The New York Giants are 27th in the league in red-zone scoring percentage, converting only 46.4 percent of their red-zone trips into touchdowns. In last Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Dallas Cowboys the Giants converted only one of three trips into the red zone into touchdowns.
So, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, what is going on in the red zone?
"Each time it's different. You wish it was one thing and then you could solve that problem, but the bottom line is we've had chances," Gilbride said on Friday. "It's frustrating because they were great drives and they need to culminate in points and touchdowns and when you don't do that, you're disappointed that you didn't finish it the way you'd like and probably even more disconcerting is you'd know the potential for it being a difference in the outcome of the game is usually pretty significant, especially in an evenly-matched game like that."
Kevin Boothe earns praise from Gilbride
Kevin Boothe has bounced back and forth from center to guard this season, including Sunday vs. the Cowboys when he had to switch mid-game due to the knee injury suffered by Jim Cordle. Gilbride praised the veteran offensive lineman:
"I just think the world of the guy because he can play any position. As those of you who have met him know, he's a phenomenal young man. He's a tremendous person and he kind of goes unnoticed. No one even pays attention to him and he just plays solid for us, whether you put him at guard or put him at center," Gilbride said. "He's a better athlete than people give him credit for. He doesn't necessarily fit the stereotypical 6-foot-6, 310 pounds. He's got a little different physique and so people, I think, dismiss him a little bit more easily than they probably should. He's a good football player."
Tom Quinn: Coverage units improving
The Giants' kickoff and punt coverage teams have been among the worst in the league this season. Special teams coordinator Tom Quinn thinks those groups are getting better:
"We’re finally starting to come together, gel together, led by (Mark Herzlich), Ryan Mundy and Spencer (Paysinger), so it’s finally been nice to see them," Quinn said. "The specials have been more accurate, the punter and kicker have been putting the ball where we want them to. We’ll keep going forward."
Around the Inter-Google
Will pride still matter for battered Giants? | New York Daily News
In lost year, RG3 could take cue from Eli Manning | New York Post
The Coughlin Corner: Next man up
Ten key questions on road to Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium - NY Daily News