That's what a stadium looks like when the Giants play a game that makes last year's home playoff debacle against the Panthers look like something worthy of a DVD. When your retiring star running back can't even get a last-minute ovation, because few people are in the stands, and none of them have cheered since the first quarter.

I've attended eight of the last nine Giants home games. here's how they went:

• 2005 Divisional Playoff vs. Panthers: LOSS. Abysmal 23-0 no-show.
• 2006 Opener vs. Colts: LOSS. Peyton Manning converts 9 of 11 third-down chances in first quarter. Zebras screw us in end as offense tries to bail out defense that couldn't get off the field.
• vs. Bucs: WIN. Defense dominates against one of NFL's worst offenses.
• vs. Texans: WIN. Scrape by against scrubs.
• vs. Bears: LOSS. Outclassed and embarrassed in second half.
• vs. Cowboys: LOSS. Tony Romo leads last-minute drive, leaves with clean uniform.
• vs. Eagles: LOSS. Defense again can't get off field, this time worked over by Jeff Garcia.
• vs. Saints: LOSS. A landmark in futility.

Here's how Big Blue has finished up three of its last four seasons:

• 2003: Lost final eight games after 4-4 start.
• 2004: Lost eight of last nine after 5-2 start.
• 2006: Have lost six of seven after 6-2 start.

Yet, we're still in good position for a playoff berth with a win at Washington on Saturday night. If we win, we're in at 8-8 if Green Bay loses, or if the Packers win and we beat them in a strength of victory tie-breaker, which we're well ahead of right now.

Incredibly, a team that finds new ways to embarrass itself, a team that hasn't had a coverage sack all season — because it can neither pressure the quarterback nor cover receivers — is one measly win against 5-10 Washington from heading to the playoffs.

I'm just glad I won't be watching in person.