'Kudos & Wet Willies:' Plenty of praise
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 6:00 AM EDT
in Kudos & Wet Willies
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PrintTime for our first regular season 'Kudos & Wet Willies' of 2009. Lots of praise today, so a loooooong list of 'Kudos.' Only a couple of 'Wet Willies' following a game that should fill New York Giants fans with optimism.
Kudos to ..
- Mario Manningham: The second-year wide receiver made more of a contribution in the first half Sunday than he did all of last season. Made a brilliant 30-yard run for a touchdown off a quick screen from Eli Manning, and finished with three catches for 58 yards. The touchdown was the first of his career.
- Steve Smith: Smith may never be a dominant downfield threat. He is, however, as good as any receiver in the game when he is lined up in the slot. Made six catches for 80 yards, and several of those converted third downs into first downs. Brilliant work.
- Kevin Boss: I still don't think the Giants throw him the ball enough, but Boss made the play every time Manning sent the ball in his direction. He will be a terrific weapon for the Giants, provided they remember to use him.
- Eli Manning: Yeah, I saw some of the complaints about Eli's interception in Sunday's Game Thread comments. You guys need to get over yourselves. Eli (20-29, 256 yards) played exceptionally well. He made one mistake, but otherwise threw the ball very well. He spread it around, made some plays moving around and had an excellent day.
- Shaun O'Hara/Rich Seubert: Albert Haynesworth is an absolute monster. The duo didn't exactly manhandle him, but Haynesworth did not blow up the Giants running game, either. They pretty much battled to a draw, and that was good enough. Seubert also picked up a fumble on a screwy snap that ended up dropped.
- Kevin Gilbride: I pretty much need to say the same thing about Gilbride as I did about Eli. I saw the 'Killdrive' comments in the Game Thread, and the only thing I can think of is that you guys had an entire off-season of hatred pent up and you couldn't wait for the first hint of an excuse to release it. Gilbride had an exceptional day Sunday, in my opinion. He mixed plays, personnel and formations throughout the game and kept the Washington defense guessing. There was a lot of Ahmad Bradshaw, there were wide receiver screens, passes to the tight end, plays that featured various receivers and some creatively designed runs. I know the Giants went 0-for-3 in the Green Zone, but haven't you guys screamed about using Brandon Jacobs more in those situations? When the Giants do it, and it doesn't work, you can't blame Gilbride. Sometimes, you have to blame the players for not getting the job done.
- Ahmad Bradshaw: The only thing you can say about this guy is he looks dangerous. Had 60 yards on 12 carries, and looks like a threat to break a big play almost every time.
- Osi Umenyiora: Welcome back, Osi! Umenyiora was not dominant play-in and play-out, but he made a brilliant game-changing play in the first half, knocking the ball out of quarterback Jason Campbell's hands, scooping it up and running it in for a touchdown. It was the third time in his career Umenyiora has scored after recovering a fumble. Two things to say about that. First, there aren't many defensive ends who can make that play. Second, when are the Redskins going to figure out that Campbell is a terrible NFL quarterback?
Here is a great quote from Mathias Kiwanuka on Osi's play. "It’s a cycle. It’s a hat trick. Whatever you want to call it. For real , that is the holy grail for a defensive end in a game. I guess, no. I take it back. Ending a game on a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, touchdown in overtime would be the ultimate, but that’s pretty good. That’s close to as good as it gets." - Justin Tuck: This is one of the other defensive ends who could make the play Osi made. On Sunday, Tuck did what great defensive players are supposed to do. After the Manning interception, with the Redskins deep in Giants territory threatening to close within three points, Tuck single-handedly blew up the Washington drive with a sack and a brilliant run stop. That's why Tuck is a great player. Tuck had 1.5 sacks, two tackles for losses, three quarterback hits and a pass defensed
- Corey Webster: I think maybe I am just starting to understand how good Webster is. Maybe the rest of the NFL will figure it out soon, and stop trying to throw the ball in his direction. Webster had a tremendous, tip-toeing interception, and thoroughly aggravated Santana Moss -- in addition to rendering him useless to the Washington offense.
- Bill Sheridan: Got a little mini-Gatorade shower from his defense at the end of the game, and why not? Gotta give the rookie defensive coordinator some credit. There was a solid defensive plan, the unit played exceptionally well, there were plenty of creative blitzes called at good times. The defense played a lot like a Steve Spagnuolo-coached unit, and that is exactly what Sheridan was hired to create. Besides, he looks just a bit like Spags on the sideline, doesn't he?
- Lawrence Tynes: Made all three of his field goals, including a 45-yarder. A couple of ugly-looking kickoffs, but the Giants needed all three of those field goals and Tynes delivered. That's good enough for me.
- Bruce Johnson: The undrafted free agent cornerback, forced into action by injuries to Aaron Ross and Kevin Dockery, was singled out for praise by Tom Coughlin after the game. As far as I'm concerned, that puts him on this list.
Wet Willies to ...
- The field goal defense: I guess that's what you call it, anyway. The Redskins made the Giants look like a high school team when punter/holder Hunter Smith ran 8 yards for a score on a fake field goal. By the way, who's brilliant idea was it to use Sinorice Moss as the edge rusher on field goals? Sorry, but that is never going to work.
- The Green Zone Offense: Yeah, I will acquiesce and use Coughlin's term. The Giants left a lot of points off the board Sunday, and I don't want to hear about Gilbride's play-calling. Sometimes, it's simply the execution by the players, and in this case that is squarely where I am pinning the responsibility. The Giants twice settled for field goals inside the 20, and once came away with nothing at all. They have to do better. I saw the screaming about the pitch to Bradshaw on third-and-1. I had no problem with the play, except nobody bothered to block. Then, with Brandon Jacobs and their vaunted offensive line they failed to pick up a total of two yards in two plays. That's not on Gilbride. The Giants just got out-muscled by the Redskins in those situations, and that has to change.
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C.C Brown
Believe it or not, I think C. C. Brown deserves kudos too. After looking horrible all pre season, he got a lot of time, essentially playing as the nickel back. He was in on a number of plays, and made an ugly looking but effective tackle on Randle El just before the half to (temporarily) save a touchdown. Randle El is really hard to tackle in the open field like that. If the field goal team hadn’t fallen asleep, that play would have been worth 4 points. He also was effective blitzing and put some pretty good pressure on campbell a couple of times.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Sep 14, 2009 6:43 AM EDT reply actions
Red Zone offense sucked
And I will call it that cuz they obviously when they got there. I always thought when a guy is a 6"7 former basketball player, it just might be a good place to use him down inside the 20.
I think the few secondary lapses should have been expected, tho I would say Webster already is earning All-Pro accolades. Missing 2 players the caliber of Dockery and Ross meant that no one could take a breather.
I also think you may have seen a few corner blitzes but at risk of tiring someone out, they left it in the bag cuz there was no depth.
As for Eli, what really more can you ask? He only had one TD pass….cuz they didn’t call throws down there in the red zone. He was on point expect for 2 throws, also to be expected for week one, or really any QB during the course of the season, none of these guys are perfect.
Running game looked OK, but I think you need to credit that large Haynesworth guy, he plugged up the whole line almost.
And Ed, I did see a Killdrive in the game. It was on the first series, but it was definitely a Killdrive. Why pitch to Bradshaw on 3rd and 1?
His main problem is the playcalling inside the 20. Outside the 20, the team marches right down so its really hard to argue with anything. But the fact they did squat inside the 20 has as much to do with the playcalling as well as failed excecution.
What the f$%k is the internet?
Well, why not pitch to Bradshaw?
You saw what happened when they tried going directly at Haynesworth in short yardage. That didn’t work, either. If Bradshaw makes that yard everyone is saying it’s a brilliant play call. The Redskins just beat the Giants on that play, simple as that. If the Giants pass and the ball is incomplete/intercepted KG gets killed for that, too.
I do disagree about the playcalling. Fact is, the Giants offensive line is a finesse line even though it’s a great one. That is not conducive to power running in the Red Zone.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 7:21 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't like the pitch....
Ever. Especially down there. There’s something about it that I just don’t want the GIants to run it.
If not up the middle, why not the off tackle play. Why were they in singleback formation too? Hedgecock needs to be there.
I never really thought of the O-Line as finesse, Id leave that for the Bronco’s O-Line of yesteryear where their OT’s and OG’s all weighed under 300lbs.
Id think they are much more of a mix.
They got stopped, so yea its easy to disagree with the call. But I still don’t like the pitch. Bradshaw also may have cut it up too soon.
I still would have rather the the straight handoff if they are gonna run the ball.
I was fine with the Jacobs running the ball. I would have like the play action on one or 2 of those calls, but generally Im fine with Jacobs.
All in all tho, it was really one play, one drive, that got killed. The Skins D-line is good at stopping the run and will be all year.
Gilbride’s calls were excellent for the most part. I just really hope they can get something worked out in the red zone, cuz this team spends too much time down there to be settling for FG’s every time out.
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 14, 2009 7:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Red Zone has to get better. They know it, too. We’ll see how they address it.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 7:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Let's hope they improve
down there by using Barden and Boss more. They are still going to have to run in the red zone, but mixing some jump balls in to those 2 guys will really help to open things up down there.
Barden to be activated?
Boss and Barden is exactly what I think we need in the red zone. Put Jacobs in the backfield and let Eli choose the play (or audible) at the line. Fade to Barden (Boss as 2nd option) or give to Jacobs.
I think Nicks is out a few weeks, so it will be interesting to see if Barden gets activated, and maybe Hagan and Sinorice will get some reps.
I like the pitch to Bradshaw!
because he’s fast enough to make up the toss yards and shifty enough to get through very little spaces available in short yardage situations.
I also like QB sneak!!!!
Yea..
cuz that’s true….
Where do you come up with this crap?
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 14, 2009 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions
As bad as the fake field goal was ...
I had to laugh at the reaction on the ‘Skins sideline. Never have I seen such smug looks of self-satisfaction … after merely cutting their deficit to 10 points ! You’d have thought they just salted away a play-off win !
Killdrive was very appropriate
on the first drive (which was where I used it). The playcalling inside the “Green” Zone was like slamming on the brakes for a red light. A pitch? Seriously? The 80 yards before the “Green” Zone were called rather well (and Eli was solid except for going Hyde on that one DUMB ASS pass), but the Giants still seem to not know how to run the inside the 20 offense (playcalling and execution).
Gilbride
I will say this. I thought going directly at Haynesworth on third-and-one and fourth-and-one was a mistake. I think that was TC simply saying ‘guys, you have got to be able to get this done, no matter what.’ He pretty much indicated that after the game, that he went for it as much to try and prove a point as anything else.
KG is going to get killed in the comments here every time a play doesn’t work, whether it’s a good call or a bad one. Sometimes you just have to give the other team credit.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 7:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Ed's right, execution does count ...
And that’s why it’s good that this was Game 1. Less than ideal cohesion among the starters after limited pre-season play, so hopfully that can get fixed.
Biggest take-away from this game for me was that once again Campbell was exposed like Cooley on a commando blog entry as a QB bust. Hopefuly, he goes on a 6-game tear, and Snyder locks him up long-term with big guaranteed money.
I thought they should have hammered right at Haynesworth early on..
Wear him out early..they let him stay fresh..I agree Washington looked good on Defense, but they let the plan known two days prior to the game!..You are right you can’t blame KG for everything, but I would have thought we would have sent our Fullback and our 270lb running back right at them down the gut….No excuse our huge backs can’t get 1 or 2 yds..and that fake field goal..Grrrrr!..A little punter runs it in..Grrrr!!
And that on that 3 and 1 handoff to from shotgun
The Gints should be able to line up in their straight set, and run a standard run, and gain one yard on anybody. The getting cutesy on third and short does not play to the teams strength.
I’d like to believe that they are really calling that play for the NEXT game, to get inside the skins’ heads as to what is going to happen on 3 and short, but I don’t believe that.
red zone..
Why was barden inactive for the game??? He was pretty much healthy all preseason… I just we could have used him on fade routes in the red zone…. Also that tight end the cowboys got its a beast I forgot his name but he’s like 6"7…..
Barden
is not really in the receiver rotation right now. I think the coaches aren’t happy with his route-running yet. Both Moss and Hagan have spots on special teams, where Barden can’t really help. He will work his way into the mix as the season goes along, i think.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions
Killdrive etc
Ed,
Thanks for the comments regarding Killdrive, Eli etc. You just have to wonder about these people sometimes… for all their flaws, this is one of our better teams (an understatement) over the last 40 years… if you can’t enjoy this run, then frankly I just think you have no love for the game… football is more than an excuse to boo and complain…
the offensive and defensive lines played very very well… Manning is throwing better, crisper, passes than ever. We had a couple of very nice 3rd down conversions. A depleted secondary (with the help of a good pass rush) pretty much stopped the passing game (though if I was a Redskins fan I would not have much faith in Campbell). the Redskins running game was absolutely non-existent (and this was really our first priority). Our kickoff coverage was not so great and we softened up a bit too much at the end, and let them have a touchdown. But it was nice to see our young wide receivers, against a great secondary, do well…
Cornfield
I agree 1000%. No game is ever going to be perfect, and there will always be things to pick on. But the last few seasons have provided one of the glorious stretches in Giants history. If you can’t enjoy what the Giants are doing, then you never will.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 8:14 AM EDT up reply actions
Where did we say we are not enjoying this run?
We dislike how the Giants seem to bog down BRUTALLY inside the 20 time after time, but that hardly means we “not enjoying” this team.
Yeah
not to mention, the receiving corps made a boatload of really nice grabs over the course of the game. Interesting the words I come up with when I’m trying to avoid swearing.
But seriously, if Manningham can maintain that level of production, we’ll be OK moving the ball this year! Hopefully the whole unit shows incremental improvement over the year and we have 4 solid receiving threats (with Nicks) by the end of the year.
By the way, who heard Joe Buck call Nicks Hicks during the game?
One thing I love about this site — anybody who comes here on a regular basis is bound to know a lot more about the team than those stupid announcers.
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Sep 14, 2009 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions
The only negative on D to me
was the lack of a push by our DTs. All the heavy lifting was done by the DEs. Granted, that should get better as they get healthier (since most of them missed most of the preseason) and once they do … man, this D is going to be sick. Great job by Sheridan.
As for the O, Manningham was terrific and I really didn’t expect that this soon, but I think it’ll be a different receiver stepping up each week. Please recover quickly Nicks!
Really happy...
with the Giants. I had a bad feeling in the 2 min. left. I was thinking the Redskins, after being completely dominated, were going to recover the onside kick and steal a win. Thank goodness that didn’t happen. It’s a win, though, and I’ll take it.
In Reese We Trust
Long Season
Love the G’ints to death but I was expecting more…having to hold on to beat a weak Skins team wasn’t encouraging…with Nick’s injury I am now concerned with what we are going to get out of our last draft…Eli had another so so game and his inability to throw a tight spiral was obvious….the only way we win the Super Bowl is to have no playoff games at the Meadowlands where Eli’s weak arm gets exposed in windy game conditions…we need someone who can get off the ball quicker than Jacobs and has more strength than Bradshaw for short yardage situations…Hate to say it cause I hate them but the Eagles looked much better…heres to McNabb getting hurt more….
what in the world?
nick’s injury was unfortunate, but it should be only week to week, and doesn’t affect the long term plan as he was most likely going to be worked more into the offense later in the season. the draft was a solid one and not dependent on the development of their first rounder for this year.
eli played well, as well as you can hope against a tough defense. the skins are the weakest team in a grueling division, not necessarily a weak team, in the NFC west they’d probably be champs.
the running back critiques i don’t understand at all, either you don’t understand the cap situation, or you’re not watching the same backs everyone else is.
here is how I see it
Jacobs needs to gain a head of steam to be effective and the short yardage defenses prevent that and Bradshaw can’t move the pile…actually we need a back like Ward who has more off the ball speed than Jacobs and more strength than Bradshaw…it is pretty obvious as Jacobs had short yardage difficulties last year also…I wish football stats analysis were as advanced as baseballs…I would love to see Jacobs success rate at short yardage first down conversions…I just get tired of watching the G’ints continually trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory…LOL
Which game were you watching?
Eli had another so so game
He went 20 for 29 and over 250 yards passing with a TD and 1 pick. One of his fumbles should have been negated by a facemask penalty which wasn’t called. Guy played well and spread the ball around like the plague. If you’re looking for Drew Brees, he’s down in New Orleans.
This game
your right Drew Brees would be an upgrade…a one to one TD to int ratio is very mediocre…the nature of the interception bothered me the most…panic and stupidity under pressure
what in the hell?
a dome home QB with an explosive offense designed around the pass vs. a ball control team built around the run game and limiting turnovers.
drew brees with this team would be like trying to stuff a square peg in a round hole.
eli has the ring remember, brees couldn’t get it done with a stacked chargers team. not to make light of brees’ achievements, i think he’s a great QB, but not one for this team.
Drew Brees is a great qb
and I’d take him every time…..if I were playing fantasy football. If I want another Superbowl ring……I guess I’d have to “downgrade” and take Eli.
what?
because the things that make Drew Brees a good fantasy QB, like completing passes and not throwing interceptions, don’t make him a good real-world QB? this is the kind of stupid logic that leads people to say they’d rather have Jeter than A-Rod if they had to choose between the two.
See Jeff George and Warren Moon!!!
Great arms, great offenses but NO rings. Not saying that Brees is on that path but for now the Saints aren’t a playoff threat.
I see what you're saying, but it's an insult to Moon
to equate him with George
Hmm...
I could swear there’s another component to the game that might have had some impact on those guys’ ability to win the Super Bowl. Something that starts with a “D”? Something that no Giants fan should disregard?
It’s just silly to dismiss their “inability to win a ring” as some kind of character flaw, as if some QBs have an intrinsic ability to do so and others don’t. Quarterbacks throw passes, TEAMS win games.
Are you honestly going to tell me...
That Joe Montana, and John Elway didn’t have a nack for putting up big numbers at the end of big games? Or that Tony Romo hasn’t consistently been an above average QB in the first half of the season, and has consistently been anything but in December?
Some QB’s are better in pressure situations, and some QB’s are not.
Eli Manning thrives in the two minute drill, how anyone who has watched Giants football over the last half decade and can honestly refute that is beyond me.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, Kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 14, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Double Yup.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, Kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 14, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I'd rather have Jeter than A-Rod
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Sep 14, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
brees
is obviously a talented qb, but i’m pretty sure i read somewhere that a team typically loses when they’re qb throws for over 400 yards. ill take eli’s controlling style over that any day
A) Teams typically have to throw a ton because they’re falling behind, which is as much about their defense as it is about their offense. It doesn’t mean that a pass-heavy offense is doomed to fail.
B) “Eli’s controlling style” is correctly described as “the Giants’ controlling style”, unless you believe Eli would refuse to throw the ball if his coaches directed him to do so. In any event, your preference is fine by me and I agree completely, I want my Giants playing Giants football. But that’s a separate issue from who should be the QB. Is there a reason to believe Brees wouldn’t be able to still be a high-percentage passer in that type of game plan? He was certainly very good playing under Marty Schottenheimer in 2004 and 2005.
I went berserk on that
uncalled facemask penalty. But all in all, a day when I only scream swears once during a football game is a good day. Remember Tom Coughlin slo-mo after the Jacobs / horsecollar WIlliams fight in the playoffs? “He grabbed the F**KING facemask!”
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Sep 14, 2009 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
Weak armed?
Eli is not weak armed! Throwing a spiral in those swirling winds has nothing to do with arm strength. In fact THE expert for throwing spirals in those swirling winds, Phil Simms, says that throwing harder only makes it worse.
Step away from the ledge dude. The Giants’ O played well against a very good defense yesterday.
Dude, what game were you watching?
On all of the replays you could see that Eli threw a tight spiral all day. There were maybe one or two that were not tight and they were not what you would call wobblers.
Webster a stud!
A couple lapses here and there.
Overall a solid win.
But against the Cowboys they will need to play a better game, esp in short yardage. Yes, OL is a finesse group but they still need to make those plays.
Opinions on McKenzie? Not notice-able – which is good. Can they still run behnd him and Snee like they used to?
Reasons the Giants won't win this year
Eli isn’t an accurate passer
Too many injuries on defense
No playmakers at wide receiver
No running back to replace Ward
???
The Eagles are better
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Sep 14, 2009 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
was there
any word on ware’s injury? how long will he be out? that might be something to come back and bite the giants in the ass down the road with jacob’s durability issues.
well actually
let me rephrase that before someone rips into me for it. not his durability issues, the inevitable fall out from 16 games worth of defenses diving at his knees all game. its not brandon’s fault defenders go for his knees.
Seems like the same time frame of Nicks
2-4 weeks or something like that…
which is incredible news considering I thought they were both finished.
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 14, 2009 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions
My god when Tuck and Johnson both went down before commercial break..
I all but became a Jets fan.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, Kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 14, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Our team is one of the best ever assembled..
But that is what is frustrating..they should have blown Washington away..I have been a Giant’s fan since 1956..so I am more than qualified to say this: This team is better than they showed yesterday..they did some good things and enough bad things that made the game far too close..They almost made Campbell look like a professional QB..We can’t go into next week playing sloppy, inconsistent football..Romo threw for what? 353 yds?..with three TD bombs?..then throw in Barber and Jones?..We got our work cut out for us this week..or we’ll get killed…and check the rest of the box scores from yesterday..Teams that were expected to blow opponents away..did just that..Our guys should have and didn’t..It could be worse..we could have Delhomme or Cutler for a QB..and that Chicago OL is absolutely horrible..they are simply a sieve..GB ran thru that line like water going thru a wide open filter…and whomever that clown out here was that referred to McNabb as “McRibs” is an idiot..Nobody wants to see players get hurt..We lost Ware and Nicks yesterday..Want to joke about that???
We’ve referred to him as “McPuke” many times, how is “McRibs” any different?
And I’m with njgiant, it is funny
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by Jim Schmiedeberg on Sep 14, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Well..
I don’t feel it appropriate to relish over a player that gets a serious injury..However I love the Mcpuke reference!!..He certainly has displayed that talent over the years!..but there’s a big difference between a upset stomach and a broken one..Maybe we’ll get lucky now and face “McDog”.
I'm not going to feel to bad for "McRibs" joke
While I don’t wish any player injury or harm, it’s not career threatening and if I were a betting man, I’d say he’s on the field to face Brees and the Saints. As a Giants fan, I’m more worried about Ware’s elbow than someone “cracking” jokes on Donavan’s McRibs.
you're pretty "snappy" with the puns
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Sep 14, 2009 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
for some perspective
I could easily say that you aren’t giving the Redskins enough credit. You outplayed us in all facets (except for punter tackling). But I don’t think it’s time to lump us in with the dregs of the league just yet. We have a pretty good defense that looked awful in one on one coverage against your receivers, and could get ALL THE WAY to Eli. What I’m saying is, Tampa’s pass defense was putrid. MUCH worse than ours. Monte Kiffin is long gone. If you watched that game, you’d know why Romo had
353 yds?..with three TD bombs?.
Tampa’s DB’s were literally falling over each other. None of Dallas’ long balls were even contested. Their guys were wide open not from burning the secondary, but from the secondary taking themselves out of the play. Tampa’s DB’s looked like Keystone Cops in that game, and Romo had plenty of time all day long.
Totally agree
Was switching over to that game and all of the TDs were pitch and catch. The one to Crayton, I think, he was open by 10 yards.
Romo had plenty of time because the O-line played great. The long balls weren’t contested because we picked apart their coverage. If you watched, or go back and watch, the pass to Crayton the DB jumped on a pump fake to Witten in the flat and that is how he was open. Romo made a great pump, turned his whole body to the flat and then swung the pass up the sideline. Tampa’s D was slowly dissected after the half.
+1
One decent pass rusher, and half their secondary was missing in action. I don’t think you can argue it’s gonna be a better test for the Cowboys next week.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Sep 14, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
It will definitely be a better test for you Dallas this week on offense, and should be equally a better test for Giants defense. This should lead to some really good match-ups. Our offense looked good, but we will be going against a much better defense, and your defense looked good, but you will be going against a much better offense.
See you under the lights in Big D!
Personally, I liked how Blackburn
played. Not worthy of a kudo surely, but a solid, steady performance.
Can we teach him to long snap ?
Then, we don’t have to always have a very versatile asset “on the bubble”.
Killdrive
If you look at the 4th and inchs play closely u will see Jacobs didn’t follow Hedgecock to the right in the hole. had he it would have been a first down. I agree with Ed its execution and if they call a pass play they still need to execute it as well.
Also, for all the talk in the preseason about the receiving crew. I think they did a pretty good job.
+1
Where is the love for the receiving corps? All offseason long, the receivers were being questioned and raked over the coals. I think Eli and his young crew did an excellent job yesterday. 1 questionable pass by Eli, and a drop by Nicks. I hope teams do stack the box with 8. Passing game is not going to be an issue.
Deception
When was the last time to Giants used deception in a short yardage situation ? Like fake up the gut and bootleg around or fake a pitch then pass ? Are they scared Eli can’t pull either off ?
It's Eli
he’s not the most nimble of feet, Philly is the team that signed Vick. Plus with the way this team is built, short yardage should’t be a problem. I’m pretty sure that won’t be the problem all season. How many time are we going to be running at a D-line with a 350lb centerpiece?
deception?
in the smashmouth division? surely, you jest.
you guys are sophisticated enuff to understand that you don’t empty your playbook in week one.
watch for it – more playaction and quickies to the “Corps”. Boss ’n ’Ham ’n Smith ’n hix ’n Nicks.
by NYer in a strange land on Sep 14, 2009 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Teams that were supposed to blow people away did?
I’d have to disagree with that statement…Cardinals vs 49ers anyone? Did you see KC almost beat Baltimore? What about Drew Brees having to throw 6 tds because the Lions just would go away? The Giants beat an above average NFL team yesterday. They didn’t play perfect, but they don’t have to do that till the playoffs and Superbowl…As for Gilbride, he does draw up some nice gameplans, I just don’t believe he has a great feel for making in game adjustments. One thing I like is that he’s not afraid to go back to a play if it works. The Giants must have run that counter running play about 20 times yesterday…
and let's give the Redskins some credit
they have a very, very good defense. Like, if they had even an average offense I’d consider them Super Bowl contenders b/c of that D (they were 3rd in the NFL last year, BEFORE adding Haynseworth). Good D’s can keep your team in games you have no business being in, which is what happened yesterday. No shame in that, the Giants got the W which is all that matters. This isn’t college, you don’t need style points from blowouts to get a good ranking. For all the talk about how impressive the Eagles and Cowboys were, the Giants own the tie breaker right now and are technically in first place.
+1
It’s not all about stats and the margin of victory. Skins have a great defense and some nice components on offense. Anyone notice how Moss was completely taken out of the game. No harm by Cooley. Portis didn’t kill us. By reading some of these comments, you could have sworn that we barely beat the Citadel.
Your missing the ponit
The Gint’s should have won yesterday by at least 21 points and instead were reliant on having to recover an on side kick to win…No one is better at snatching defeat from the jaws of victory than our G’ints…
But, they did win
Yes, there is room for improvement. Step away from the ledge and enjoy it. A lot more season to be played.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks Ed
for talking me down….I would just like the G’ints to win a couple easy…Zantac is expenisve…LOL
Relax man
we’ve got 15 more regular season games. I’m sure that there will be a rout in there somewhere and more ugly games to come too.
I agree
that they left points on the field. At the half I’m sure we were all saying that score should be at least 21-0.
But I don’t take that as the Giants having to get out of their own way. The skins are good and the Giants missed some opportunities. I don’t really think there were enough stupid mistakes to say we “almost lost”. Washington is good, we were better and the scoreboard shows it.
Zantac freudian slip
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Sep 14, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
I hear you
But, the Giants never make it easy.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I'm sorry, but it's sorta sad if you're upset if the Giants "only" beat the Redskins by a score and a half.
Go out, see the world, live a little. It’ll be alright.
"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw
Eggxactly, Batman
I was in front of tube for 10 hours yesterday, and at the end of it felt GREAT!! like a vacation, but a lot cheaper. Football, You Bet! If it wasn’t for football, I wouldn’t have watched football all day yesterday.
Conan!, What is good in Football?!
Daa.... to run between the tackles,
To drive the linebackers before you,
And to hear the lamentations of the cheerleaders.
by The Pale Scot on Sep 14, 2009 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
no you're missing the point
you refuse to see the other factors that go into each team, each play. this league is built on parity, where each week any team has the talent to beat any other team. the edge comes in play style, methodology and coaching.
is kevin boss and upgrade, talent wise from jeremey shockey? you can say shockey is the better talent, but that doesn’t translate into explosive wins unless you have the play calling and coaching behind it.
gotta admit
Shockey looked good yesterday. I’m glad he’s not with the Giants anymore, and I love Kevin Boss, but I hope Shockey does well in New Orleans. He was my favorite player once upon a time.
right
all the talent in the world, did well with fassel and an offensive passing game first mentality team. struggled when the team switched gears a bit and is now doing well in the type of offense he’s suited for.
its just to highlight the fact that there’s a lot more that goes into a game’s final score than the talent on the field.
yea, agreed
I was sorta just making a random observation about Shockey. I’d definitely rather have Boss for this New York Giants team.
so you're saying
that eli is the reason shockey didn’t do well as a giant? did you…watch the superbowl? or any game after shockey went down for the season?
also by this logic
kurt warner would be an upgrade over eli, because he puts up better numbers and has had more success. but we’ve seen that not to be true as warner was either unwilling, or unable to adapt to the style of football that’s needed in the NFC east as opposed to a dome or hot weather team.
I watched the Super Bowl
and I will admit Eli had a decent game that was saved by Tyree’s miracle catch…but if memory serves me correct we didnt have to play in the Meadowlands that post season which was lucky because with Eli’s weak arm or poor passing technique (or for whatever reason he cant throw a spiral) we are doomed in a game with windy conditions ala last year vs. Eagles….
right, because
lambeau in the dead of winter is a much more forgiving environment for passers…its like playing in the pro bowl!
doesnt have the wind of the Meadowlands though
look all i am saying is we win despite Manning not because of him
Whoa
and when we’re marching down the field in the two minute drill, how is the ball getting in those receivers hands. Who threw the helmet catch to Tyree. Who threw the game winning catch to Plax. Come on dale, that last comment was Michael Jackson “Off The Wall”.
Look up his lifetime QB rating
look the guy had a four game hot streak in a what, a six year career ??? He is not that good, reminds me of Billy Kilmer with the old Redskins, the main reason we won that Super Bowl is because it was the first time in his career Tom Brady faced serious pressure…Mark my words you will see the light on Manning as the year progresses…Remember even a blind squirrel finds a nut now and then…
Look up John Elways lifetime QB Rating...
and Compare it to Daunte Culpeppers.
Some people win ugly, and some people lose pretty.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, Kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 14, 2009 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
QB rating
is a screwy stat that is tough to quantify, it doesn’t allow for factors like receiver drops.
i just don’t see any merit in your argument, eli has had winning seasons since taking over as starter, made the playoffs consistently and won a superbowl as well as MVP honors.
no matter how good a QB is, the players and coaches around him are what matter most. your argument is moot.
With Eli at Quarterback.
And only a year before failed to do so with a “prolific passer” in Kurt Warner.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, Kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 14, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions
your statement
is inaccurate. we didn’t win with kerry collins or kurt warner. we’ve won with eli. empirical evidence.
We went to Super bowl with Collins
with a lot less overall talent….
"Hey Lama" ...
“How about a little something for the effort ?” – Bill Murray .. Caddyshack.
cntrlalt was referring to rings
said we didn’t “win” with Collins. We go our asses whooooooped in that Superbowl.
and if Eli had been our QB that year
we still would’ve gotten whooped, because Eli doesn’t have some magical power to enable him to win the Super Bowl.
No he doesn't...
But he has showed an ability to not throw 5 FRIGGIN INTERCEPTIONS in a SUPER BOWL.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, Kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 14, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions
look all I am saying is
We overpaid for Eli in the draft and we just overpaid for him in the recent new contract… he is ok but nothing tremendous…he got hot at the right time and was fortunate that he didn’t have to face the Meadowland winds in the playoffs the year we won the bowl…let’s see how the year pans outs and revisit the subject….
No.
Running game was largely absent during the playoff run. Good, but not to the point where you run exclusively.
But they weren’t scoring all defensive TD’s now where they?
Eli is legit, he is elite, he is the Giants QB. I wouldn’t trade him for anyone (not saying he’s better than Brady or Big Bro or Ben….but I don’t care.)
You did not watch the game yesterday to say he is “OK”. THat is bullshit and you know it.
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 14, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Both in pre-season and yesterday ...
Eli showed signs of “taking that next step”, which he should at this stage of his career. I will be more than happy if he continues to play at this level.
+1
67%, 260 yards will get it done all season long
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Sep 14, 2009 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Gilbride
Here’s my problem: Ed, you’re right that it was a lack of execution. He calls runs up the gut, they fail. He calls sweeps, they fail. That’s on the players. BUT, on the flip side, we’ve had the #1 rushing attack in the NFL for a while, and yet we’ve had a lot of problems converting in those short yardage situations for going on 3 years now. Maybe it is all the players faults and we’re just not a good power rushing team, but if that’s the case, Gilbride needs to realize it and call a play action now and then.
Look at the Packers last night: 3rd and 1, lined up in the I-set, play action and Greg Jennings is WIDE OPEN deep. When we run 6 straight times on short yardage situations, of course the D is gonna load up against the run. That’s when you pass. Those short yardage situations in the red zone seem tailor-made for Ramses Barden – so I hope whatever it is that’s keeping him off the field (route running?) gets fixed and he can get out there.
CJ, I hear you
They have Red Zone issues, and have for a couple of years now. They need to get better at it, and I don’t think anybody really cares how they do it. Leaving points off the board will come back to haunt you somewhere along the line.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
eli is one of the best
at running play action and bootlegs, it was highly successful with tiki but i think they’ve gotten away from that because they don’t feel jacobs can handle that role. if they can get back to running those well they’d be deadly on 3rd and shorts.
also i miss hearing madden call giants games because he LOVED saying “BOOTLEG” and with eli playing you’d hear BOOTLEG like 17 times rapid fire.
Bootleg
The best bootleg i saw on sunday was Faith hill. nice thigh high boot legs.
Yesssss!!
Major kudos to Faith Hill. Short black dress, really sexy high black boots. I didn’t care about the game after that.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Good game overall. Can’t see why people are so stunned we didn’t light up the scoreboard and win by 20 points. People remembered this was an NFC East game right? Those games don’t tend to be big shootouts… well unless you’re the Cowboys and the season is on the line—but I digress…
I’m still upset Eli will have that lost fumble on his record when he pretty much imitated that scene from the Exorcist with that uncalled Facemask penalty.
Is it safe to say people will stop underestimating Corey Webster now?
That was definitely a face mask uncalled penalty..
Webster is the real deal
Canty and Bernard
Anyone have a better idea about the performance of Canty and Bernard? I pretty much just saw them coming off the field and getting patted on the back. SOMETHING changed up the middle for us… nothing that would make the pocket collapse, but it seemed like we were almost impenetrable to the run… a better QB might have been able to force us out of it, but at least against Campbell I was really impressed by our ability to stop the run… as for our game against Dallas, yes I think we need to play better to beat them… that said, I think they need to play better to beat us… and I would prefer to warm up against the Redskins than the Bucs (queue the habitual Dallas overconfidence)
Is Tuck out of shape???
His stamina appears to be a problem and I really don’t get it. I would be very interested to find out what % of the snaps he played yesterday was if anyone can find out?
And where was Pierce on the 10yard pop passes over the middle to Cooley?? Run defense was great but linebackers dropping back in pass coverage was suspect at best yesterday. That might be the worst offense we face all season.
Why do you say that?
He played a tremendous game. I think all around the NFL you have guys who played more Sunday than they did the entire pre-season. So, guys will get winded.
by Ed Valentine on Sep 14, 2009 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree
I tought Tuck looked good..His usual steddy game.
tuck looked pretty good
i think, especially in the 3rd quarter when stamina would be running low. i think we see tuck more when they line him up inside with kiwi replacing him on the end, allowing him to get pressure up the middle.
the reason we didn’t see much of him early might just be because the skins O-Line was fresh, and that’s the point of having so much depth on defense. as the game goes on you cycle in fresh bodies, and take advantage of downs where you can put your best 3 pass rushers in at the same time.
HEY GUYS .. .
its WEEK ONE. take the win and build on it.
by NYer in a strange land on Sep 14, 2009 10:32 AM EDT reply actions
I agree keeping him fresh makes sense..
And when he was on the field he was a monster as usual but he looks absolutely exhausted after 3 snaps. I watched him closely in the first half and he was looking to the sideline to get a blow constantly…
We all know the guy can make huge plays and is an amazing athlete but his durability concerns me. What happened to guys like Reggie White and Bruce Smith playing every down?
just because
someone played every down doesn’t mean they go 100% each snap, every play…there’s also different assignments on each down, its much easier to plug a gap than it is to rush the passer.
also consider the evolution of offenses where you need more specialized players on defense, in reggie’s heyday not every team was as pass happy.
So the game was close ...
But remember, it would have been a blow-out if Andre Woodson hadn’t “spilled his guts” …
Imagine how the Skins will implode next week against the Rams when they don’t know exactly what’s coming on every play … wait, wait … they just signed Brock Berlin to replace Woodson !
Hey Simms-McConkey ...
Can we supplement the weekly picks pool with an over/under parlay on when Woodson is cut loose by Zorn ??
I will set the over/under
at 12 hours
You play to win the game!
by Simms-McConkey on Sep 14, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
NY Defensive stats
After 1 game: 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery and return for a TD, 1 interception.
Not bad.
Two things..
It took awhile to wash away the memories of the last meaningful game played at the stadium. Yes, that unfortunate playoff game against the Eagles. Where Eli threw a bunch of ducks a wobblers all over the field. So it was refreshing to see him zipping tight spirals all over the place.
And secondly, Steve Smith may just be the most important cog in our offense. Those 3rd down conversions are so clutch. We knows exactly where the marker is and gets great separation. As Ed said, He’s among the best in the league in the slot. And I believe by far the best in the league on 3rd down. I think I need to go ahead and order my #12 jersey!
Kudos
Kudos to HDTV! Was nice seein Big Blue back on the field! And to the offensive line keeping Eli out of the line of fire, keeping him upright keeps his confidence up. Also to handling big Albert. It was nice to see him laying there After he had to take on Jacobs on the goalline.
by Gmen78 on Sep 14, 2009 11:40 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
One thing that excites me is
The fact that Webster could be a shutdown corner which allows him to single cover and gives Sheridan more potential blitzers. I like that the Giants can have that luxury and I like Webster against Roy Williams next week. I’m looking forward to seeing Sintim and Boley next week too.
Yeah you're right he is even if no one knows he is
Websters development is an exciting dimension for the defense especially with that pass rush
No kudos for Chase Blackburn ???
who again put in a very solid performance.
just being able to bring down Randel El for that big loss was huge…if that was D. Clark out in space w/ Randel El it probably woulda resulted in a first down for washington.
When they put Clark on the line he gets zero pass rush…ZERO.
Week 2:
Chase, AP, Boley
Jason Campbell isn't terrible
I think he gets a bad rap.. His numbers from last night weren’t terrible. He made one boneheaded play (so did Eli.) The problem is that he plays for a team who’s front office doesn’t value an effective offensive line. They consistently ignore this and then wonder why they suck. As far as I’m concerned, Dan Snyder is the second worst owner in the NFL behind Mike Brown when it comes to football operations.
President of the Ramses Barden Fan Club
by Hoyadestroya85 on Sep 14, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions
true..
but he still checked off a pass to a run play on 3rd and 8….he forgot the situation. that’s a “no-no”.
Chalk that one up...
To the 12th man. It was the loudest I’ve heard that stadium in a long time yesterday afternoon.
"We'll show up tomorrow and do the same thing we try to do every day, Kick Pedroia's ass in cribbage and try and win a baseball game."
by tito (eight and oh) on Sep 14, 2009 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions
crowd was great...
I couldn’t hear myself screaming on most 3rd downs which is the way it should be…
Lost in the shuffle
of all the commentary is the poor job the Giant’s defense did in the end of half defense. The Redskins’ drives at the end of the first half and the end of the game yielded 149 yards, more than half their total yardage for the game. The last drive especially it looked like the defense was passive, thinking that the Skins would use up the time getting downfield. Hopefully they’ll be a little more aggressive in those situations in future games. This shouldn’t detract from what was, overall, a dominant defensive performance, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Sep 14, 2009 3:49 PM EDT reply actions
End of half defense....
I don’t know if its the defense or the offense, but whatever is run during these 2 minute drills by any team like teh Giants (see: Pittsburgh vs. Tenneseee on Thursday). How the hell does an excellent defensive team turn to crap towards the end of the half…or is it the offense running the no huddle?
Is it rushing 3 or 4 guys, no blitz stuff? What is it? Cuz its not working and I hate it (when were on defense..)
What the f$%k is the internet?
by FreeBradshaw on Sep 14, 2009 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions
A lot of factors
I think you’re right that the no huddle puts more pressure on the defense in those situations, but I also think there’s sometimes a lack of focus and/or aggressiveness. It’s true that teams can’t switch personnel as easily during the 2 minute drill. But teams should be prepared to defend quickly when they know the offense is going into 2 minute mode. I think they often get so concerned about giving up a big play that they hold off on the pass rush and give softer cushions on the receivers. It’s the old prevent defense — it prevents you from winning. It didn’t hurt us yesterday, but I hope they work on it and play a little sharper in the future.
by Tucker Fredrickson on Sep 14, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions
that's right tucker
the only thing the prevent defense prevents is victory…I have never understood why when your D has stopped a team all game long you change strategy when it matters most…
Agree with you on this one
just watched the Bills “prevent” the Patriots from scoring too quickly by giving them 10-15 yards cushions down the field for two scores in the last 3 minutes. It seemed like the defense backed off on the Skins last offensive TD, C.C. Brown played well in run support, but on that TD he was a good six yards behind Cooley and hardly had time to break before the ball was there.
Homer: Aw, twenty dollars! I wanted a peanut!
Homer's Brain: Twenty dollars can buy many peanuts!
Homer: Explain how!
Homer's Brain: Money can be exchanged for goods and services!
Homer: Woo-hoo!
by bigbluethruandthru on Sep 14, 2009 10:48 PM EDT up reply actions
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