A ROUGH START....A GOOD ENDING

The opening of the New GIANTS stadium was a little rough yesterday both on the field and off. The weather didn't cooperate and put a damper on the usual jovial mood in the parking lot. Obviously there was more than a little confusion for us first timers, but it all worked out in the end. The National Anthem and pre game speech was interrupted by a very loud radio playing WFAN commercials near the Legacy Club. The F-16 flyover came a little early, and the fireworks for the players entrance was a little late. All forgivable offenses on such a big day.
What did come right on time was the play of the defense. The GIANT fans have waited since game 6 of last season to see if the team would have a defense they could be proud of and call a GIANT defense. They did not disappoint. A good first series gave a glimmer of hope. A good first quarter calmed most nerves. A last minute drive by the PAnthers to close th first half seemed to dash all hopes, but the second half proved that Perry Fewell has them on the right track for success. Gone were the selfish grumblings and fear of losing playing time. Perry Fewell found a way to get all three safeties key playing time, even lining up together in the same backfield at times. Osi and Kiwi not only shared time, but again lined up in the same formations for much of the fourth quarter. The aggressive deployment of 4 linemen, one linebacker, and 6 defensive backs kept the Panthers down once they were forced to abandon the run by the score of the game. The GIANTS defense challenges itself every week to 1. Hold the opponent to 17 points or less. 2. Stop the Run. 3. Create at least 2 turnovers, and 4. Either score points themselves or put the offense in a positive position to score. They over-achieved in all areas.
The offense also had a very rough start to their day. Mis-steps, and mis-timing, along with the Kevin Boss injury, made it seem like the side of the ball we all had confidence in had suddenly become the problem. They too were able to re-group, score some points, and contribute a good ending to a very rough day.
While there is certainly work to be done both on and off the field, this certainly was a good ending on what started out to be a very rough day.