Giants Humbled by Indy

The fact the Giants lost to the Colts isn't a big deal. After all, a loss wasn't exactly unexpected, not even by a lopsided score (I predicted a 35-24 Colt victory - ** actually I predicted 35-17 on BBI on Fri but changed it to 35-24 in my Sun morning weblog post - I must have been getting enthused). But the Giants didn't just lose. They were completely taken apart by Indy. They were physically out muscled by a finesse team. It was a total deconstruction on both sides of the ball. The Giants were embarrassed and humbled - or at least they should have been. Days after the game Antron Rolle publicly expressed his shock that his fellow teammates seemed unconcerned and accepting of the loss. I'm not sure what's worse: the lack of togetherness demonstrated by Rolle expressing his thoughts publicly - or the substance of his attack.

The defense gave up huge yards on the ground as Fewell decided to dress only two defensive tackles and spent most of the first half in a 4-1-6 defensive scheme that the Colts readily attacked with the highest number of rushing attempts in the Peyton Manning era. Therefore, although the defense didn't stand tall last Sunday, it is difficult to use that as an indicator of future performance because (a) it was the Colts after all; and (b) Fewell stubbornly refused to adjust out of his single linebacker scheme until the game was already out of reach.

The greater concern is the Giants' inability to run the ball on offense. The offensive line is being manhandled physically and it appears they are no longer capable of being a running team. Worse, Brandon Jacobs just doesn't seem to be capable of getting it through his head that the sole reason for his NFL roster spot is the intimidation his unique size, power, and speed allows. For two years now Jacobs has talked about his speed and ability to juke and side step to make defenders miss. Those statements have always troubled me because they demonstrated a lack of understanding of what makes him unique. There are not many running backs in the history of the league that have had the ability to physically intimidate a defense. To be the physical aggressor and make defenders truly fear for their physical safety. Brandon Jacobs has that very rare ability. But, sadly, that unique gift appears to be going to waste because Jacobs doesn't "get it". Last week he attempted to string a run out wide and while running parallel to the line of scrimmage was tackled easily for a loss. Coughlin was furious (undoubtedly at Jacobs but almost certainly more so with the inability of the offensive line to block any more) and pulled Jacobs from the game. Jacobs, clearly frustrated, threw his helmet into the stands which fortunately didn't injure anyone but did later cost him a $10,000 fine from the league.

The bottom line is that it appears the Giants are not going to have a running game this year. And, although Eli Manning had a career year last year, the Giants are not the Colts. If the Giants fail to end the year as a top ten rushing offense, they are not making the playoffs in 2010. End of story.

Worse, last Sunday the offensive line was unable to provide any protection for Eli. Zero. Nada. Zip. Manning was sacked, hit, and under pressure on 100% of his throws. But, as worrisome as the pass protection failures were, any hopes for this season start and end with the ability to run the ball. Today the Giants get a real test in that regard. They face a very physical Tennessee Titan team that excels in football 101. Run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense. And Tennessee does both extremely well. I fully expect and anticipate the Giants' defense will have success in stopping Chris Johnson - at least controlling him sufficiently to win the game.

What is not clear, however, is whether the Giants offense can win its battles against this Tennessee defense. Based upon the first two games of 2010, I have my doubts. In fact, based upon what we've seen, dating back to last year, I believe it is pretty clear that the Giants cannot run against this Titans team - and that the only way the Giants running game can succeed is for the Giants to open up throwing to set up the run. Of course, that could be problematic if the offensive line can't protect Eli - but then again the Titans don't have Freeney and Mathis.

Obviously every game is important. At the end of the day, however, a win is a win, regardless of how they play. And a loss won't be catastrophic if the Giants answer the doubters with a great game on both sides of the ball and simply lose because of a turnover or quirky play or two. But if they lose because of continued problems on the offensive side of the ball (or if the defense surprises me and lets Chris Johnson run wild) - then the wheels on the bus can come off pretty quickly and this team can lose all confidence. I continue to believe the confidence of the team is pretty fragile and at a cross roads - they need a statement game on both sides of the ball to serve as a springboard to believe in themselves.