'Kudos & Wet Willies,' Domenik Hixon edition
by Ed Valentine on Nov 24, 2008 8:21 AM EST
in Kudos & Wet Willies
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Before Sunday, maybe the only question that remained about the New York Giants was whether or not they could win a pass-first, big-play, high-scoring shootout.
After a 37-29 victory over the offensive juggernaut that is the Arizona Cardinals there is no doubt about the answer.
The 10-1 Giants can win any type of game. Against any opponent. Anywhere.
The full depth of the roster General Manager Jerry Reese and Coach Tom Coughlin have built, and the full arsenal of Giants weapons, was on display Sunday. No Brandon Jacobs. No Plaxico Burress after one series. Banged-up defensive linemen shuttling in and out. A Cardinals' defense stacked against the run.
No problem. The Giants have won six straight, five against teams with winning records. That is only the second time in NFL history that has been done. Jimmie Johnson -- yes, Jimmie Johnson -- summed it up perfectly in his FOX Sports column this morning.
This is a special team, one that is pretty serious about defending their championship.
Let's get to the traditional 'Kudos & Wet Willies.' There is a lot to say, about a lot of players.
Kudos to ...
 |
| Domenik Hixon leaps over an Arizona Cardinal tackler en route to an 83-yard kickoff return Sunday. |
- Domenik Hixon: This is the only possible place to start. Hixon was the difference in Sunday's outcome. Why hasn't this guy been returning kicks all season? An 83-yarder, a 68-yarder and a total of 180 yards on three returns. He hits the hole on returns so much faster than Ahmad Bradshaw that it's ridiculous. Oh, and throw in six catches for 57 yards, one run for 11 and two punt returns for 15. That's 263 yards of offense on 12 touches for a guy Reese picked up on waivers. Thank you again, Denver Broncos. It is absolutely scary that the Giants have a guy this good, and he is a backup. I probably shouldn't, but I am starting to wonder if the Giants are just as good -- or better -- when Hixon is on the field and Plaxico Burress has a baseball cap on.
- Eli Manning: After five straight games of passing for less than 200 yards, some wondered if Eli could answer the bell if the Giants needed him to air it out. I'd say 26-for-33 for 240 yards, three TDs, no interceptions and maybe one off-target throw all day answered that question. Eli's message to the rest of the NFL was loud and clear Sunday. Stack the run and make me pass if you like, I will be happy to pick you apart.
- Steve Spagnuolo: The Giants got only one sack, but Spags devised a brilliant blitz package that had pressure on Kurt Warner all day and, eventually, force Warner into a couple of turnovers.
- Kenny Phillips: The rookie safety was tremendous. He led the Giants with seven solo tackles, pressured Warner numerous times on blitzes and knocked what seemed like a touchdown pass out of the hands of Larry Fitzgerald at the last instant. The guy is on his way to being a star in the NFL for a long time.
- Terrell Thomas: His first career interception and six tackles, including a brilliant one in punt coverage. Some questioned the Giants' selection of Thomas in the 2nd round of the 2008 draft, but we should have known better. In Reese We Trust. Thomas is aggressive, physical and -- along with Phillips -- could be a force for years to come.
- Rest of the secondary: Yes, the Giants gave up 351 yards passing to Warner. But, that is par for the course for the high-powered Cardinals offense and its resurrected quarterback. I swear I thought I was watching Dan Marino, or the St. Louis Rams version of Warner. Anyway, kudos to all the Giants DBs -- even the oft-penalized Aaron Ross -- for competing step-for-step with the best group of wide receivers in the league, for making tackles and not surrendering the big play.
- Kevin Boss/Steve Smith/Amani Toomer: In the interests of brevity, I am lumping them all together. Each had four catches, and Boss and Toomer had touchdowns. Along with Hixon, their production is more evidence of the incredible cachet of weapons at Eli's disposal, with or without Burress. By the way, how does Smith keep managing to get open on third down when everyone knows that is where Eli wants to throw the ball? The guy is incredible.
- Madison Hedgecock: Gotta give the big fullback 'kudos' for his first career touchdown, scored on a pass from Manning.
- Derrick Ward: Had 99 yards of total offense carrying the load in Jacobs' absence. Totaled 69 yards on 20 carries, and caught four passes for another 30. This guy is going to get a ton of money from somebody next season to be their featured back.
- Giants fans: Our man 'jrs' wasn't the only Giants fan' in Arizona. The stadium was filled with pockets of vocal Giants fans, and I loved it.
- John Carney: I was a little surprised Carney was the kicker instead of Lawrence Tynes. It worked, though. The old man went 3-for-3 on field goals and his kickoffs -- save one bouncer -- were all inside the 10-yard line. The coverage stunk, but don't tell me that was Carney's fault. His kickoffs were fine, and the Giants have stunk in coverage no matter who kicked off or where the ball ended up.
Wet Willies to ...
- Kickoff coverage: How can a team with this much talent and depth be so horrendous covering kickoffs? The Giants gave up an average of 29 yards per return Sunday, including a 55-yarder and at least two other long ones. Like I said, I don't want to hear that this is on the kickers. It isn't. For whatever reason the Giants simply have not been able to cover kickoffs all season. They need to get that solved before it kills them in a playoff game.
- Plaxico Burress: Maybe I shouldn't pick on him, but I am going to anyway. Why was he even active if he was going to run down the field once and then take the rest of the day off? Admit how badly you're hurt, and let the Giants play with a full roster.
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Hixon
was just incredible. I don’t think the Giants offense is better with him than Plax in the lineup because Plax brings a dimension that no one else on this roster can (when he is willing & able of course), but they are definitely a better team with him getting more playing time because of his versatility. It’s safe to say our kickoff return problems are solved. Now time to fix coverage.
I was also extremely impressed with our rookies in the secondary. KP just covers so much ground & can lay the wood on top of that. This guys is going to be a force. Reese is a mastermind.
Pot, I feel the way Ed does re Hixon
Yeah, Plax brings a dimension no one else can, but so does Hixon. His speed makes him much more of a deep threat than Plax can ever be and he can do more after the catch than Plax. Besides H goes all out on every play. Plax doesn’t. Also, H is more in synch with Eli then Plax is. Plax’s height gives him a big advantage over DBs and he makes a great target inside the enemy’s twenty. Boss is an even better target and has better hands.
I was impressed like you by our secondary rookies. The one thing that struck me most about the game was the play of the secondary. (I’ve been a huge fan of Hixon from day one, so his big day was no surprise.)
by george cronin on Nov 24, 2008 9:47 AM EST up reply actions
Problem with Plax
right now is you simply can’t trust his effort. He can make great plays, but we are seeing too much of the ‘bad Plax’ where he gives up on routes or doesn’t give his best effort on plays. That can lead to making your quarterback look bad. Right now, I’m with George. I’ll take the speed and full-out effort of Hixon on every play. He’s pretty special.
by Ed Valentine on Nov 24, 2008 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
Disagree
I think Plax was just hurt this week. Outside of that he has been double covered by EVERYONE. You think Hixon would give you the same production if he was doubled all the time? Why are some of us fans so quick to server the ’haterade? I guess what really should happen is that BOTH guys need to be in there to make teams pick their poison with the double teams.
This is my point of view as well
Plax is doubled on almost every play because he’s the 1 player that all teams are afraid of. Also, I disagree that Hixon can do more after the catch. If you are talking about speed alone, then yes. But Plax can make defensive backs look silly with his size and athleticism. The best scenario is to have both on the field at full speed obviously.
I don't know, pot
that sounds an awful lot like what so many BBVERS used to say about Shock when the first early signs of his problems arose. As for Hixon, it’s not just speed, but elusiveness. Also, he’s pretty difficult to take down for a guy his size. He certainly has the potential to be a guy drawing double coverage like Cliff Branch, say.
by george cronin on Nov 24, 2008 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not defending Plax
for his other issues (i.e. off the field & effort), but I still maintain that Plax is THE best talent on the team. Granted we need more from him than just his talent.
Also, I believe the main reason the offense does so well without Plax has more to do with Eli. Eli has a habit of putting all his attention to Plax at times because he is so dangerous, but when Plax is not there Eli is forced to spread the ball around & the offense flourishes.
After all this maybe we are better off without Plax right now, but I’m still not willing to give up on Plax just yet. It’d be nice to have the crutch in a tight playoff game and as good as Hixon is, let’s not forget that Plax carried this team on his back with one good leg last year. Maybe all that went to his head, but we know the potential is still there for him to be dominant and a model citizen because he was only a year ago.
Secondary
After hearing so little talk about them pregame I was very impressed with how well they covered our receiving core. Obviously no one can hold us there but your guys did a better job than any other team has this year.
BIG WET WILLIE TO THE REFS!
No one watching could say they were calling penalties the same on both teams. The officiating has only gotten worse throughout the league this year. Yesterday was the Giants turn to get hammered. There were enough potential pass interference calls not made on the Cardinals while any down field contact by our coverage guys drew an instant flag. By stating this I’ve probably violated Rogers fan code of conduct and will no doubt receive an invoice for a fine in the mail………..HIRE PROFESSIONAL REFEREES RODGER!!!!!!! It would be nice if he stopped fining every one who states the obvious too.
We're only gonna score 17 points?
by big blue wrecking crew on Nov 24, 2008 8:58 AM EST reply actions
Yeah, we were
pretty much saying the same thing in the game thread yesterday. It was getting very frustrating. The one that still blows my mind is pulling the flag up for the obvious pick. So we are saying that its a penalty normally, but since we want Arizona back in the game we’re going to forget that it happened and pull the flag? And then on top of it the announcing crew thought it was a great call! Why? How does it make sense that its a good call when the play is ILLEGAL?!!!
Wet Willie
To the commentators.
They were so one sided it wasn’t even enjoyable to watch with the sound on. I hate having an ex-cowboy in the box, they can’t get over their Anti-Giants bias be it Moose or Aikman.
Fox needs new people. Buck is awful, Aikman is ok(when it’s not the giants) yesterday’s crew was equally obnoxious and bad.
Someone needs to invent a TV feature that turns off the color commentary so you can just listen to the crowd/game noise. They’d make millions.
Anyone else catch Bradshaw calling number 90 a bitch on one of his few running plays?
Moose
For whatever reason, Darryl Johnstone is SUCH A GODDAMN HOMER. It’s so frustrating. He calls Giants games all of the time and he is always offering multiple disparaging remarks. Its just getting old. Kenny and Goose at times seem to even try to rein him in (ie, “I don’t know about that, Moose”) but its just getting old. Pay some respect DJ. This team has earned it.
I have been saying the same thing for years
I remember once when the french CBC techs were on strike and I watched a Montreal Canadiens game with only the sounds of the game, and it was really refreshing. That option would be a lot of fun to have at your disposal.
Great quote from Peter King:
“Over the last four weeks, the Giants have scored 35, 36, 30 and 37, all against teams in the top 10 in the NFL in total defense — Dallas (8), Philadelphia (6), Baltimore (2), Arizona (10). Not trying to be too gee-whiz here, but exactly who is going to stop this team?”
Exactly
We have seen that the only team that stops the Giants IS the Giants. Only when we make mistakes are we beatable.
by Ed Valentine on Nov 24, 2008 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Tollefson
I’m glad you gave kudos to Phillips and Thomas. They’ve arrived.
Just as Justin Tuck won my “Emerging Star Award” for 2008-2009, I predict that Dave Tollefson will emerge in 2009-2010. Our pass rush will be even better next year. The one person we can’t afford to lose is Spags.
You're right re Tollefson.
Who knows if his emergence and the return of Osi will provoke a shift of Kiwi to LB? As for Spags, I don’t think we’ll be able to keep him, unless we make him Co-HC.
by george cronin on Nov 24, 2008 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
Eli
Double kudos. 26 for 33. And a few of those incompletions were flat-out drops by the receivers.
Yep,
yesterday was one of Eli’s best games.
by george cronin on Nov 24, 2008 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
Drops
I remember a couple, including a bad one by Toomer. If those are caught, Eli might have himself a 300-yard passing day. He was absolutely flawless.
by Ed Valentine on Nov 24, 2008 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
two in the end zone
One on that tipped pass to Boss at the goal line and then the subsequent play in the corner to Hix.
Kudos to all
the Giant Fans that were at the stadium yesterday in AZ …the Giants do travel well…….
Jim’s wings are the best and more important, his winning streak continues on…….
"18-1, Write that Book"
Face time
Did ‘jrs’ get any TV time? I don’t think I spotted him in any of the crowd shots.
by Ed Valentine on Nov 24, 2008 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Value
What I learned watching the game was the value of the two guys on the sideline. The Giants can pass just fine without a disgruntled Plaxico — they did it against Seattle and now against ’Zona — and that not having Jacobs really does diminish the running game. The O-Line makes all these guys good, sure, but Having Jacobs as the primary 1st-half back really does make Ward & Bradshaw better.
by Simms-McConkey on Nov 24, 2008 10:15 AM EST reply actions
Wet willie to Cards
For making an “informal Complaint” to the NFL about Jacobs being inactive because he was listed as probable on the injury report. http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2008/11/cardinals_complain_to_nfl_afte.html
Joe L
so ridiculous!
They were talking about it on WFAN this morning. That’s just so damn ridiculous.
Uhmm…..have the Cards ever even looked at in injury report from Belechik and the Patriots?
Eli
I’ve criticized him for inaccurate passing plenty of times, so let’s give credit where credit is due: Eli was right on the money all the time today.
yep
Eli looked great. They should scrap their plans for the new stadium and just build a replica of the University of Phoenix Stadium, b/c Eli plays pretty well there!
Giants Football
As far back as I remember, Giant football has always meant raw, windy November and December afternoons, banners flapping, passes taking off in the breeze, a smash-mouth running game. Successful teams are built to win in Giants weather. What yesterday proves is that this team can win a shootout in perfect weather. But please, no domed stadium.
I was joking
no worries…I’d become a Bears fan if they built a dome. I can’t root for a team that doesn’t embrace the cold weather.
A thought.....
Eli plays really well in that stadium because of the lack of winds. Its odd, some of Eli’s tougher games seem to come when its REALLY windy at the Meadowlands.
In conclusion
It’s a damn good time to be a Giants fan!
BTW
just read Peter Kings MMQB, he makes an interesting point: Springsteen is doing the halftime show at the Super Bowl this year. It seems like the stars are aligned for a Jets/Giants Super Bowl
Good Morning from Phoenix Sky Harbor
What a great day yesterday. If you knew Cards fans like I do, you know we did not want to walk out of there a loser yesterday.
I had something I wanted to say about the Giants building a stadium that looks like U of P for Eli, but cjmulrain just posted almost word for word what I had typed, so I edited it out.
By the way, a friend of mine after the game yesterday dubbed that stadium “University of Giants Stadium”, nice.
Speaking of Eli, can the media and so called “experts” stop this nonsense about Eli being in a slump because he hadn’t thrown for 200 yards? Please, slump my big fat gluteus.
The Wings can win on the road!!!!! I spent all day Saturday using the kitchen of my friends restaurant to make a triple batch, which was met to rave reviews. So if you are keeping score at home, which you should be, here is the current tally:
Giants when I make wings: 8-0
Giants when I don’t make wings: 2-1
Wings on the road: 1-0
NYGiantsGirl lives in Tampa, I may need to ask her if I can use her kitchen before the Super Bowl, lol.
Last night we had a final boys night out, and we walked into this one place that was wall to wall Cardinal fans….we were the only Giant fans in there. Yeah, you could say we got some dirty looks, lol.
I have some great game pictures, as well as some hotel pics to share with you guys, I will post them as the week goes on, maybe one or two each day.
Giants fan from the womb to the tomb
NY Ranger fans talk all things Blueshirts at
http://broadwayblueview.blogspot.com/
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Nov 24, 2008 11:59 AM EST reply actions
I have to keep pinching myself
I cannot believe the Giants are this good, much less the best team in the league. Even in the glorius ’86 season, the team was not head and shoulders above every other team. To top it off, the team is young and will be good for years to come or until free agency breaks the team up. Sheesh, Osi is not even playing and look how good the pash rush is. Being a long time Giants fan, you hate to talk like this, but barring an unforeseen rash of injuries, it looks like we have a dynasty on our hands. Back to back Superbowl wins are not out of the question here. And by the way, there is an excellent draft coming up and the Giants will have many picks, thanks New Orleans.
I share your enthusiasm, but
dare not voice it, except to repeat that Lady Luck stillowes us big time and that the breaks will go our way for a long time to come.
by george cronin on Nov 24, 2008 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
George
What exactly does lady luck owe us for?
your history with the team is much longer than mine
by Hoyadestroya85 on Nov 24, 2008 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
Hoya, from '58-'63, the Giants
played in five championship games and lost them all. With some breaks (particularly from the weather), we could have won as many as three, particularly the last one with the Bears when YA played on one leg. At Ed’s request, I did a series on Giants history in the beginning of the year. You can look up what I wrote about those games in the archive. It gave me nightmares to recall the gruesome details, although they were the team’s “Glory Years.”
by george cronin on Nov 24, 2008 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
There was one Kudo you forgot
Antonio Pierce. The dude was reading Warner like a book and directing traffic all over the place. You’d think he was sent a copy of the Cards playbook. AP seemed to KNOW when they were running, when they were passing and where the ball was going. Simply amazing.
totally agree
The commentators (terrible, but got this one right) pointed out pierce directing Thomas to drop back into a deeper spot on the field. Warner never saw him and the the ball right to him. Obviously, I can’t know exactly what Pierce said, but seemed to be directing Thomas to that specific spot.
Pierce is a great leader on this Def and knows everyones role. He had Warner pegged most of the game.
by losangelesmets on Nov 24, 2008 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Something you guys might not have seen on TV
when the Cards tried the onside kick, it looked like the Giants were not expecting it, and did not have the correct formation or personnel on the field. Chase Blackburn began waving his arms frantically at the special teams, redirecting personnel and making them aware of what was going on. the Giants shifted, and then Blackburn recovered the kick.
He gets a Kudo from me for that.
the Giant fan percentage I would put at about 30%, same as the old Sun Devil Stadium days.
And let me just say, not all Cards fans are as cool as the guys on ROTB.
Giants fan from the womb to the tomb
NY Ranger fans talk all things Blueshirts at
http://broadwayblueview.blogspot.com/
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Nov 24, 2008 12:12 PM EST reply actions
It was obvious
they weren’t expecting it. They got very lucky that Ralph Brown can’t catch.
by Ed Valentine on Nov 24, 2008 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
just a question
Were you in an LT jersey yesterday?
by Hoyadestroya85 on Nov 24, 2008 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
yes sir
White throwback
Giants fan from the womb to the tomb
NY Ranger fans talk all things Blueshirts at
http://broadwayblueview.blogspot.com/
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Nov 24, 2008 12:24 PM EST reply actions
It's my "special occasion jersey"
Giants fan from the womb to the tomb
NY Ranger fans talk all things Blueshirts at
http://broadwayblueview.blogspot.com/
by Jim Schmiedeberg on Nov 24, 2008 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
Woogie 526, Testify Brotha!
I agree with Woogie.
I thougth Moose Johnson was going to hurt himself trying to find ways to criticize the Giants.
I have learned to live with the fact the Giants are dismissed each preseason by the “experts” who over-estimate the Cowboys and Eagles every season, but do we have to listen to this cr— during a game we are winning, on the road, to a division leading team while we are leading the conference in wins?
Moose Johnson is a homer and an idiot. I listened to most of that game with the sound off.
Go Giants!
My dying words will be 'Go Giants!'"
I wish i could get the FAN where I live
I love listening to Bob Papa’s silky voice and the commentary of Mr. Banks
by Hoyadestroya85 on Nov 24, 2008 5:22 PM EST up reply actions
hoya
giants.com has the radio feed for free every week. If your nerdly inclined you can even get streaming over your cell phone
yeah
i take advantage of it.. the only problem is the delay is at least a minute
by Hoyadestroya85 on Nov 24, 2008 7:54 PM EST up reply actions
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