Giants Season On The Line

For the first time this season I'm actually optimistic about the Giants. I was worried about this team even before camp opened - from the moment I learned that the true reason behind the money spent on Canty and Bernard was not to build an awesome pass rush but instead because it was revealed that Cofield and Robbins had undergone major off season knee surgeries. That worry intensified with the season ending injury to Alford and the inability of Canty and Bernard to get on the field to even practice with the team throughout camp. The worries intensified with the inexplicable failure to stop the run, the lack of pass rush, and the disappearance of the "old" Brandon Jacobs.

Although they lost, last week for the first time I was actually happy because the Giants stuffed the run and ate major portions of the clock with massive offensive drives. Not that their problems have been solved. Far from it. But they showed improvement in keys areas and played far better than they had been even when they were 5-0. I was not a happy camper when they were 5-0 because their supposed strengths (run defense, pass rush, and ball control offense) were all sputtering despite their wins. Today, coming off a bye week (not a good thing in Giants history) , they have a chance to build on where they left off against San Diego. And, if they do, they still have a chance to put together a special season. But, while a win is key, how they win is equally important if they are going to have any chance of salvaging this season. First and foremost they must continue last week's success against the run on defense and controlling the clock on 0ffense. And they have to show improvement in the pass rush. Then, maybe, just maybe, there may be light at the end of the tunnel.