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Wednesday, January 03 2007 @ 09:48 AM CST
New York coach Tom Coughlin said on Tuesday his 8-8 Giants belonged in the playoffs despite posting the worst record of all the teams in the post season.
"We're apologizing to no one. We're here," Coughlin told WFAN radio.
"I think everybody starts zero-zero. That's the way this is designed. The important thing is to get into the playoffs and we've accomplished that."
The Giants began the season 6-2 before a series of injuries and loss of form saw them win just two of their last eight regular season games.
However, the Giants beat the Washington Redskins 34-28 in their regular season finale to secure a Wild Card berth.
"That really was a playoff game for us," Coughlin said. "Win and you're in. Lose and you go home. And that serves us well right now."
New York go to Philadelphia for Sunday's game against NFC East rivals Eagles, the hottest team in the National Football Conference.
Stepping in for injured quarterback Donovan McNabb, backup Jeff Garcia guided the Eagles to the NFC East crown with a 10-6 record after they won their last five games, including three at division rivals New York, Dallas and Washington.
FAMILIAR FOES
The Giants split their home-and-home series against the Eagles, making a big comeback to win earlier in the season in Philadelphia and losing 36-22 at home last month.
"Obviously both teams know each other well. We played each other just a couple of weeks ago," the Giants coach said. "We did so many things to hurt ourselves."
Coughlin said the play of the Eagles big offensive line was the key to their resurgence.
"They are keeping people off the quarterback, they are running the ball very well and spreading the ball around in the passing game," he added.
While the Giants will be without receiver Amani Toomer, left tackle Luke Petitgout, defensive end Michael Strahan and linebacker LaVar Arrington for the playoffs, Coughlin said he was encouraged by running back Tiki Barber's 234-yard effort against the Redskins in the season finale.
He was also pleased with the way his team handled the pressure in that game.
"We knew exactly what the situation was and knew we hadn't played well the week before and knew it was now or never, and I felt good about that," he added.
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