New York Giants: Osi Umenyiora’s Top 5 Performances

January 1, 2012 vs. Dallas Cowboys

Aug 1, 2014; Lawrenceville, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Osi Umenyiora (50) high fives with fans during Falcons Friday Night Lights at Archer High School. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

After falling apart again in the second half of the season, the Giants were fighting for their playoff lives. A four-game losing streak put the Giants playoff hopes in dire straights, and they needed to end the season strong to make the postseason. They defeated the Cowboys in their first meeting of the season, but followed it up with a loss to the Washington Redskins. After defeating the New York Jets on Christmas Eve, it set up a winner take all game in the season finale against the Cowboys with the NFC East division title and playoff berth on the line.

Umenyiora had missed another four games leading up to the last game of the season, as he just couldn’t shake the injury bug. Well, he shook it just enough to suit up for that final game, and the Giants are certainly thankful that he did.

Umenyiora returned to the lineup and once again made an immediate impact. He would record two sacks of Tony Romo in the game to go along with two tackles as the Giants defense was able to stymie Romo and the Cowboys offense all night. The Giants would end up sacking Romo six times, forced three total fumbles and two turnovers.

It all resulted in a 31-14 win for the Giants, as they clinched the NFC East title and a playoff berth. We all know how this one turned out, as the Giants would go on another stellar run, winning seven of the last eight games they played. It culminated in their second Super Bowl title victory over the New England Patriots in the past four years.

Umenyiora played in only nine games that season, but he made it count when he was out there and helped get the Giants another Super Bowl title.

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