The game versus the Bears can’t be called anything but uninspiring. The Giants really didn’t play well offensively or defensively in a game they seemed to be sleepwalking through, particularly on offense. There could be a few reasons for this outcome. First, the Bears were coming off their own flat performance last week versus the Bills, and with new QB Jay Cutler making his debut for the home fans, Chicago wanted to make a good impression. Second, the Giants had played Monday night and were on a short week. Combine that in the middle of training camp and the Giants surely could have been a tired football team.
Nonetheless, neither Coughlin nor the fans want excuses and if there’s one thing I think everyone is looking for this preseason it’s play from the wide receivers. Unfortunately, we haven’t really gotten it yet. Let’s remember, however, that Eli Manning still hasn’t played a full half of football yet, so it’s tough to judge. And I’m sure the Giants are running vanilla stuff at this point in the preseason and not game planning in the least. It was good to see Hakim Nicks catching a 50 yarder even though it was at the very end of the game. And Ramses Barden caught another pass and drew a penalty on a deep throw in the fourth quarter. Baby steps indeed.
The running attack, even with guards Rich Seubert and Chris Snee out, looked really good. The only thing that bothered me was Ahmad Bradshaw not picking up a third down blitz on Manning’s last series. It resulted in Manning getting rid of the ball before he wanted and an incompletion. Plays like that will continue to keep Bradshaw on the bench more than on the field. He has to be able to handle blitz pickup. Brandon Jacobs, a bull. Just ask Brian Urlacher. Danny Ware continues to show good skills both running and receiving.
Defensively, Cutler ripped through the Giants defense, but I will say a few completions were into excellent coverage. That’s the way it goes sometimes. The most disheartening play of the night was Matt Forte’s untouched gallop for 32 yards. Yes, untouched. That disregard for defense will be something the players wish they hadn’t done when it comes to practice this week.
The third preseason game is widely known to be the dress rehearsal for the regular season. Hopefully the offense shows comes out more aggressive in the pass game, showcasing the receivers. But I warn that it won’t be easy versus the Jets. New head man Rex Ryan hasn’t forgotten how the Giants beat up his Ravens defense last year, and he’d like nothing more than take bragging rights from winning this game.
