N.Y. Giants: Big Blue Goes Old School in Upset Over Seattle

From the desk:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Week Thirteen

Giants        17

Seahawks  12

FINAL

S   M   A   S   H   ~  M   O   U   T   H

Many fans last season questioned Dave Gettleman's sanity when he packaged the Giants' 2020 third-round pick and 2021 fifth-round pick in exchange for Jets defensive end Leonard Williams who was in the final year of his rookie contract and considered by some an underachiever.  In four and one-half years with the Jets, Williams averaged 26.8 solo tackles and 3.7 sacks per season.  He played eight games last season for the Giants, registering just one-half sack.  No deal was reached in the off-season, but Gettleman franchised him as a defensive tackle, which this season guarantees Williams slightly over $16 million.  The matter of a contract extension remains open.  Leonard has now played in twenty games for the Giants, which equates to one and one-quarter season.  If we prorate his performance, he is averaging 36 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks per season.  That speaks to a 26-year old player on the rise.  On Sunday against the Seahawks, he registered 2.5 sacks, which tied and breaks his single-season high of seven sacks set in his sophomore (2016) season with four games still left on the schedule.

The Giants sacked potential MVP candidate Russell Wilson five times and applied another ten hits for good measure.  Otherwise, Russell was 27 of 43 (62%) for 263 yards with one touchdown.  Rookie cornerback Darney Holmes (fourth-round selection) intercepted Russell early in the fourth quarter, which at the time helped protect a 14-5 lead.  DJ Metcalf topped out at 80 yards, and aside from Wilson's 45 yards on the ground, the Seahawks' backfield was held to just 66 yards rushing.  If you take away Seattle's defensive safety late in the first half, the Giants' defense held the Seahawks to just ten points.  Twelve total points still rate as Seattle's lowest output to date, even with the safety.

Eleven seconds are all that separated the Giants from the Seahawks insofar as time of possession.  That's a big deal considering Seattle had 15 more plays from scrimmage.  The Giants had Colt McCoy throw 22 times and elected to rush 29 times (QB scrambles not included).  Wayne Gallman rushed 16 times for 136 yards, and Alfred Morris rushed eight times for 39 yards.  The Giants grossed 190 yards on the ground, and therein lies the importance of a running game and clock control.

Colt McCoy was 13 of 22 for 105 yards with a touchdown (to Alfred Morris) and one interception.  Let's assume a healthy Daniel Jones performs better, which further advances the point.  With a superior running game - two tight ends and fullbacks and actual blocking receivers - the quarterback must merely manage the game (and himself).  It's not outdated.  If I'm bigger and stronger than you with superior cardio, and you can't stop me, then what is so antiquated about that?

First game ball goes to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham; the second goes to Wayne Gallman.

S   M   A   S   H   ~   M   O   U   T   H

N.Y. Giants: Basking in November Daylight

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK TEN

Eagles    17

Giants    27

FINAL

First Five Games vs. Last Five Games Like Night and Daylight

You can't be disappointed with what you do not expect!  

The Giants snapped their losing skid against the Eagle, tie for most wins in the division, and set themselves up for a potential playoff appearance.  All of which makes for a good day in the neighborhood.  

Whereas a 3-7 record is indeed unsightly, they are 3-2 in their last five games and winners of two in a row.  If nothing else, they are trending in a positive direction.  It's the byproduct of demonstrable improvement in all aspects of their game.

Daniel Jones this season has been the slowest to progress.  But it seems as if he's finally coming around.  Is he trending?  No, I have a rule: one is an occurrence, twice is a coincidence, and three times equals a trend.  Sunday marks only his second straight game without a turnover, and wouldn't you know, the Giants win two straight.  But whereas he fumbled twice last week and the Giants recovered, this game was clean - no interceptions and no muffs whatsoever.  Otherwise, Jones was 21/28 for 244 yards and rushed for his first touchdown of the season.  He has thrown just one touchdown pass over the last two games, which perhaps demonstrates just how great a role ball control and game management really play.

Jones continues padding the rushing numbers.  On Sunday, he scampered nine times for 64 yards.  If opposing defenses want to offer him daylight, by all means, take advantage.  However, I do not want Daniel Jones dominating the run game for obvious reasons.  In the absence of Saquon Barkley, he is easily the team's leading rusher with 384 total yards on 49 attempts.  That equates to 35% of the Giants' ground game.  They have grossed 1,105 yards this season.  Wayne Gallman is the second leading rusher with 275 yards.  Against the Eagles, Gallman and Alfred Morris joined in rushing 26 times for 87 yards.  Not great, but it's enough to keep pass-action viable.  

All told, the Giants rushed 36 times against the Eagles for 151 yards.  After failing to breach 100 yards in their first three games and four of the first five, the Giants have now rushed for 100+ yards in five consecutive games and six of their last seven.  In fact, they've now exceeded 150+ yards in two straight games and three times in their last four (twice against PHI and once against WAS).  They are out-rushing their opponents this season by a slim +96 yard differential and rank 14th in rushing attempts, 16th in yards per game, and 11th in total yards gained.  Through the first four weeks of the season, the Giants were ranked near the bottom in all the aforementioned categories.

Improvement ...

N.Y. Giants: Hail to the Blue Team, Hail Victory

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Hail Victory..!

WEEK NINE

Giants        23

NoNames   20

FINAL

Too bad they can't play W every week; Big Blue would be undefeated.  

The Giants sweep the season series from the No Names with a dramatic 23-20 victory at Washington.  After starting the season 0-5, they are now trending 2-2 in their last four games.  

Dare I say this was perhaps their most impressive game this season?  I say that after watching them play a little bit of bend don't break, and a little bit of smash mouth.  

Daniel Jones technically did not turn the ball over, but he fumbled twice, and the ball was recovered each time.  He threw no interceptions for just the second time this season.  Jones and Alex Smith nearly have the same number of attempts and completions.  But whereas the veteran Smith throws for 325 yards, Jones tops out at a mere 212 yards.  Each throws for a touchdown.  However, Alex Smith throws three interceptions, and Jones wins the day.

Low and behold, ball security and control prove pivotal for the Giants.  This is what happens when you rush the ball effectively - you hold the ball for 36:27 minutes!  The Giants rush for 166 gross yards.  Wayne Gallman, Dion Lewis, and Alfred Morris rush 26 times for 140 yards.  Most of this takes place behind and to the left of center Nick Gates and against a formidable Washington front seven.  Andrew Thomas enjoys a rebound game.  Shane Lemieux starting in place of (COVID) Will Hernandez, puts forth a stellar effort at left-guard.  The offensive line as a whole continues to incrementally improve.  The Giants have now rushed for 100+ yards in five of their last six games. 

Big Blue's defense is eighth-best against the run!  That ranks them right alongside the Ravens and Steelers.  They limit Washington to just 37 total yards on nine rushes.  Every week Blake Martinez' star shines brighter and brighter.  He dutifully leads the team with ten tackles. 

Leonard Williams records his fifth sack, putting him just two away from matching his career-high with seven games left in the season.  How are you feeling about the trade now?