The Giants scored a touchdown with 1:59 remaining in the 4^th quarter. This made the score 21-19 with the 2 point conversion coming up. The camera then focused in on Coughlin trying to call time out. A little part of me died inside.

Unless I’m missing something, here are the important factors to take into account:

The Seahawks are almost definitely going to challenge the play. It didn’t look like Toomer got his feet inbounds at first. Upon replay, we learned that he did. But, with the game on the line, it’s a no-brain challenge.

I think (but am not sure) that there is no exception to the 2 minute warning rule. As far as I know, the two minute warning occurs as soon as there are 2 minutes or less in the half/game and the play is dead. At 1:59 and a TD having just been scored, I assume that the two minute warning occurs before the conversion.

The NFL average for 2 point conversions is about 30%. I assume that every team has 2 or 3 pre-designed plays to run. I suppose it’s possible that something occurring during the game would make you change your mind on what play to run, but I doubt it would significantly alter the that 30%.

So Coughlin calls timeout so he can have time to discuss what play to run. Of course, he was already going to get time during the challenge and probably for the 2 minute warning.

If the Giants don’t make the two point conversion, then they need to get the ball back so they can attempt a fieldgoal. Having 3 time outs would mean they’d have about 90 seconds (assuming Seattle goes 3 and out). With only 2 time outs, Seattle could run the ball three times, and have the chance to shave 45 seconds off the playclock once.

If the Giants do get the two point conversion, then they would still want the timeouts. If they were able to get the ball back, they could still use them to march down the field.

And that’s exactly what happened. With 25 seconds left, the Giants got to 3^rd and 1. They only had one time out left, so they let the clock run down and kicked (and missed) a fieldgoal. If they had that extra time out, they could have called it and attempted a first down. If they get it, they can spike it and throw on 2^nd down, or run one more play and then use your last time out. But, we never had that option. Coughlin’s wasted this time out and NOBODY seems to be making a big deal about it.

The seahawks, on the other hand, took a timeout in OT that gave the refs time to review the Shockey catch. It was a brilliant use of the time out.