10/07 — That first Big Blue first down didn't take long to get in the second frame as Eli Manning scrambled and kept for 13 yards to move the sticks. Then the Giants tested the Jets' run defense, seemingly improved after their showing vs. Marshawn Lynch and the Bills, and the Jets gave way. Three carries by big Brandon Jacobs were sandwiched around a play-action pass to TE Jeremy Shockey for 20 yards, with S Eric Smith late in coverage.

Then Derrick Ward came back in and went the last 11 yards on two carries to enter the end zone standing up. On his 8-yard TD run, both ILBs, Jonathan Vilma and David Harris, were blocked. The Jets' first-quarter defense was fine, but this drive was a setback.

Giants 7, Jets 7

Five minutes into the quarter, the Jets face a key offensive series. They moved the ball well at times in the first quarter, converting three of six third downs, but scored no points.

They get another 3DC when Chad Pennington hits Jerricho Cotchery for 9 yards on third-and-8, but the downside of the play is that C Nick Mangold is lying on his stomach in pain. During the commercial break, Mangold is helped to his feet and walks off slowly, with Wade Smith coming on at center. If past dings are any indication, Mangold figures to be back in the middle of the action quickly.

Smith, who struggled at times in the summer with shotgun snaps, snaps too quickly, before Pennington is ready. Chad falls on it, but because he was moving forward conveying the play to the left side of his offense at the snap, he's flagged for a false start.

One more play with Smith at C and Mangold is back. And Pennington celebrates with a brilliant throw-and-catch with Laveranues Coles, who brings the high sideline pass in with one hand, then is forced out by two Giants defenders. The call: catch and forced out. Giants coach Tom Coughlin challenges that Coles didn't have control.

Referee Bill Carollo comes back and says the call on the field stands, and so does an excellent 28-yard completion to the Giants 43.