To quarterback Kerry Collins, orchestrating game-winning scoring drives has become almost commonplace. And that would include the field-goal drive in overtime that was the difference in last Sunday's 31-28 victory over the Jets.

Collins has led the Giants on an NFL-best 12 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since the start of the 2001 season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Tom Brady of the Patriots is second, with nine.

Elias defines a game-winning drive as one in which a quarterback leads his team to a score that puts the team ahead for good in the fourth quarter or overtime. Collins defines a game-winning drive as business as usual.

"I just try to stay calm, try to stay in the moment. That has helped me more than anything," Collins said yesterday. "On some level as a quarterback, you've got to be able to separate the emotion out of a game. And I think I've become good at doing that. Whether it's the ups and downs or the missed opportunities or comebacks from other teams -- (the Jets game) was a perfect example -- if you can separate the emotion out of it, you're going to give yourself a chance."

At the midway point of the season, Collins leads the NFL in pass attempts (333), completions (194) and passing yards (2,185). The last Giants quarterback to lead the NFL in all three categories in the same season was Ed Danowksi in 1935.
nov.7,03