Football Outsiders Previews The Giants

by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 24, 2009 9:19 AM EDT

For anyone interested in the stat guru's take on the Giants' 2008 season and their analysis of what to expect for 2009 there's a free download available at http://footballoutsiders.com/ramblings/2009/foa-2009-preview-new-york-giants .

There's interesting analysis on the Giants' performance without Burress. The offense actually improved, especially the passing offense,although the running game was less effective. The biggest problem in the passing game was Steve Smith's lesser performance over the last several games. But, the reduction in sack rate over the last several games seems to have been the main culprit in the late season skid, as many of us have theorized. What's really interesting is that the numbers show that Spags' zone blitzes were not effective and that the team played its best defense when they rushed four and dropped 7 into coverage. The biggest concern was the lack of quality reserves on the offensive line.

Anyway, it's interesting stuff.

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Thanks Tuck

That’s an insanely thorough and insightful analysis. Everyone should check it out!

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Jun 24, 2009 10:08 AM EDT reply actions

That's great stuff

Those guys are the best in the business. For instance, you got to appreciate this line (which the major media can’t seem to fathom … simpletons): “Reese has built a powerhouse team around two often-dominant lines and a very good QB. In the long run, it will be keeping those cornerstones healthy and intact that will determine the fate of this team, not the presence of one WR.”

The other interesting note is that the Giants played better defenses w/o Plax vs w/him. I didn’t realize that.

One question from this though, have we been overvaluing our corners? I know its on the list of our concerns, but are we as concerned about Ross as they are? I’m not, but I’m interested in what others think. I am concerned about our depth back there too, so I agree with them there.

by potroast on Jun 24, 2009 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

Some concerns about the secondary

I think they have a pretty good read on our secondary issues.Webster’s turned into one of the best corners around Despite his athleticism, Ross has not played all that well — he makes a lot of mistakes and is an inconsistent tackler. I do think he may lose his job to Thomas, if he doesn’t step up his game. Dockery, who they don’t mention, is actually very underrated as a back up or nickel or dime corner (I’ve seen other analysis that suggests that he’s better than Ross). With all that said I think we’re ok, and I also think that that Ross has the potential to improve. Remember Webster was barely hanging on by a thread until he got pushed into service during the SB run, and then he blossomed. So overall, I think we’re solid at corner, if we use our people wisely. But if Ross doesn’t play well, we shouldn’t hesitate to reduce his role.

At safety, we still have concerns. Michael Johnson is solid, but he’s not a star. Kenny Phillips can be very good, but he’s still learning. CC Brown is probably just a solid back up. Hopefully the pass rush will be so strong that these guys won’t be tested much. Also, perhaps one of the young corners we drafted will play some safety and give us a little depth there.

by Tucker Fredrickson on Jun 24, 2009 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions

I agree with all that they say,

although I’d characterize Ross’s performance as disappointing last year and the secondary as yet unproven. The O line worries me more than anything. Can we get through another season w/o injury? Can Beatty be an adequate fill-in? I wouldn’t be surprised to see JR make another move to bolster it.

by blue gonz on Jun 24, 2009 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions

bump this to the main page

Great read, I was suprised to see Ross had such a bad year.

by queler on Jun 24, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions

defense

i think this is right on target the defense wore down as the season wore on. we missed osi and tuck couldn’t and we missed michael.

by 7mike on Jul 2, 2009 6:12 AM EDT reply actions

Strahan

When Osi got hurt last year, I really expected Strahan to unretire for one more year. That would have added to his legacy as an all time Giant great

"Blanchard kicks a high twisting spiral".... God Bless Marty Glickman

by celerino sanchez on Jul 5, 2009 12:17 PM EDT reply actions

I bet he wanted too

But the decision to go was just too well thought out to change his mind and be a Favre. Plus it doesn’t get any more perfect than retiring as a world champ. I don’t think he loses any standing for that decision. He’s the greatest Giant of my era, (85 – 08) IMHO.

You play to win the game!

by Simms-McConkey on Jul 7, 2009 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions