Giants Observations
Here are my observations of the Giants in their loss on Sunday.
QB – Eli had a “typical” Eli Manning game. Some good, some bad. He had a nice long completion to Hakeem Nicks, A lot of his throws were high and he still gets “happy feet” when he gets rushed. His INT was a tipped ball, due to the O-line getting pushed around. it is time for him to step up and take control of the Offense. Grade – B
RB – 20 rushes for 75 yards by Bradshaw and Jacobs does not get it done. The Giants abandoned the run in the 2nd half.. The Giants were 1-10 in third downs, and blew a 3rd & 1 and a 4th & 1. Both times they used Bradshaw on outside runs instead of using Jacobs up the middle. Jacobs averaged 5 yards a carry, and Bradshaw scored once. The giants have always been a power running team, but to often they get away from their strengths. Grade – B
OL – It was a tale of 2 halves. In the first half, the O-line opened up holes, and protected the passer. In the 2nd half, they were just getting blown off the ball. William Beatty and Dave Deihl were good on the left side. C Dave Bass got pushed back a few times, and did not get a good block on Bryan Orakpo and he was able to tip the ball for an INT. Chris Snee was steady as usual. RT Kareem Mackensie, just flat out CANNOT pass protect. On the INT, he totally missed his block and face planted himself into the ground. Grade – F
WR – Hakeem Nicks had a good game 7 catches for 122 yards. Mario Manningham STILL does not know how to run a sideline route where he leaves himself room to give Manning a chance to complete a pass. Victor Cruz had a BIG 3rd down drop, and never saw the field again. Hixon became the slot receiver. Jake Ballard who was forced to be the starting TE as an undrafted rookie had 2 catches for 59 yards and was a good blocker when the Giants ran the ball. Grade – B
DL – With BOTH Justin Tuck and Osi out with injuries, the front four of Jason Pierre Paul, Dave Tollefson, Chris Canty and Linval Joseph played about as well as can be expected. JPP had 2 sacks, Canty and Tollefson contributed 1 each. The line held the Skins to less than 3 yards per rush. However it was not all roses with this unit as they got almost no pressure on Grossman in the 2nd Half. Grade – B
LB’s – Except for Boley’s forced fumble, I don’t recall hearing any of the linebackers names during the game. Fred Davis ran free over the middle so often it sounded like a broken record. The Giants just do not have anyone who can cover receivers in the 5 to 15 yard area. This is the same problem that they suffered LAST season, and it shows no improvement at all. Grade – C
DB’s – UGH, where do I even begin? Yes, the Giants have injuries, but that is no EXCUSE for the way they let big play after big play happen against them. CB’s Corey Webster who is supposed to be the BEST DB on the team got picked on all game. Arron Ross Just DOES NOT have the speed to play man to man D. Safeties Kenny Phillips & Antrel Rolle spent most of the game in chase mode. Rolle had a STUPID helmet to helmet penalty which allowed the Skins to keep the ball, then made himself look bad by saying that “he did not lead with his helmet”. Grade – F
Special Teams – Tynes had a FG blocked, but even if it wasn’t, it would have been wide left. Weatherford had a 46.3 yd average. As usual Kick and Punt return coverage STUNK. Special Teams has been a continuing problem, and fans continue to question WHY the Giants haven’t changed coaches yet. Grade – D
Coaching – OC Kevin Gilbride CONTINUES to show he has no clue what he is doing. Using Bradshaw on short yardage plays INSTEAD of Jacobs shows he doesn’t understand his personnel. After the Boley forced fumble, the Giants DID NOT take a shot down the field. He is to conservative to be an OC in this league. DC Perry Fewell’s Cover Two scheme has proven to be easy to pick apart. The Giants just do not have the athletes in the secondary and it shows. HC Tom Coughlin stresses DISCIPLINE and the Giants responded with 8 penalties. Grade – F
By Jon Tessler aka Reveryroadie – Jabberhead, NFL Swami




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