THE TEST BEGINS

     Well, here we go.....Indianapolis at 0-1, home opener, Sunday Night Football on NBC, and oh yeah, Manning Bowl II.  Just another easy road game on the GIANTS schedule this year.  This is exactly what I was speaking about a few weeks back, the G-Men have a brutal road schedule, and outside circumstances only add to the difficulty.
      The key tomorrow night for the GIANTS is to not get caught up in all the hype, not chase points or try and match Indy's style, and put their collective minds and efforts into winning a game for their star QB.  The GIANTS will try and exploit the porous Indy run defense.  Being successful in the run game will of course serve two purposes.  One is to run the clock and keep the Indy offense off the field, and the other is to keep the Indy defense honest.  If the GIANTS get into a must pass situation because of score, the game will be over.  Keep an eye on the tight end spot as well as Madison Hedgecock this week.  The run blocking by these two spots was awful all preseason and was a huge problem last week.  Hedgecock in particular whiffed on some assignments, and got pushed back into the runners constantly last week.  This area need to improve greatly.
     I am not as worried about the defense as some people are this week.  I believe the scheme, that I was lucky enough to see first hand, is solid.  I think the multi-personnel packages place the best talent on the field at all times.  I think Perry Fewell, the defensive backs and D-Line are up to the task.  Peyton Manning is a lot like Tom Brady was in the Super Bowl of 2007.  Hit him, rush him, pressure him from all sides and he will make mistakes.  The Giants may give up some plays tomorrow, but I believe they will keep the game in reach for the offense to perform normally.
     Also I think this is a huge opportunity for the team to pay Eli back in a nice way.  he has been their unquestioned leader since 2006.  He has never missed a start, despite shoulder injuries, foot injuries and most recently a severe gash to the head.  He is a tough guy. The O-Line loves him.  Coach Coughlin and the rest of the time would love for him to outshine his big brother for at least one night.  Look for these guys to work just a bit harder tomorrow night to try and deliver a win for Easy E as he is known to his teammates.
     The run game gets going, the defense is stout, and once again it comes down to turnovers, and special teams.  My call is it is a field goal game.

Enjoy the game.

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