The New York GIANTS (5-2) take the long trip up to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seattle Seahawks (4-3) this week at 4:00 Eastern time. The Seahawks have been a surprising team in some ways this year, and a bit of an enigma. Here is a quote from Coach Coughlin:
The Seattle Seahawks – the way we look at them is that they are 3-0 at home. They have an incredible plus-eight in turnovers at home, 12 of their 13 takeaways are at home, they've averaged 27 points a game, they've given up 12 points a game, they have an incredible kickoff return average of 44.5 yards at home. They average over 10 yards per punt return at home.
Now we all know from listening to coach for the past few years that he never downplays an opponent. These guys could be the very worst team possible, and Tom would find something nice to say about them, that's his style and he uses it to help his players stay focused.
The Seahawks however are in a bit of trouble this week. They have already announced that their starting QB, Matt Hasselbeck is not going to play on Sunday. He suffered a concussion last week and has failed the tests necessary for his return. In steps Charlie Whitehurst making his first ever start in the NFL regular season. He played his college ball at Clemson, and was drafted with the 17th pick in the third round of the 2006 draft by the San Diego Chargers. A very curious pick since Phillip Rivers was all set to start by then, but that's the Chargers for you. He played in 2 games in San Diego, but never threw a pass. He is a mobile QB, which might come in handy Sunday as he faces the menacing pass rush of New York. Seattle also will be missing the entire left side of their offensive line. Actually the left tackle will be making his first start in 5 years, as the two guys in front of him are both out.
The Giants will need to do as they always do. Shut down the run completely, contain and pressure the young and inexperienced QB, and show him plenty of looks, pressures, and coverages that he hasn't even dreamed of. I was at the first game that Ryan Leaf played against the New York Giants. They confused and baited him into more mistakes than you can imagine. I don't know if Charlie Whitehurst is as bad as Ryan Leaf, but I am guessing he might make a few mistakes.
The Giants are on a roll. They are playing in a building that has not been kind to them in the past, and is very difficult to play in and keep your composure. They will need to overcome some difficulties to prevail, but that is what this team is all about.
The Special Teams coverage will need to be much improved this week. I am sure the staff spent plenty of time working on some different looks and self scouting. They will need to be good, this is the only area that the Seahawks can gain an advantage.
Simply put, only the Giants can win or lose this game this week. If we falter on offense, let the crowd noise become a factor, or if we allow the Seattle Kick returners to run free. We will be in trouble. If not look for the Giants to have a happy and safe return to New York with a 6 win record in their pockets.
Breaking News: Shaun O'Hara is ruled out for Sunday...Adam Koets will step in at Center and deal with the crowd noise.
Enjoy!
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