Coughlin and the Giants Getting Comfortable At Home

Plaxico Burress heads to the bench after being called for offensive pass interference in the first half. (David L. Pokress, Newsday / October 19, 2008)

The New York Giants are a formidable 5-1, for the first time since 1993, after yesterday's sloppy win over the 49ers, but what may surprise you is where they are doing it. Last year, the Giants dominated on the road winning 7 out of 8 games. This year, Big Blue has split their two road games, with an embarrassing loss to the Browns last Sunday night and a win in St. Louis. The Giants are undefeated at the Meadowlands this year, however, and love the idea of winning in front of the home crowd. Eli Manning, Michael Johnson, and Coach Tom Coughlin break it down for us after the jump.

With last week's loss still fresh on their mind, the Giants D dominated the struggling 49ers; Big Blue allowed almost half the yards they did last week in Cleveland (253 vs. SF/454 vs. CLE). More importantly, they forced three turnovers, including two picks from second year safety Michael Johnson. After the game, Johnson had this to say:

Coach Tom Coughlin was satisfied with the win, although a heated discussion with Plaxico Burress during the game led to many questions about Burress' strained relationship with Coughlin. After the game, both tried to deflect questions, saying the issue will remain between the two of them, but that only fueled the fire…check out the way Coughlin ended his post game press conference after one person pressed the issue:

Eli Manning was thankful that the defense showed up yesterday, going 16/31 with only 161 yards passing and a touchdown; he needed all the help he could get:

Overall, a sloppy win is still a win, and with the Giants 5-1 they are the team to beat in the NFC. Next week, Big Blue will be on the road again versus Ben Roethlisberger and the equally as dominant Pittsburg Steelers who also sport a 5-1 record. Hopefully, the Giants will remember what won them a championship last year, and deliver some of that home cookin' to Heinz Field.