N.Y. Giants: Might as Well Throw Caution to the Wind

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

ELI's SWAN SONG

WEEK TWO

Buffalo Bills

vs.

New York Giants

Buffalo scores 17 points against the Jets last week, which is coincidentally exactly how many points the Giants put up against Dallas.  But whereas the Bills hold the Jets to just 16 points, the Giants yield 35 points to the Cowboys.  Needless to say the Giants defense is going to be a problem; a big problem; their biggest problem of the season.  The defense will very likely be the ones most responsible for cutting short Eli Manning's swan song.  But if Eli still has it in him to stand his ground in the pocket and carry a team, then Sunday could be that day.

Golden Tate is serving his suspension; Sterling Shepard remains in concussion protocol; Cody Latimer has a barking calf; and Darius Slayton is hobbling on a cranky hamstring.  That means all eyes this Sunday will be fixed squarely on Saquon Barkley.  Last week against Dallas he rushes eleven times for 120 yards.  If you subtract his 59-yard long, he still averages five yards per on ten rushes for 51 yards.  That said I expect Buffalo to pack the box with an extra defender in an all out effort to thwart Saquon from running wild.

Obviously the game plan can not be simply to rush Barkley left; Barkley middle; Barkley right ... not without a fullback and blocking tight ends, right?  Although I'm curious as hell to see if this offensive line is up for the task.  Similarly dumping off to Saquon and waiting for the YAC's also does not a game plan make.  With Russell Shepard, Bernie Fowler, Cody Core, etc., suddenly thrust into primary receiver roles, the Bills will be begging Eli to beat them over the top.  And he should oblige.

Last week against Dallas the offensive line yielded two sacks and nine other quarterback hits against Eli Manning.  This Buffalo defense commands no less respect, if not more.  They have good corners and a strong front seven that get after the quarterback.  Thus, a great opportunity for this line to really prove their collective worth lay dead ahead.  I certainly expect more rushes this week for Barkley.  After all, this is what this whole hog mollie thing is all about.

That ... keep Eli clean, and let him seize the moment.