EXECUTING A PLAN

     The Giants got an impressive road win on Sunday in Houston.  They executed their plan to perfection, and kept themselves atop the NFC Eastern Division.
     As discussed in the preview to this game, the Giants needed to stop the run game of the Texans, who came into the game as the leading rushing team in the NFL.  Houston had 24 yards rushing...Mission Accomplished.  The Giants knew that they had to establish their own running game against the number one rushing Defense in the league.  The G-Men rushed for 117...Mission Accomplished.  The Giants also knew they could exploit the young pass Defense of the Texans.  The Giants had 297 yards passing and three touchdowns....Mission Accomplished.  Even the special teams chimed in with a net punt average of 42.8.
     Bear Pascoe did play some fullback, and Shawn Andrews contributed at both tackle and tight end.  This team is continuing to grow together and gel.  The offense gave up no sacks, and seldom were heard the names of the big play guys on the Texans defense.  Hakeem Nicks continues to show why he was worthy of a number one pick, and will only get better as his confidence grows.  Although this offense did get a little sloppy and pass happy (something seldom said about a Kevin Gilbride offense) in the third quarter, it is obvious they are on the right track.
     The Defense is ranked number 1 in the NFL as of today.  NUMBER 1.  They continue to have a solid game plan put together by Perry Fewell, and they seem to execute it flawlessly.  An element that was missing last year was the big play on Defense.  This year when the pressure gets turned up, they respond with a timely sack, a tipped ball, an interception on a deep throw.  The Texans were 2 for 11 on third down yesterday. That's 2 for 24 the past two weeks.  The energy is back in this Defense and it also shows that the pieces were right all along.  The line is healthy, the linebackers are athletic, and those three magnificent safeties make it all work.
     It has been an up and down start to the season, but the GIANTS are now on track, have dominated a team on the road, and need to continue to grow in their own confidence.

I guess Bill Cowher should see if he can get an extension at CBS if he wants to work in New York next year.

Also check out:  www.midwestsportsfans.com  for an interesting read on officiating football