I haven’t been this optimistic about the Giants since the 6 game run to win XLVI. No, I am not talking about wild dreams yet in 2014. But let’s keep it simple here:
1) The Giants have a Tight End (the fish)
2) The Giants have an Offensive Coordinator (the fishing rod!)
Of 9 receiving TDs in 2014, 7 of them have gone to the Tight End. To say that Ben McAdoo has a clue about the value of the Tight End in the Red Zone is probably the Giant understatement of the year. For years we have been preaching about the need to use the Tight End in the Red Zone. Here we see that the Giants red zone efficiency is rising this season, and they have barely gotten started with truly learning all of the playbook.
Eli looked terrific. The OL looked very solid (1 sack allowed by Pugh). With the exception of 1 dropped INT, Eli was otherwise spotless. The 1 INT that was credited to him was off of a pinball catch by Randle that should have been ruled a TD. Speaking of fish, Randle looked MUCH better than we have seen at any time in his career, as he pulled down 6 catches for 89 yds w/o the TD catch. But let’s also take a step down to reality and remember that (via Anthony Brown of Skins Hog Heaven) the defense was very weak in the secondary. This is why we have to see what the Giants look like when they get tested by better teams. Still, you cannot take anything away from the Giants, who did exactly what they had to do- they dismantled a weak team and crushed them.
About the only blemish from the entire game was the weakness at LBer. Kennard and Beason, when healthy and given some game experience, will be an upgrade over what they have out there right now. Helu and Morris, when put into pass routes, exposed this unit and ripped a hole in the team. Only a slew of turnovers masked that. So it’s a reminder not to start writing checks to the Giants for playoff tickets just yet.
Not sure about DRC’s injury. Feel free to update that.
Damontre Moore got his first sack. This is another HUGE incremental positive for the team. We have been sky high on the rookie since he was drafted. While he has shown splendid flashes in special teams on punt blocks etc.. we have waited for this day when he would also flash on the edge. He did so in preseason against opposing teams’ second units, but now you saw what he could do in primetime.
It’s a work day for me tomorrow. We will have 10 days to savor the win and talk a lot more. So I am cutting this recap short for now. Add more thoughts in the comments. We may have a season! We’re 2-2! The most exciting thing to take away- we have an offensive coordinator. Eli, Donnell, Randle, the OL and Moore all made strides. At the very least, 2015 is exciting, and depending on what we see vs better competition, there may be a legitimate opportunity for 2014. The timing of everything is excellent, because the tougher part of the schedule begins, and the training wheels come off. GO GMEN!
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