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Giants Could Opt To Take Safe Route

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The Associated Press

Published: December 25, 2007

NEWARK, N.J. - Tom Coughlin sidestepped questions about whether the New York Giants will go all out to try to spoil the New England Patriots' bid for perfection.

"I am not ready to even talk about that stuff," he said Monday during a conference call.

With New York's playoff picture set heading into the final week of the regular season, the logical approach would be for Coughlin to rest his walking wounded. No matter what the Giants (10-5) do against the unbeaten Patriots on Saturday night, they'll face the Bucs (9-6) at Raymond James Stadium in an NFC wild-card game either Jan. 5 or Jan. 6.

Receiver Plaxico Burress has been bothered by a sprained ankle all season and halfback Brandon Jacobs (ankle), linebacker Antonio Pierce (ankle, hamstring) and safety Gibril Wilson (knee) have played hurt in recent weeks.

Coughlin also might want to rest some of his regulars, such as seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end Michael Strahan.

One of the NFL's more traditional coaches, Coughlin is torn while preparing for the Patriots, who are bidding to become the first team to win all 16 regular-season games. Winning is everything for the 61-year-old Coughlin, and it's the way he's coached throughout his career.

That's why Saturday's finale is so tough for him. He wants to win, and it would be the ultimate confidence-builder for a club that has not gotten out of the first round of the playoffs the past two years.

Coughlin said there's a chance he may not tip his hand on his approach all week. His decision on resting the injured will be made after consulting with his medical staff.

Keyword: Sports for coverage of Monday night's game between the Broncos and Chargers.

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