The Giants played an inspired second half of football yesterday and improved their record to 7-4. The first step towards positioning themselves to control their own destiny.
We mentioned in our last posting about the need to return to "Giants Football" Well I can't think of a better definition of Giants football then ending the game with three consecutive sacks, the last resulting in a forced fumble and a turnover. While the beginning of the game had some rough spots, an inspired speech by Justin Tuck and some key adjustments at halftime turned the game around.
The offense was supposed to struggle this week with all it's new and moving parts, but they really held their own. Although they came up short on some long drives and had to settle for 3 points at a time, they did not commit any costly errors. No Turnovers is a major step for this team. The new receivers seemed to have no impact, but after reviewing the tape, Michael Clayton did a very good job blocking in the running game. Kevin Boss was the obvious star of this unit, not only making big catches and reading the defenses properly, but his blocking was also much improved yesterday. The Giants ran for 135 yards with Brandon Jacobs leading the way with 14 carries for 87 yards and Ahmad Bradshaw adding 49 yards on 9 carries and 34 yards with 4 catches. One difference I noticed was the amount of counter steps the two backs took during the game. This is a new wrinkle for our running backs. The first step away from where they are really headed seemed to cause the desired hesitation, and allow for some big holes to be opened. The Giants responded with 15 points in the 4th quarter to win.
The Defense struggled in the first half stopping the run. All the mis-directions and options, along with slant patterns, and quick outs kept them off balance. The announcers made a point that many teams don't run the option often because they don't have a QB with the skills of David Garrard, but it's also because not many coaches like seeing their QB get pounded after pitching the ball to the running back. The Jaguars went away from the option and other finesse plays in the second half. Garrard was off target early in the second half, and although he did make some more plays with his legs, the Giants really slowed down the two running backs and took away the quick slants, allowing the pass rush to be effective. The GIANTS set themselves up to punish the opposition when they were down. I love the way our defense continues to attack no matter the situation. When some teams get a first and 20 on a team, they sit back and play coverage, allowing for the short throws and defending the first down line. Not our team...we continue to pressure and try and get to the QB before any receiver has a chance to run 5 yards, let alone 25 yards.
Even the Special Teams had a good day. good kick and punt coverage, the one missed punt rolled for 53 yards, and we found out that the kick returner we have been searching for has been on the roster the whole year. Danny Ware did a great job returning kicks yesterday.
5 games left....3 in the division....tied for first place with the number 2 defense in the league. Not a bad spot to be in, and further proof that it is a long season.
Have a good week...Speak with you on Friday
THE GIANTS VIEW FROM SECTION 144
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
THE NEXT THREE
With 6 games to go in the season I think we need to split them into two threes. The first three is survival mode, the final three is the final push. The first three will be played with new players and backups, the final three should be played by the full roster with depth at all positions.
It's all about the GIANTS for the next three, they need to play their game and worry only about themselves. The Defense needs to stiffen, create turnovers, and see if they can put points on the board. The Offense needs to play with some new parts, and create opportunities. They need to be a positive influence on the game, stop the turnovers, and create some momentum. Brandon Jacobs will start at running back this Sunday, with Ahmad Bradshaw coming off the bench, along with Danny Ware if necessary. The new wide receivers will need to contribute, along with who is left on the roster. Look for the Giants to return to Giants football and run the ball first. Of course the O-Line is still in a state of flux, but the scheme, a strong and rested Jacobs, and a very rested and change of pace in Ware should provide a spark. This is more about the Offense not committing any mistakes and playing patient intelligent football. If they continue to turn the ball over, the season will be over shortly.
The Defense knows that it is the healthy unit this year and might have to take this team on it's back and drag it through the next three games. The will be aggressive, will look for opportunities to create turnovers, and most importantly get the pressure turned back up on the opposing QB. The "experts" have characterized the Giants as being in a slump because the sack numbers have been low the past three games. What they fail to take into account is that stopping Mike Vick for a one yard gain, or for a 4 yard gain on 3rd and 25 is pretty good. It doesn't count as a sack in the stats, but that's why stats sometimes are useless. The defense has to continue to execute the excellent game plans that they have been given. They will make the difference in this stretch, and I think they relish the challenge.
Two home games in the next three.......let's see where that leaves us. The opponent is meaningless, this is all about the Giants and The Next Three.........
It's all about the GIANTS for the next three, they need to play their game and worry only about themselves. The Defense needs to stiffen, create turnovers, and see if they can put points on the board. The Offense needs to play with some new parts, and create opportunities. They need to be a positive influence on the game, stop the turnovers, and create some momentum. Brandon Jacobs will start at running back this Sunday, with Ahmad Bradshaw coming off the bench, along with Danny Ware if necessary. The new wide receivers will need to contribute, along with who is left on the roster. Look for the Giants to return to Giants football and run the ball first. Of course the O-Line is still in a state of flux, but the scheme, a strong and rested Jacobs, and a very rested and change of pace in Ware should provide a spark. This is more about the Offense not committing any mistakes and playing patient intelligent football. If they continue to turn the ball over, the season will be over shortly.
The Defense knows that it is the healthy unit this year and might have to take this team on it's back and drag it through the next three games. The will be aggressive, will look for opportunities to create turnovers, and most importantly get the pressure turned back up on the opposing QB. The "experts" have characterized the Giants as being in a slump because the sack numbers have been low the past three games. What they fail to take into account is that stopping Mike Vick for a one yard gain, or for a 4 yard gain on 3rd and 25 is pretty good. It doesn't count as a sack in the stats, but that's why stats sometimes are useless. The defense has to continue to execute the excellent game plans that they have been given. They will make the difference in this stretch, and I think they relish the challenge.
Two home games in the next three.......let's see where that leaves us. The opponent is meaningless, this is all about the Giants and The Next Three.........
Monday, November 22, 2010
BEATING OURSELVES
The Giants continued their current trend last night of beating themselves. Four more turnovers and some missed opportunities beat the G-Men last night. They will need to figure out how to play smarter, hold onto the ball, stop some stupid penalties, and hopefully teach the punter how to kick a ball.
The Defense was spectacular except for two plays last night. They executed their plan, keeping Mike Vick in check, and keeping the team in the game after another sloppy slow start by the offense. Two turnovers by the offense were converted into only 6 points. They admittedly made two huge mistakes on Defense, but all in all they kept the game alive and gave the offense a chance to win the game.
The Offense is still looking to replace some missing parts, but they did get a one point lead after trailing by 13 points. The Eli fumble, the missed pass to Nicks, and the Bradshaw fumble were killers. I know JPP jumped offside on a very critical play, but it's how you get in a situation that counts. This offense will need to get back to solid execution and stop turning the ball over to give this team a chance in the last 6 games. They can easily win 5 of the next 6, they have the talent, they need to execute.
The special teams again disappointed last night. The kickoff coverage was very much improved and was the strongest piece of the unit. The punter again had trouble with taking a snap, and kicking the ball. Pretty much the only two things he needs to perfect. The biggest disappointment for me was the poor effort after making a great play. Terrell Thomas makes a great play to block a field goal with no time left in the first half. Corey Webster recovers the block and has pretty much just the holder to beat, and he allows himself to be herded out of bounds pretty much without being touched. That could have been a huge turnaround in the game.
The Jaguars are in town next week....but we need to see if these Giants can avoid beating themselves before we worry about the opponent.
INJURY UPDATE: HAKEEM NICKS WILL BE OUT 3 WEEKS ACCORDING TO PAT HANLON OF THE NYG.....
MICHAEL CLAYTON WILL SIGN A CONTRACT TUESDAY AFTERNOON. Michael Clayton was the 15th overall pick in the 2004 draft. He played 5 years with the Tampa Bay Bucs. He recently was playing for the UFL in Omaha for the Nighthawks. Clayton is listed at 6'4" and 215 lbs.
The Defense was spectacular except for two plays last night. They executed their plan, keeping Mike Vick in check, and keeping the team in the game after another sloppy slow start by the offense. Two turnovers by the offense were converted into only 6 points. They admittedly made two huge mistakes on Defense, but all in all they kept the game alive and gave the offense a chance to win the game.
The Offense is still looking to replace some missing parts, but they did get a one point lead after trailing by 13 points. The Eli fumble, the missed pass to Nicks, and the Bradshaw fumble were killers. I know JPP jumped offside on a very critical play, but it's how you get in a situation that counts. This offense will need to get back to solid execution and stop turning the ball over to give this team a chance in the last 6 games. They can easily win 5 of the next 6, they have the talent, they need to execute.
The special teams again disappointed last night. The kickoff coverage was very much improved and was the strongest piece of the unit. The punter again had trouble with taking a snap, and kicking the ball. Pretty much the only two things he needs to perfect. The biggest disappointment for me was the poor effort after making a great play. Terrell Thomas makes a great play to block a field goal with no time left in the first half. Corey Webster recovers the block and has pretty much just the holder to beat, and he allows himself to be herded out of bounds pretty much without being touched. That could have been a huge turnaround in the game.
The Jaguars are in town next week....but we need to see if these Giants can avoid beating themselves before we worry about the opponent.
INJURY UPDATE: HAKEEM NICKS WILL BE OUT 3 WEEKS ACCORDING TO PAT HANLON OF THE NYG.....
MICHAEL CLAYTON WILL SIGN A CONTRACT TUESDAY AFTERNOON. Michael Clayton was the 15th overall pick in the 2004 draft. He played 5 years with the Tampa Bay Bucs. He recently was playing for the UFL in Omaha for the Nighthawks. Clayton is listed at 6'4" and 215 lbs.
Friday, November 19, 2010
TOUGH TASK
If this weeks game were held between the two rosters, it would be an excellent test, and the game of the week. Being in a game for the division lead in week 10 is a great place to be normally, however the GIANTS are missing some key players. The offensive line might again be impacted by the loss of Shawn Andrews. Andrews hasn't practiced all week, and rarely does a Giant play when they haven't participated in practice. The line will be Beatty, Boothe, Seubert, Snee and McKenzie. All good players, but as we know the O-Line really needs time together to gel and work as a unit. The odd part about this line is that Kevin Gilbride has continued to run almost exclusively to the left side, the side missing the regular players. Maybe he looks at the defensive players and thinks thats where he needs to attack, but it was an odd sight seeing the GIANTS run left when they needed on or two yards, when Snee and McKenzie have started on the right all year.
The GIANTS have a decision to make on defense this week. They either need to pressure Michael Vick relentlessly from all sides and in all forms, or try and cover the receivers and frustrate Vick into short passes and changing the play to runs. The plan seems to be to take the pressure to a new level, be creative, be deceptive, and never show the same package twice. The GIANTS must be disciplined in any plan they use, The Eagles are fast, use their wide-outs in the running and screen games, and love to use any mis-direction to get to the outside of the formation. The Eagles a few weeks back needed a first down to run out the clock at the end of a game. They ran two end-arounds with Jackson and got 18 yards....game over.
The Offense needs to live up to it's potential this week even without Steve Smith. The Giants are tied for the league lead in TD passes, and top two in yards per game. They didn't convert last week when they had the opportunities, this week needs to be different. They need to figure a way to get Eli time, block for Bradshaw, and really step up as a unit and put points on the board. The turnovers must stop this week. This is not an easy task with a make-shift line and inexperienced receivers, but Kevin Boss, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, and Bradshaw/Jacobs are still there and capable of making plays. They must deliver.
As I said being in a game for the division lead in week 10 is exactly where you want to be, you just wish you had all your weapons to bring to the fight.
We will see where we stand Monday morning.........Enjoy!
The GIANTS have a decision to make on defense this week. They either need to pressure Michael Vick relentlessly from all sides and in all forms, or try and cover the receivers and frustrate Vick into short passes and changing the play to runs. The plan seems to be to take the pressure to a new level, be creative, be deceptive, and never show the same package twice. The GIANTS must be disciplined in any plan they use, The Eagles are fast, use their wide-outs in the running and screen games, and love to use any mis-direction to get to the outside of the formation. The Eagles a few weeks back needed a first down to run out the clock at the end of a game. They ran two end-arounds with Jackson and got 18 yards....game over.
The Offense needs to live up to it's potential this week even without Steve Smith. The Giants are tied for the league lead in TD passes, and top two in yards per game. They didn't convert last week when they had the opportunities, this week needs to be different. They need to figure a way to get Eli time, block for Bradshaw, and really step up as a unit and put points on the board. The turnovers must stop this week. This is not an easy task with a make-shift line and inexperienced receivers, but Kevin Boss, Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham, and Bradshaw/Jacobs are still there and capable of making plays. They must deliver.
As I said being in a game for the division lead in week 10 is exactly where you want to be, you just wish you had all your weapons to bring to the fight.
We will see where we stand Monday morning.........Enjoy!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
A STEP BACK
The Giants took a major step backward Sunday afternoon losing to the Dallas Cowboys. It was the same old story unfortunately. Too many penalties and at the worst possible times. No pressure on the QB. Long third conversions given up by the defense. Turnovers and turnovers for points by the other team. Poor communication and mistakes by the players executing the game plan.
The team needs to stick together. The team needs to listen to the coaches. This team needs to execute and execute on a high level on a consistent basis. They still have all the weapons. They still have a scary defense. They still have a good scheme. This team needs to take itself seriously and start punishing people again. The Cowboy game was a clear example of having no sense of urgency. They should have beaten this team by 10 points minimum, and yet they shot themselves in the foot repeatedly and beat themselves by 13!
The Eagles on Sunday Night Football for the Division Lead this week. Not the best position to leave yourself, but these are the Giants, and nothing has come easy to them since the second half of 1986.
Back Friday with a preview and injury update. Wide Out Derik Hagan was resigned this morning.
The team needs to stick together. The team needs to listen to the coaches. This team needs to execute and execute on a high level on a consistent basis. They still have all the weapons. They still have a scary defense. They still have a good scheme. This team needs to take itself seriously and start punishing people again. The Cowboy game was a clear example of having no sense of urgency. They should have beaten this team by 10 points minimum, and yet they shot themselves in the foot repeatedly and beat themselves by 13!
The Eagles on Sunday Night Football for the Division Lead this week. Not the best position to leave yourself, but these are the Giants, and nothing has come easy to them since the second half of 1986.
Back Friday with a preview and injury update. Wide Out Derik Hagan was resigned this morning.
Friday, November 12, 2010
STICK TO THE SCRIPT
The Dallas Cowboys (1-7) invade Giants stadium Sunday at 4:00 Eastern sporting a new Head Coach in Jason Garrett, (who's sister I once met in Aspen CO. but that's another story) and a new Defensive Coordinator. Wade Phillips is gone, and along with him the soft treatment and built in excuses for his team's poor play. Garrett seems to want to toughen the Cowboys up, and hold them accountable, but I can't see them suddenly changing their stripes. If the players themselves couldn't instill a little pride and work ethic, I'm not sure how a familiar face with a different title will make a huge difference. However, this is one of those games you will be uncomfortable with until it is put away.
The two keys for the game as I see them are: Do the Cowboys run the ball more than they have been, and can the G-Men walk up and down the field on offense as they did against this same Dallas team three weeks ago. I'm not sure anyone was holding Garrett back from calling running plays when he was the coordinator, so how the offense changes will be interesting. I think the Cowboys will be more aggressive on defense, but still have the problem of covering wide-outs with safeties, and undersized corners.
The GIANTS on the other hand have some injury problems again. The offensive line is re-shuffled. Look for Andrews, Boothe, Seubert, Snee and McKenzie to start, with Mitch Petrus filling in when necessary. This lack of healthy O-lineman also impacts the two tight end formation that the Giants like to employ. This will be a bit of a concern, and will bear watching as the game progresses. The really big blow is the loss of Steve Smith. Smith, who usually has his biggest days against the Cowboys, hurt his pectoral muscle in practice Thursday and is thought to be lost for a few weeks. In steps Mario Manningham, Duke Calhoun, and Ramses Barden. It would seem that Hakeem Nicks will draw a lot more attention from the Cowboys this week, probably giving up on the notion of covering him one-on-one with a safety. He will have to fight for his catches Sunday, and someone will need to step up for Eli, be it Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum, or one of the other previously mentioned wide-outs. Of course the best case scenario would be to run the Cowboys out of the building. The Dallas team is down three defensive ends. If the O-Line can dominate one side of the line, they can pound the Cowboys all day with the running game and open the passing game up when necessary. This is the Giants best chance to not only dominate the Cowboys, but break their will early and make the second half a laugher.
The G-Men defense will be smart and have a solid plan as always. They will be prepared for an increased running attack if it shows up, but will also be prepared for the increased performance of Dez Bryant. Bryant showed in the last game how dangerous and how physical he can be, he won't catch anyone by surprise this time. Look for most punts to go out of bounds, and for the kickoffs to be managed like they were in Seattle last week.
This needs to be an old fashioned, NFC East ,outdoor, smash mouth, in your face game. The Giants can stay on their impressive roll if they stick to the script.
Enjoy!
Graphics by LadyBlue
The two keys for the game as I see them are: Do the Cowboys run the ball more than they have been, and can the G-Men walk up and down the field on offense as they did against this same Dallas team three weeks ago. I'm not sure anyone was holding Garrett back from calling running plays when he was the coordinator, so how the offense changes will be interesting. I think the Cowboys will be more aggressive on defense, but still have the problem of covering wide-outs with safeties, and undersized corners.
The GIANTS on the other hand have some injury problems again. The offensive line is re-shuffled. Look for Andrews, Boothe, Seubert, Snee and McKenzie to start, with Mitch Petrus filling in when necessary. This lack of healthy O-lineman also impacts the two tight end formation that the Giants like to employ. This will be a bit of a concern, and will bear watching as the game progresses. The really big blow is the loss of Steve Smith. Smith, who usually has his biggest days against the Cowboys, hurt his pectoral muscle in practice Thursday and is thought to be lost for a few weeks. In steps Mario Manningham, Duke Calhoun, and Ramses Barden. It would seem that Hakeem Nicks will draw a lot more attention from the Cowboys this week, probably giving up on the notion of covering him one-on-one with a safety. He will have to fight for his catches Sunday, and someone will need to step up for Eli, be it Kevin Boss, Travis Beckum, or one of the other previously mentioned wide-outs. Of course the best case scenario would be to run the Cowboys out of the building. The Dallas team is down three defensive ends. If the O-Line can dominate one side of the line, they can pound the Cowboys all day with the running game and open the passing game up when necessary. This is the Giants best chance to not only dominate the Cowboys, but break their will early and make the second half a laugher.
The G-Men defense will be smart and have a solid plan as always. They will be prepared for an increased running attack if it shows up, but will also be prepared for the increased performance of Dez Bryant. Bryant showed in the last game how dangerous and how physical he can be, he won't catch anyone by surprise this time. Look for most punts to go out of bounds, and for the kickoffs to be managed like they were in Seattle last week.
This needs to be an old fashioned, NFC East ,outdoor, smash mouth, in your face game. The Giants can stay on their impressive roll if they stick to the script.
Enjoy!
Graphics by LadyBlue
Monday, November 8, 2010
HALFWAY HOME
So, we won't spend too much time on yesterday's dominating win. Really all you need to know is the GIANTS held the ball for 21 minutes of the final 23 minutes of the game. 5 wins in a row, top of the division and tied for the conference lead with 6 wins. Adam Koets did hurt his knee yesterday, and with Shaun O'Hara already missing games with injuries, this will become the conversation for the second half of the season. But, again let's give Jerry Reese some credit. The pick-up of Shaun Andrews, and the depth that has been developed on the offensive line will keep them from being de-railed as they were last year. Look for Will Beatty and Kevin Boothe to return in the next few weeks to sure up the line. The starters will probably be Andrews at LT, Diehl at LG, Seubert at Center, followed by Snee and McKenzie. This actually might be their strongest combination, but no matter which way they go, the O-Line is still strong and in good hands.
The Giants had one turnover yesterday, 5 penalties, and a time of possession of over 42 minutes while scoring 41 points for the second week in a row. That is an offense that is in total control.
The G-Men play 5 division games in their final 8 games. The Eagles, who are one game back of the Giants do the same. Washington, who is two back, play 4 division games. With 6 wins, the Giants will still need to win 5-6 more games to win this division. I believe the Redskins are only capable of winning a maximum of 9 games, but the Eagles with Mike Vick will be competition. The Eagles have an awful offensive line, but with Vick at QB it really makes it tough to do what we do best...rush the passer. The Giants will be able to shut down the Eagles run, and be disciplined enough to hold DeSean Jackson from making huge plays against them, however it is a different opponent from any other they play. The Eagles also have no problem coming to New York and playing in the wind or the rain. The two games remaining with the Eagles will most likely decide this divisional race.
Eagles remaining games: @Redskins, Giants, @Bears, Texans, @Cowboys,@ Giants, Vikings, Cowboys.
Giants remaining games: Cowboys,@Eagles, Jacksonville, Washington, @Vikings, Eagles,@Green Bay, @Washington
Much of this race will depend on how other teams are finishing the season..Will Minnesota stil be fighting for a playoff spot? Will Washington and the Cowboys be competitive in the final week? It will be a very competitive end to the season, but the Giants can control their destiny by beating the teams head to head. You can't win much in October, but you can put yourself in position to not have to rely on others to make the playoffs.
Cowboy week this week with a new head coach in Dallas.
Preview Friday
Enjoy!
The Giants had one turnover yesterday, 5 penalties, and a time of possession of over 42 minutes while scoring 41 points for the second week in a row. That is an offense that is in total control.
The G-Men play 5 division games in their final 8 games. The Eagles, who are one game back of the Giants do the same. Washington, who is two back, play 4 division games. With 6 wins, the Giants will still need to win 5-6 more games to win this division. I believe the Redskins are only capable of winning a maximum of 9 games, but the Eagles with Mike Vick will be competition. The Eagles have an awful offensive line, but with Vick at QB it really makes it tough to do what we do best...rush the passer. The Giants will be able to shut down the Eagles run, and be disciplined enough to hold DeSean Jackson from making huge plays against them, however it is a different opponent from any other they play. The Eagles also have no problem coming to New York and playing in the wind or the rain. The two games remaining with the Eagles will most likely decide this divisional race.
Eagles remaining games: @Redskins, Giants, @Bears, Texans, @Cowboys,@ Giants, Vikings, Cowboys.
Giants remaining games: Cowboys,@Eagles, Jacksonville, Washington, @Vikings, Eagles,@Green Bay, @Washington
Much of this race will depend on how other teams are finishing the season..Will Minnesota stil be fighting for a playoff spot? Will Washington and the Cowboys be competitive in the final week? It will be a very competitive end to the season, but the Giants can control their destiny by beating the teams head to head. You can't win much in October, but you can put yourself in position to not have to rely on others to make the playoffs.
Cowboy week this week with a new head coach in Dallas.
Preview Friday
Enjoy!
Friday, November 5, 2010
DR. JEKYL OR MR. HYDE?
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!
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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