THE NFL PLAYOFFS : NFC PLAYOFF NOTES : Giant Defense Isn’t a Numbers Game

New York Coach Bill Parcells tried to downplay the Giants’ switch to a 4-3 defense Sunday, but his players were considerably more excited about the formation that shut down the Bears’ running game, which was the second-best in the league.

“The job (defensive coordinator) Bill Belichick did put us in the best situation,” defensive end Eric Dorsey said. “We were really well prepared. They do a lot of scheme blocking that doesn’t work against the 4-3.”

The Giants held Bears’ running back Neal Anderson to 19 yards, his worst rushing performance of the season.

“The four-man line didn’t confuse me. They just played it real well,” Anderson said.

But the Giants thought the scheme played a key factor in their victory.

“I’m really happy we put the 4-3 in today,” defensive end Mike Fox said. “I know the Bears have faced 4-3’s before, but not against us. I don’t think they were ready for it.”

Giant rookie Rodney Hampton suffered a broken fibula in his left leg in the second quarter, and Parcells said he will be out for the rest of the playoffs.

“A couple of guys just fell on me,” Hampton said. “I thought I sprained something and tried to play another play, but I couldn’t put any pressure on my foot. The X-rays showed it was broken.”

Parcells waited until the Giants’ first possession Sunday to decide if Hampton, who gained 455 yards on 109 carries this season, or Ottis Anderson would start at running back.

Hampton was supposed to split time with Anderson, in any case.

Sunday was the first time the Giants have beaten the Bears since 1969. The teams have played only six times during that span, however.

Dan Hampton didn’t end his NFL career either where or how he wanted. He simply limped away on two gimpy knees, his eyes clear and his mind content.

“I have no tears and no regrets,” Hampton said after ending a 12-year career with the Chicago Bears. “I did all I could. I poured it all out. Now the bottle is empty.”

If there was any disappointment for Hampton, it came in the closing minute at Giants Stadium with New York ahead, 24-3.

“I just didn’t want them to score that last one,” said Hampton, the fourth player taken in the 1979 draft. “That’s really disappointing to have a touchdown scored against us on the last play of my career.”

The touchdown came on fourth and goal from the Chicago one. Giant fullback Maurice Carthon went up the middle for the score with seven seconds to play.

In additional to Hampton’s broken left leg, the Giants suffered two other injuries. Kicker Matt Bahr was dizzy after making a tackle on Dennis Gentry on a second-half kickoff. Cornerback Mark Collins sprained his right ankle in the third quarter. X-rays were negative and according to Giants spokesman Tom Power, Collins should be ready to play against the 49ers next week.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.