Have the Giants become a “defense-first” football team? Having watched this team over the last two months, I’d have to say yes. The implementation of a blitzing, multiple look team has finally been morphed together by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. It’s really great to watch the Giants delay blitz, make sure tackles, and put pressure on the opposing QB. They lead the league in sacks, and the next closest team is not within 10. It just goes to show you what coaching can do. The Giants have brought a great philosophy to playing defense and if they can add a few more players, we could be looking at a terrific defense over the next few years. I said before the season started that if the defense improved, this would be a 10 win team. If they didn’t, you are looking at eight wins.
While the Eagles don’t have premium WR’s, a tip of the hat to safeties Michael Johnson and Craig Dahl, both rookies. They did a great job in coverage, particularly after that Eagles’ first drive for their only TD. There were no big plays against and both were sticking their heads in there on tackles. What potentially could have been a disaster turned into a clear positive on this day.
Now onto offense. You can make the case that they made the game much closer than it had to be. Settling for a FG after first and goal at the one in the second quarter, and Jacobs fumbling late very deep in Eagles’ territory contributed to the cardiac ending. One play in particular that upset me was a pass to Shockey in the end zone during the third quarter. Shockey, split out wide, did a great job of creating separation after being bumped by the defensive back, but then rather than creating more separation by running a fade, he looked almost to continue straight towards the back of the end zone. Predictably, Manning’s pass was thrown towards the sideline (as a fade should be), not the end line. This exemplifies the miscommunication between receiver and QB that we continually see. So what gives? I am beyond thinking and am pretty sure that Kevin Gilbride’s offense is too high risk, high reward. Manning even said something revealing last week after the Bear game, commenting on the hurry up offense. The Giants have had success over the last few years in the no huddle because things are simplified. This is not a knock on the Giants being dumb, but rather a commentary on Gilbride’s offense requiring too much interpretation on everybody’s part to be successful. The problem is, Coughlin looks to be just about a lock to be back and with that, Glibride too.
But enough of my negativity. The Giants have bounced back to win two road games in a row, and credit should be given to the entire squad. Simply stated, they have now positioned themselves perfectly entering Week 15 of the NFL season: win and you’re in the playoffs.
