I've been watching Giants football since the 1950's and I believe the Giants' defeat of the Dallas Cowboys two weeks ago was one of the greatest games in Giants' history. A nationally televised Monday night game, in Dallas, with the Cowboys season on the line. The Giants receive the opening kickoff and Manning throws two interceptions on the first two drives resulting in a stunningly quick 10-0 Dallas lead 6 minutes into the game.
Little did the millions of viewers know the game was over at that point. By half time the score was 24-20 Giants and Tony Romo had been knocked out of the game. The Giants totally dominated and literally ripped the throats out of the Cowboys, their owner, and their fans. All this despite 5 Giant turnovers together with a 93 yard Dallas punt return for a touchdown. The 41-35 final score, the result of two "garbage time" touchdowns during the last 5 minutes of the game, made it appear closer than it really was. It was not a close game. Dallas was physically, statistically, and emotionally dominated in every conceivable manner starting the moment the Giants took the field down 10-0.
It was a thrilling game and put a dagger into the heart of the most arrogant franchise in sports history. Few things in life could be much sweeter.
One would be the continued great play by the Giants themselves. They find themselves ranked 2nd in the league in overall defense and 3rd in overall offense. The defense is having a monster year shutting down the run and getting after the QB. And on the other side of the ball, Bradshaw was leading the league in rushing when the gun sounded Monday night while Jacobs has averaged over 5 yards a carry during the four game winning streak. Meanwhile, the passing game is almost unstoppable - except for that one Achilles heel - the 11 interceptions, 7 of which were tipped balls.
Suddenly the schedule no longer appears so daunting. Barring a major injury, the Giants should be favored in every game the rest of the year. They are unlikely to win them all, but which 2 or 3 they lose will, more likely than not, simply be a function of statistics than talent. At this point in their season, they need to stay healthy, correct the turnover issue, and focus on refining their play and carrying momentum into the post season. That may sound a bit brash, but what their play speaks for itself against some very good talent. There are only two things that will derail this train, neither of which is another NFC opponent: injuries or their own mistakes.
This afternoon they travel to Seattle where they last won almost 30 years ago in 1981. Seattle is a perfect 3-0 at home this year. But that is clearly a misleading statistic. They are suffering major injuries on both sides of the ball. Their QB is about to start the first game of his eight year NFL career. The Giants should dominate but they will need to start winning the turnover battles and tightening up their kickoff and punt coverage teams - and there is no better time to begin than this afternoon.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
GIants Win 3rd Straight, Face Cowboys in Dallas
The Giants dispatched a vastly improved Detroit Lions last Sunday in very workmanlike fashion. It wasn't pretty, but they won the turnover battle and kept penalties to a minimum while Detroit shot themselves in the foot with huge penalties are key times in the game. For the third straight game in a row the Giants eliminated their opponent's run game and thereby freeing the defensive line to pin their ears back and fly to the QB. It is a pattern the Giants must duplicate in tomorrow's Monday Night match up against the Cowboys.
The media and pundits all insist Dallas is the best 1-4 team in recent memory. That Dallas has the best talent in the NFC. Amazingly many still believe the Boyz have a flicker of hope to complete the home field Super Bowl dream Jerry Jones set up by building a new stadium and following that up with the highest team salary in all the NFL. Dallas may win Monday Night but they won't be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Sorry Jerry, but that dream you purchased is already buried in the ashes of Wade Phillips' 1-4 start.
For the Giants, meanwhile, Monday night is the first of six inter-divisional games they play over the last ten games of the season. In their current position, maintaining their momentum with a solid performance is more important than the win itself. Of course, a solid performance should produce a win because the Giants are simply the better team on defense and offense - but special teams could be the difference maker should the Giants stumble. Based upon their performance thus far in 2010, the Giants run defense can be expected to shut down Felix Jones and Marion Barber. When they do, the Giants pass defense features a rejuvenated pass rush that will have Romo scrambling to make plays against a vastly improved secondary over 2009's edition. The Achilles heel remains linebacker and the Cowboys will almost certainly test the Giants with their tight ends.
When the Giants have the ball, the key is going to be the offensive line. Diehl and McKenzie are going to have their hands full and they've both struggled with speed rushers. Watch for the Giants to slow that speed with dumps to Bradshaw, Beckham, and Pascoe. The down field passing game is likely to be hindered with the injury to Hakeem Nicks regardless if he plays. With Nicks not a factor, Manningham is going to have to step up and make some big plays.
At the end of the day, the key to the game is going to be the same as last week - winning the turnover battle. Equally important in this game will be penalties. Dallas has been horrific when it comes to penalties and the Giants have to take advantage by playing a penalty free game. And, last by not least, the Giants cannot allow Bryant to have a big day on returns. If they play penalty free football with no turnovers and corral Bryant, the rest of the Giants game should be sufficient to produce a win in enemy territory.
The media and pundits all insist Dallas is the best 1-4 team in recent memory. That Dallas has the best talent in the NFC. Amazingly many still believe the Boyz have a flicker of hope to complete the home field Super Bowl dream Jerry Jones set up by building a new stadium and following that up with the highest team salary in all the NFL. Dallas may win Monday Night but they won't be the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Sorry Jerry, but that dream you purchased is already buried in the ashes of Wade Phillips' 1-4 start.
For the Giants, meanwhile, Monday night is the first of six inter-divisional games they play over the last ten games of the season. In their current position, maintaining their momentum with a solid performance is more important than the win itself. Of course, a solid performance should produce a win because the Giants are simply the better team on defense and offense - but special teams could be the difference maker should the Giants stumble. Based upon their performance thus far in 2010, the Giants run defense can be expected to shut down Felix Jones and Marion Barber. When they do, the Giants pass defense features a rejuvenated pass rush that will have Romo scrambling to make plays against a vastly improved secondary over 2009's edition. The Achilles heel remains linebacker and the Cowboys will almost certainly test the Giants with their tight ends.
When the Giants have the ball, the key is going to be the offensive line. Diehl and McKenzie are going to have their hands full and they've both struggled with speed rushers. Watch for the Giants to slow that speed with dumps to Bradshaw, Beckham, and Pascoe. The down field passing game is likely to be hindered with the injury to Hakeem Nicks regardless if he plays. With Nicks not a factor, Manningham is going to have to step up and make some big plays.
At the end of the day, the key to the game is going to be the same as last week - winning the turnover battle. Equally important in this game will be penalties. Dallas has been horrific when it comes to penalties and the Giants have to take advantage by playing a penalty free game. And, last by not least, the Giants cannot allow Bryant to have a big day on returns. If they play penalty free football with no turnovers and corral Bryant, the rest of the Giants game should be sufficient to produce a win in enemy territory.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Giants Come Up Big For 2nd Straight Win
For the second straight game the Giants' defense completely shut down the running game and applied pressure on the opposing QB. And this time the Giants' offense contributed a strong game leading to a 34-10 drubbing of the Houston Texans.
This was no small victory. Not only was Houston a good team, it was probably the most balanced offensive attack the Giants have seen. But, perhaps equally as important as the win, the continued strong play of the defense provides a real confidence boost. The Giants defense is starting to get its mojo back. The importance of team confidence cannot be overstated when it comes to success in football.
Later today they face an up and coming Detroit team. The Lions are no longer doormats and a game against Detroit no longer equates to an automatic "W". They are a much stronger team this year, stronger than their actual record shows. And the one thing that they have not yet demonstrated is the capability to win on the road. They are a team on a mission with something to prove and you know that every player in that locker room wants to get the monkey off their backs by finally winning an away game.
The Giants are the better team and they should clearly win the game. But this isn't Detroit of two years ago. This team is going to show up and play physical on both sides of the ball. More than anything else, the Giants can't give the game away with turnovers and stupid penalties. Because, if they make mistakes, this Detroit team will capitalize and put a quick end to the success and momentum the Giants have built over the past two weeks. And a loss would result in a different Giants team - a different confidence level - heading into Dallas next week.
So, the Giants should win but accomplishing that will require a change from what they've done so far this year ... cleaning up their act. They have to win the turnover battle and, preferably, accomplish that with zero turnovers of their own. And they have to avoid stupid penalties. If there was ever a game for Coughlin to impose his will and demand mistake free football, this is it. If they do that, they should win handily.
Prediction: Giants 27 Detroit 14.
This was no small victory. Not only was Houston a good team, it was probably the most balanced offensive attack the Giants have seen. But, perhaps equally as important as the win, the continued strong play of the defense provides a real confidence boost. The Giants defense is starting to get its mojo back. The importance of team confidence cannot be overstated when it comes to success in football.
Later today they face an up and coming Detroit team. The Lions are no longer doormats and a game against Detroit no longer equates to an automatic "W". They are a much stronger team this year, stronger than their actual record shows. And the one thing that they have not yet demonstrated is the capability to win on the road. They are a team on a mission with something to prove and you know that every player in that locker room wants to get the monkey off their backs by finally winning an away game.
The Giants are the better team and they should clearly win the game. But this isn't Detroit of two years ago. This team is going to show up and play physical on both sides of the ball. More than anything else, the Giants can't give the game away with turnovers and stupid penalties. Because, if they make mistakes, this Detroit team will capitalize and put a quick end to the success and momentum the Giants have built over the past two weeks. And a loss would result in a different Giants team - a different confidence level - heading into Dallas next week.
So, the Giants should win but accomplishing that will require a change from what they've done so far this year ... cleaning up their act. They have to win the turnover battle and, preferably, accomplish that with zero turnovers of their own. And they have to avoid stupid penalties. If there was ever a game for Coughlin to impose his will and demand mistake free football, this is it. If they do that, they should win handily.
Prediction: Giants 27 Detroit 14.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Giants Defense Destroys Chicago
The Giants needed a confidence boost almost as much as they needed a win. Last Sunday night they got both. The Giants defense didn't just shut down Chicago's offense. They totally dominated them. Decimated them. Destroyed them. Nine sacks in the first half. The Giants sent Cutler to the showers and then proceeded to knock backup Todd Collins out of the game. Chicago couldn't run. Couldn't pass. And couldn't protect their QBs.
However, all was not perfect in Giants land. Far from it. The flip side is that the Giants offense was almost equally dominated by Chicago's defense. They finally kicked some life into the tires after half time, but concerns with the offense line and running game (i.e. Brandon Jacobs) remain. And special teams remain horrid.
But, at the end of the day, the Giants faced a well balanced team and dominated them. And did so without any offense of their own. Sunday afternoon they face the 3-1 Houston Texans, another well balanced team that will present another test for the Giants defense. Don't expect Matt Schaub to allow himself to become the punching bag Cutler did. He will take shorter drops and get the ball out quickly. WR Andre Johnson is legitimately one of the very best in the league. And the Giants will have to honor the run or else they will get run over by Adrian Foster, quietly putting up great numbers this year. Furthermore, former Giant Derrick Ward, who recently joined the Texans, will be anxious to show a thing or two to his former teammates. And on offense, the Giants' offensive line must control Mario Williams and Brian Cushing - against the pass and run.
This is a very evenly matched game. The Giants need to string some wins together if they are going to have any success this year. To do that, the defense needs to build off of last week's dominance and, first and foremost, totally shut down the Texan's ability to run the ball. That must be the primary goal. However, against the Texans, it won't be enough. They will also have to pressure Schaub and do it with their base package and only an occasional blitz. At the end of the day, I believe the Giants defense is better than Houston's allowing the Giants to walk away with back to back wins for the first time this season.
Prediction: NY 24, Houston 17
However, all was not perfect in Giants land. Far from it. The flip side is that the Giants offense was almost equally dominated by Chicago's defense. They finally kicked some life into the tires after half time, but concerns with the offense line and running game (i.e. Brandon Jacobs) remain. And special teams remain horrid.
But, at the end of the day, the Giants faced a well balanced team and dominated them. And did so without any offense of their own. Sunday afternoon they face the 3-1 Houston Texans, another well balanced team that will present another test for the Giants defense. Don't expect Matt Schaub to allow himself to become the punching bag Cutler did. He will take shorter drops and get the ball out quickly. WR Andre Johnson is legitimately one of the very best in the league. And the Giants will have to honor the run or else they will get run over by Adrian Foster, quietly putting up great numbers this year. Furthermore, former Giant Derrick Ward, who recently joined the Texans, will be anxious to show a thing or two to his former teammates. And on offense, the Giants' offensive line must control Mario Williams and Brian Cushing - against the pass and run.
This is a very evenly matched game. The Giants need to string some wins together if they are going to have any success this year. To do that, the defense needs to build off of last week's dominance and, first and foremost, totally shut down the Texan's ability to run the ball. That must be the primary goal. However, against the Texans, it won't be enough. They will also have to pressure Schaub and do it with their base package and only an occasional blitz. At the end of the day, I believe the Giants defense is better than Houston's allowing the Giants to walk away with back to back wins for the first time this season.
Prediction: NY 24, Houston 17
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Giants Lose At Home, Fall to 1-2
The Giants lost to the Tennessee Titans 29-10 last Sunday. Looking at the final score one would think the game was a complete blow out. But they would be wrong. The Giants completely contained the best running back in football until the game was already out of reach in the 4th quarter. And they outplayed Tennessee in every aspect of the game - except errors. The Giants were penalized eleven times, five of which were personal fouls and one in the end zone replacing a 40+ yard play with a safety and resulting TD after short field position for the Titans. Most critical of all the Giants turned the ball over three times, twice in the red zone. Throw in two missed field goals, one at a critical juncture, and you get a recipe for disaster.
That's the bad news. The good news is that the Giants demonstrated they were the more talented team and should have won the game. Thus last week's game went a long way towards answering the question which 12 months ago would have been unthinkable - is this an upper tier team in terms of talent?
One game - especially a loss - cannot, and will not, provide an answer. Only their play on the field as the season unfolds will provide the absolute answer. But, one clue can be found by scanning the remaining schedule:
4 Chicago
5 Houston
6 Detroit
7 Dallas
8 Bye
9 Seattle
10 Dallas
11 Philadelphia
12 Jacksonville
13 Washington
14 Minnesota
15 Philadelphia
16 Green Bay
17 Washington
None of the games can be considered "easy". Some jump out such as Detroit, Jacksonville and Washington. But Detroit has been playing some fierce football and Washington with McNabb seems a potential threat. The bottom line is that finding "easy" games on a schedule is really more a function of your strength rather than the weakness of the opponent. Thus, if this were 1986 or 2008 and we were viewing the remaining games on the Giants schedule, every game would look like a probable "win". The Giants were just that good. The fact this schedule seems difficult is a pretty good indicator of the relative strength of this team.
This team appears to have talent. They have a franchise QB, the best group of WR in team history, a offensive line that entering the 2009 season 12 months ago was widely accepted as one of the best in football, and a defensive line that has been stacked with big names and infused with high draft picks. But, until they actually start playing football as they did in the beginning of 2008, just how good this team really is will remain an open question. The one thing that remains clear to me is that this team is in a very fragile place. That happens when a team just doesn't seem capable of playing up to their talent level - which clearly this team has not done, dating all the way back to the last four games of 2008. If they lose tonight and then again next week, the wheels will come off this bus very quickly.
This team is at a cross roads. It is a team that either stands up and proves to itself just how good it really is and goes 10-6 or better this year. Or it is a team that totally collapses and goes 6-10 (or worse). I just don't see any middle ground. And tonight's game will go a long way towards providing an answer. While a win is important, the larger danger is that a loss puts them into a position of having to win in Houston because, if they lose four in a row, this team will collapse in onto itself and the season will be essentially over. They need a win tonight to keep themselves away from that precipice.
That's the bad news. The good news is that the Giants demonstrated they were the more talented team and should have won the game. Thus last week's game went a long way towards answering the question which 12 months ago would have been unthinkable - is this an upper tier team in terms of talent?
One game - especially a loss - cannot, and will not, provide an answer. Only their play on the field as the season unfolds will provide the absolute answer. But, one clue can be found by scanning the remaining schedule:
4 Chicago
5 Houston
6 Detroit
7 Dallas
8 Bye
9 Seattle
10 Dallas
11 Philadelphia
12 Jacksonville
13 Washington
14 Minnesota
15 Philadelphia
16 Green Bay
17 Washington
None of the games can be considered "easy". Some jump out such as Detroit, Jacksonville and Washington. But Detroit has been playing some fierce football and Washington with McNabb seems a potential threat. The bottom line is that finding "easy" games on a schedule is really more a function of your strength rather than the weakness of the opponent. Thus, if this were 1986 or 2008 and we were viewing the remaining games on the Giants schedule, every game would look like a probable "win". The Giants were just that good. The fact this schedule seems difficult is a pretty good indicator of the relative strength of this team.
This team appears to have talent. They have a franchise QB, the best group of WR in team history, a offensive line that entering the 2009 season 12 months ago was widely accepted as one of the best in football, and a defensive line that has been stacked with big names and infused with high draft picks. But, until they actually start playing football as they did in the beginning of 2008, just how good this team really is will remain an open question. The one thing that remains clear to me is that this team is in a very fragile place. That happens when a team just doesn't seem capable of playing up to their talent level - which clearly this team has not done, dating all the way back to the last four games of 2008. If they lose tonight and then again next week, the wheels will come off this bus very quickly.
This team is at a cross roads. It is a team that either stands up and proves to itself just how good it really is and goes 10-6 or better this year. Or it is a team that totally collapses and goes 6-10 (or worse). I just don't see any middle ground. And tonight's game will go a long way towards providing an answer. While a win is important, the larger danger is that a loss puts them into a position of having to win in Houston because, if they lose four in a row, this team will collapse in onto itself and the season will be essentially over. They need a win tonight to keep themselves away from that precipice.
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