Giants Show Jekyll and Hyde Character

Two weeks ago the Giants played one of the most complete games in their storied franchise history when they totally dominated Seattle in every phase of the game. Inexplicably the encore one week later was one of the most embarrassing performances in franchise history. The Giants' defense was unable to stop Cleveland's #32 ranked offense even one time. Not one single punt. Not one single turnover. Cleveland's offense was only stopped when it stopped itself (missed field goal). Otherwise they scored on every single possession. The last time that happened to a Giants' defense was 1936.

Amazingly, mid-way through the 4th quarter, the Giants were still in a position to win the game. They had moved the ball the length of the field and appeared poised to score, bringing themselves to within 6 points, when Cleveland intercepted for a touchdown. Eli didn't have his best game, nor did the offensive line. But make no mistake about it, this loss was 100 percent on the defensive side of the ball.

Prior to the season, my prediction had the Giants going 6-0 to start the season, followed by 4-6 thereafter, ending with a 10-6 record and a wild-card berth. Such predictions are, of course, silly (anyone who truly had the ability to make accurate predictions would, by definition, by the wealthiest man on earth - but of course he doesn't exist). As a fan, a loss to Cleveland would have been disappointing but not overwhelmingly upsetting. But the way the Giants lost - the complete ineptitude of the defense - is impossible to comprehend. It is one thing to lose. It is quite another to match a record for ineptitude that is more than 70 years old. And against the NFL's last place ranked offense no less. How does one explain such a phenomenon? About as easily as explaining infinity.

Since there is no rational explanation possible, the best that can be done - indeed the only thing - is to ignore it and focus attention on how the Giants respond. Today's game therefore takes on added meaning. There is now a sub-text to winning/losing. How do the Giants - especially the defense - react to last week's performance? And it will not be necessarily easy against 49ers. They are a west coast style offense and we can anticipate that they will try to get the ball out very quickly.

The question that must be answered is whether this Giants defense be competitive without pressure on the QB? There are ways to design an offense that virtually eliminates the defense's ability to pressure the QB. Three step drops, screens, and reverses. Is that the secret to undress the Giants in public? I think we are about to find out - today and for the foreseeable future.