Take that, Cowboys.
Brandon Jacobs will admit it: His 74-yard touchdown reception yesterday was extra special because of whom it came against.
“Dallas is a team that I just absolutely can’t stand,” the Giants’ running back said after Big Blue’s 31-24 victory at the Meadowlands.
“I’ve hated Dallas ever since I knew anything about football.”
PHOTOS: GIANTS BEAT COWBOYS, 31-24
At least Jacobs finally found a way to get his legs churning in the open field.
The Giants’ featured back has been a disappointment this season, but yesterday made one of those plays that will end up on Big Blue’s season highlight reel.
Eli Manning threw a screen pass in Jacobs’ direction late in the third quarter that went the distance, giving the Giants a 21-17 lead after replay confirmed the officials’ TD call.
Manning, operating from the shotgun, dumped a flare into the left flat that Jacobs grabbed and raced along the sideline with linebacker Anthony Spencer in hot pursuit.
Jacobs finally got caught by safety Gerald Sensabaugh, who offered a shove at the Dallas 22, but the running back managed to walk the tightrope and stay inbounds before diving just inside the left pylon.
Tiki Barber, who covered the game for NBC, could see this coming.
“I looked at Brandon today,” the former Giants running back said. “He came over to me after the coin toss. There was like an anger in his face. When [Jacobs] plays his best, he plays mad, and he looked that way today.”
Jacobs said it was about time he woke up.
“I need to be more of a leader, every game,” he said. “My leadership has absolutely been terrible. I’ve been beating myself up and taking more responsibility on myself.”
Though Jacobs carried for only 39 yards on 13 carries, he also scored just before the end of the first half by taking a handoff and plowing ahead for one yard. It was the culmination of a four-play drive that covered 74 yards and allowed the Giants to take a 14-10 halftime lead.
Jacobs still is searching for his first 100-yard rushing game this season. Over the last four weeks, he is averaging only 35 yards on the ground.