When the third quarter was about to begin, I thought the Giants had taken control of the game, and if they could get through the third quarter with the lead, this game would be theirs. The reasoning? It was obvious that going from left to right on your TV screen was the direction in which all the points were being scored. There was a reason for that, simply put, the weather. When the Giants choose the ball in the second half, Buffalo made the obvious decision to take the wind. So what do the Giants do on their very first play? Attempt a pass which was intercepted. Two plays later, Buffalo had the lead. Does anyone see the lunacy with this? Someone must have given the coaching staff that memo after that play because after that the Giants did what they should have done the entire day, and last week for that matter: run the football. And run it they did. Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw were brilliant. It was a coming out party for Bradshaw, who Giant bloggers throughout the Net have been begging the staff to get more time. With Jacobs a bit banged up, Bradshaw got his chance and delivered. Despite his size, this guy displays speed along with power. Think Dave Megget but stronger. His special teams play was terrific too, whether returning kicks like a demon or sticking his nose in there on that pivotal punt block in the first half which got the Giants back into the game.
The defense, after a tough start, played well and really got the game winning points on Kawika Mitchell’s intercetption return for a TD. Mitchell was the player of the game on defense, with two sacks, a forced fumble, and the pick. The Giants will have a decision on him, as he signed only a one year deal. He is not spectacular every game, but he is consistent and doesn’t miss games. I pushed for him to be signed this off season and I think it would be wise to get him in the fold again.
Finally, I did read some stuff that the coaching staff decided to take the ball out of Eli’s hands on Sunday. But really, shouldn’t you take the ball out of any QB’s hands considering those weather conditions? Playing on the East Coast, and especially the Meadowlands, you are going to have games like this. When you do, you rely on running the ball and playing solid defense. With the win the coaching staff, IMO, is a lock to be back. Coughlin is an offensive coach. I just hope he realizes that Giant football has always been about defense and running the ball. Running the ball with power. Some things don’t change.
