American Football: Giants back in the big time
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The New York Giants clinched their first NFC East title in seven years thanks to a 30-10 victory over the Washington Redskins on Saturday.
The Giants (9-5-1) gave Jim Fassel a division title in his first season as an NFL head coach and are assured of hosting a first-round play-off game on 27 or 28 December.
The game hinged on Jason Sehorn scoring on a 35-yard interception return and the defense forcing six turnovers. The Redskins (7-7-1) are still alive in the wild card chase, but need at least a win next week in their regular-season finale against Philadelphia.
"I don't know if I've ever felt this good about a football team," Fassel said. "This was a very emotional win. No one expected us to be here. The Giants were down, now we're back up."
The performance was the highlight of a season that saw Fassel, a celebrated quarterback guru, lead a team that finished last under Dan Reeves in 1996 to an improbable title that began with defeats in three of their first four games.
In Saturday's other game, Pittsburgh rallied for a 24-21 overtime win over New England. The win left the Patriots short of a play-off berth, while the Steelers will claim their fourth AFC Central title if Jacksonville lose at Buffalo.
Kordell Stewart completed a pair of crucial passes in overtime to set up Norm Johnson's 31-yard field goal as the Steelers rallied past the Patriots.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments