (NY Post: Charles Wenzelberg)
Justin Tuck was changing into his street clothes yesterday after what he hopes wasn’t his last full practice of the season when someone mentioned the retirement of former Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui.
Tuck remembered how Matsui, in his final year as a Yankee when many thought his best days were behind him, excelled enough in the 2009 postseason to be named the World Series Most Valuable Player.
“I’m trying to channel some Matsui these next four or five weeks,” Tuck said.
Notice the “four or five weeks” part.
Despite the Giants’ remote chances of making the playoffs, there were no suitcases or trash bags visible at any of their lockers yesterday. The general theme in East Rutherford is there is plenty to play for when the Giants (8-7) face the Eagles (4-11) tomorrow at MetLife Stadium in the regular-season finale. Coach Tom Coughlin wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We need to go play a very good football game,” Coughlin said. “That’s the purpose here. It’s not about scenarios or anything of that nature. It’s about us taking our football team and playing as well as we can possibly play. And then we’ll worry about everything else.”
A 2-5 record after a 6-2 start has been a disappointment in many respects. But Coughlin didn’t want to hear that word. This is no time for reflection.
“Disappointment? We’re in the season,” Coughlin said. “That’s a strange word right now. That’s yesterday. We’ve got to deal with right now, in the moment.”
Coughlin has stressed all week the playoffs remain a possibility if the Giants win and a few other things happen. Yes, it’s a long shot, but at least it’s a shot.
“Regardless of how things play out we need to put a positive game on film and move forward,” offensive lineman Kevin Boothe said.
If for some reason the Giants need added motivation, all they will need to do is look into the eyes of the 200 students from Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., who will be at the game along with parents, teachers and administrators.
Coughlin said the school is part of “Giants country,” and the team will be inspired by their presence.
“To have that group from Sandy Hook Elementary School and the Newtown community come down for this game, it means a great deal to us and we certainly would like to honor them,” Coughlin said. “The best we can do is play to the best of our ability and make a statement as a team as well. We’re not alone in our passion and empathy for the school and their lost loved ones. I’m sure the entire country feels that way. But it’s special for us to have them here.”
Wide receiver Victor Cruz said he is excited to see the family of Jack Pinto again. The 6-year-old was one of the victims of the shooting and was buried wearing a replica Cruz jersey. Cruz visited the family in Newtown this month.
“I think it’s good for them to get away a little bit and spend some time on a Sunday afternoon watching football and getting their mind off of it a little bit,” Cruz said.
He said he expects the Giants will play more relaxed. It has been a tension-filled stretch as the Giants lost a two-game lead in the NFC East to move to the brink of failing to defend the Super Bowl championship they won a year ago.
“The pressure is off of us a little bit,” Cruz said. “We’ve just got to go out there and take care of business. You can feel the tension slip away from this team and we’re just relaxed and ready to go.”
Maybe for another four or five weeks.