Statement In Philly

This was a game where the Giants’ opponent had a chance to accomplish a few things. Defeat the top team not only in the division but also the conference while get themselves right back in the thick of things. Instead, the Giants came into Philadelphia and simply dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball to win a game that probably shouldn’t have been as close as it was. The 36-31 final demonstrated how physical and talented the Giants’ offensive line is. That unit is really starting to get its kudos from all outlets now and their performance in front of a national audience surely accentuates this. Jacobs, Ward, and Bradshaw all powered and slashed their way through the Birds’ defense, racking up over 200 yard rushing for the third time this season.

Defensively, the Giants did not sack Donovan McNabb a single time, but the real key was limiting Brian Westbrook to zero big plays. Just 26 yard on 13 carries was about the best job the Giants have ever done against Westbrook. And there were no big screen or pass plays by number 36 either and that severely limits what the Eagles can do. Make no mistake, their offense revolves around Westbrook.

Tom Coughlin also deserves a lot of credit in this game, particularly for a challenge made in the third quarter that I thought initially was a complete waste. Trailing 24-20, Eli Manning was called for crossing the line of scrimmage on a third down pass to Kevin Boss which moved the Giants inside the five yard line. As soon as Manning released the ball, I thought he had gone too far, and a first look at the replay from NBC seemed to show nothing conclusive to over rule it in the Giants’ favor. But the play correctly was over-turned, allowing the Giants to keep the drive alive and score what would be the final lead change of the evening. NBC then went back to the play again, “adjusting” that red line marking the line of scrimmage to where it precisely should have been, and that clearly showed (however close) that Manning indeed was not completely over the line. I also later found out that officials do not have this computerized red line on their replays. The refs got it right, and great call by Coughlin and his guys upstairs.

And then we go to the other extreme, Andy Reid. Reid is perceived around the nation as an excellent head coach, but I have been begging to differ for years. While Philly fans get maybe a bum rap for their impatience, I think it is justified with Reid. See, fans in Philadelphia follow the Eagles closely, not from afar like the national audience. Reid, and his quarterback for that matter, continue to make critical mistakes at the most crucial times in big games. Trailing by five late, McNabb was clearly winded after a seven yard scramble and burned about 15 seconds off the clock on third and three, waiting for the two minute warning. If you wanted to make a case for the brain trust wanting the break to discuss the best possible play, that is quickly refuted by what they actually decided to do. Two consecutive running plays from a team that neither focuses on the run, doesn’t have enough foresight to keep a legit fullback on the team, and has been burned in two other games in short yardage. Someone defended Reid by saying that he couldn’t have forgotten how to coach. Of course he hasn’t. Reid’s coaching the exact same way he did some five years ago. The difference now is the quality of the division and conference has caught up with him and Reid has failed to adjust. The Eagles win this game five years ago. But it’s no longer 2003.

Author: admin

This website is intended to provide analysis and opinions on the New York Giants and other happenings involving the National Football League, with the option for commentary by readers. The site is designed by Bill Kohut, a Giants' fan for over 25 years and the owner of billkohut.com.