A TACTICAL ERROR

The GIANTS had a plan Sunday night. A plan that made some sense, but they just couldn't execute it.
     The Defensive plan was to force Peyton Manning into choosing run over pass.  The G-Men thought if they could make Peyton one dimensional, if they could make him choose long drives over quick strikes, if they could force him to be patient, he would make mistakes and he would chew up the clock for them.  It didn't work.  The base defense of 4 down linemen, 1 linebacker, and 6 defensive backs was designed to do all of the above.  It didn't work.  The defensive linemen were manhandled by the O-Line of Indy.  The O-linemen were able to get to the second level and block safeties and corners instead of facing linebackers. The D-Line was supposed to get penetration and force Peyton into long third downs, where he would be throwing into coverage.  It didn't work.
     Our Offense is in trouble, and I think the battle for jobs is about to heat up.  Shawn Andrews will be a starter soon.  The offensive line, the fullback, and the back up tight ends are not working well together.  The amount of guys standing around at the end of a play, having missed a block, blocked someone momentarily, or having been pushed out of the play is amazing.  As was shown last night Eli has less than 3 seconds to make a read and a throw which limits his abilities, and those of the receivers. This group of linemen has sentimental value to us as fans, but it is time for some changes, and a lot better effort.
     We, as GIANTS fans, know it is the offensive and defensive lines that control a football game.  Last night they lost the battle on both sides of the ball and the score reflected that fact.  The GIANTS had a plan....It didn't work!

Tennessee next week at home.....an easier task.  One difficult road game down, and again I think this is the theme for this year.  They must win all games at home and try and steal two victories from a very tough road schedule.