N.Y. Giants: Dave Gettleman Facing Fourth And Long

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

SEASON FINALE

Cowboys 19

Giants     23

FINAL

The Eagles play dead, Washington wins their final game of the regular season, and the Giants are out of the playoffs.  

This is what happens when you place your football fate in the hands of another team.

The Giants didn't deserve to make the playoffs.  Everything else is just noise to me.  You're either a legitimate playoff team, or you're not.  As Bill Parcells always used to say, "You are what your record says you are."  

That makes the Giants a sub-par team.

So long 2020 ...

Hello?

John Mara meddled way too much during Eli Manning's last seasons with the Giants, and they're still paying the price.  Let us not forget what Dave Gettleman inherited from Jerry Reese.  But it's becoming time that Gettleman starts owning this continuing futility.

John Mara wanted to rally around Eli Manning one last time.  So Gettleman signed Nate Solder to a ridiculous contract, then drafted Saquon Barkley and Will Hernandez with his first two selections as the Giants' general manager.  

Afterwhich, Gettleman spent three of his next five picks selecting defensive linemen (Lorenzo Carter, B.J. Hill, R.J. McIntosh).  We mustn't overlook the useless selection of quarterback Kyle Lauletta in the fourth round.  But Gettleman also began breaking down the defense by trading Snacks Harrison, Eli Apple, Olivier Vernon, et al., and eventually letting Landon Collins walk. This is what I call conflicting agendas.  

Selecting Saquon Barkley with the second overall pick was questionable in 2018 and remains so today.  To be clear, Barkley's talent is not in question.  The issue at the time was philosophical and more about the team's direction.  I contend Mara's meddling in 2018 compromised Gettleman's cap flexibility and put his drafting a full year behind schedule.  Not coincidentally, after Gettleman traded Odell Beckham Jr. and installed Daniel Jones at quarterback, the Giants' owner(s) have been silent ever since.

With regards to those selected in the 2018 draft, we anticipate a healthy return by Barkley.  Left guard Will Hernandez was originally sidelined by COVID but was clearly struggling beforehand and never did win back his starting job.  Third round supplemental pick defensive back Sam Beals is even lower on the depth charts.  Meanwhile, Lorenzo Carter spent the 2020 season on injured reserve.  Neither B.J. Hill nor R.J. McIntosh has achieved starter status in the Giants 3-4 scheme.  They play behind 2017 second-round pick Dalvin Tomlinson, trade acquisition Leonard Williams, and left end, Dexter Lawrence, selected in the first round of the 2019 draft.

Dexter Lawrence (think Odell Beckham Jr. trade) was the second of a trio of first-round selections for the Giants.  Of course, 2019's first pick was used to select Daniel Jones.  Cornerback Deandre Baker was Gettleman's third first-round selection but is no longer with the team (which deserves its own narrative). Without a number two pick, Oshane Ximines was drafted in the third round as a defensive end.  When that didn't work out, Ximines was moved to linebacker but wound up another casualty on the injured reserve list.  Julian Love and Darius Slayton are keepers, whereas Ryan Connerly and Corey Ballentine are both gone.  Lastly, seventh-round selections George Asafo-Adjel and (and yet another failed defensive lineman) Chris Slayton are nowhere to be found.

The 2020 draft was another mixed bag of goods.  Selecting three offensive linemen within the team's first five picks was impressive.  Andrew Thomas was the fourth overall selection of the draft.  His season was filled with both good times and bad, but I expect he'll improve.  Matt Peart and Shane Lemieux came on strong as the season progressed.  In fact, Lemieux's effective play kept Will Hernandez on the sidelines.  Gettleman, with his second and fourth picks, selected Xavier McKinney and Darnay Holmes.  Gettleman then drafted four linebackers with minimal impact.

I'm going to credit Dave Gettleman with ten draft hits in just under thirty attempts.  Keep in mind a player's best ability is his availability.  If a player is hurt, that player is probably not on my list.  Otherwise, the respective levels of success are debatable:

1. Saquon Barkley
2. Will Hernandez
3. Daniel Jones
4. Dexter Lawrence
5. Julian Love
6. Darius Slayton
7. Andrew Thomas
8. Xavier McKinney
9. Matt Peart
10. Shane Lemieux

One thing Gettleman cannot be criticized for is ignoring the offensive line.  You wanted hog mollies; you got hog mollies.  However, his draft selections at linebacker and defensive line have mostly been terrible.  His choices for the secondary have been hit or miss.  Insofar as the 2020 season, the 2018 draft proved largely inconsequential.  The 2019 draft at least yielded four starters.  If I'm not mistaken, Darius Slayton is Gettleman's lone wide receiver selection through three drafts.

The main takeaway from the Odell Beckham trade remains Dexter Lawrence.  While Jabrill Peppers has been more than serviceable, the aforementioned Oshane Ximines has not.

The upside to acquiring Leonard Williams from the Jets now rests in Gettleman's hands.  To pay him, or not, is the question.  Williams, at 26-years old, enjoyed a career season with the Giants.  In twelve starts and sixteen games, he set career highs with 11.5 sacks and 30 QBhits.  His 29 solo and 28 assisted tackles were his most since (2016) his second year in the league.  Leonard Williams and Dalvin Tomlinson are both headed towards free agency.  It's hard to imagine the Giants signing both.  And so, we cycle back to the draft and Gettleman's generally poor history of drafting defensive linemen.

After the 2021 season, the office of general manager will likely need revisiting anyway.  First and foremost, Gettleman's age and well being must be taken into consideration.  But for as long as he feels up for the task, then the Giants are 15-33 (.312) during his tenure.  

Isn't it odd how his win percentage and his rate of draft hits are alarmingly similar?

His next draft will be his fourth as general manager of the Giants.

N.Y. Giants: Defense Singing the Offensive Blues

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Go West Young Men!

WEEK FOUR

New York Giants

vs.

Los Angeles Rams

FROM

Spanking New Stadium

Lost in the Offensive Ordeal is a Representative Effort on Defense 

What if I said the Giants and Patriots were tied on defense in total yards allowed.  It's true.  Both are presently tied for twelfth with 1,073 yards allowed.  They're essentially allowing per week the same amount of yardage as the Saints, Chiefs, Patriots and even a few yards less than the Packers.  Only difference being is the aforementioned teams are playoff contenders if not Super Bowl contenders and the Giants are not.

In the meantime, Patrick Graham's defense has given up the tenth least yards passing, averaging 234 yards per game.  They've generated eight sacks (four by linebackers and three by the line) and 19 other QB hits, and recovered one fumble.  They've so far yielded the fourteenth most yards rushing (369), averaging 123 yards per game and are smack dab in the middle of the league in points allowed, averaging 26.3 points per game.

Now consider they've been on the field an average of 34:39 per game.  The San Francisco Back-Ups held the ball for 39:44 minutes.  In fact, all these numbers are quite polluted by last week's game against the Niners.

The fact that linebacker Blake Martinez is leading the team in tackles is a good thing.  Corner backs Julian Love and Logan Ryan are second and third respectively.  Fourth in is linebacker Lorenzo Carter; defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence is fifth; defensive end Leonard Williams, sixth.  This is a good (not ideal) spread all things considered.  You don't want your corner backs leading the team in tackles for obvious reasons.

Otherwise, all the above speaks very well for this young defense.  

I can't say that about the other side of the ball.  The Giants are near last in passing and dead last in rushing.  I have so far seen zero offensive creativity much less adaptability from Jason Garrett.  I do not foresee much changing this week.  I just keep my eye on the offensive line and wait.     

Week One: New York Giants Ground Game Rushes Headlong into Steel Curtain

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK ONE

STEELERS     26

GIANTS         16

FINAL

GIANTS RUNNING GAME STOPPED COLD IN ITS TRACKS

I left off saying my attention would be focused on the offensive line's performance.  Game one is done and the results are in.

Facing a stout Pittsburgh defense, the line fails to create even a glint of daylight for Saquon Barkley who rushes fifteen times for an inconsequential six yards.  Dion Lewis rushes once for one yard giving the Giants backfield seven net yards on sixteen rushes.  Daniel Jones triples their output scrambling four times for 22 yards.

Insofar as pass protection goes, Jones is sacked three times and hit another eight times.  Playing under duress throughout, Jones throws 26/41 (63%) for 279 yards with two interceptions and a pair of touchdown connections with Darius Slayton.  The sophomore receiver makes six receptions for 102 yards.

Daniel Jones actually keeps the Giants on par with the Steelers insofar as first downs and third down efficiency.  In fact, Jones out-passes Big Ben who only throws 21/32 for 229 yards.  Of course the major difference is Pittsburgh's ability to rush for 141 yards on thirty attempts.  Even then, in the absence of an effective running game Daniel Jones still manages to keep possession of the ball for 28:16 minutes.  But two interceptions ruin his cause.  The first is an ill-advised dying quail intercepted by Cameron Heyward in the end zone and the second is intercepted in Giants territory by defensive lineman T.J. Watt who appears to read the play like a book.  Last season Daniel Jones accounts for 30 turnovers.  So far that's two TO's in the books with fifteen games to go.

The beleaguered Leonard Williams and second year lineman Dexter Lawrence register their first respective sacks.  Otherwise, the Giants defense allows 132 rushing yards (not including nine yards from Big Ben) and yields ten decisive points in the fourth quarter.

N.Y. Giants: Vikings Sack MetLife Stadium

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

BACK TO THE LAB

WEEK FIVE

Vikings  28

Giants    10

FINAL

WEEK FIVE REACTION: YOUNG GIANTS ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE GROWING PAINS, BUT THERE ARE SURE SIGNS OF BETTER DAYS AHEAD.

I kinda saw this coming, so I'm not gonna get twisted out of shape.  Remember, you can not be disappointed with what you do not expect.  Instead I'm here to speak of the positives from this game.

Despite Sunday's further compromising of the running game, the Hog Mollies continue proving their collective worth.  Allowing four sacks and eight other QB hits might speak otherwise.  But closer inspection reveals their growing cohesion.  Through five games I'm agreeably copacetic with the respective performances up the middle from Will Hernandez, Jon Halapoi, and Kevin Zeitler.  Otherwise glaring issues where it concerns week five should be kept within the context of losing Wayne Gallman very early in the game due to concision protocol.  Although not a gargantuan task, I'm sure having Daniel Jones attempt 38 passes was not Coach Shurmur's plan heading in.  Forced into playing catch-up football minus Wayne Gallman, Coach limits Jonathan Hilliman and Elijhaa Penny to just 12 rushing attempts for 35-yards.

On Coach Shurmur himself, he has my attention.  That should be construed as a compliment.

Daniel Jones is 21/38 (55%) for 182 yards, with an INT, and one touchdown.  Unsightly numbers to be sure but I continue appreciating what I see ... loss be damned.  His accuracy, arm strength, feel for the pocket, toughness, mobility, and overall on-field intelligence, have been nothing short of impressive.  He and fellow rookie Darius Slayton also appear to be forming a wonderful relationship together.  The impact of Golden Tate's return is yet to be determined.

The defense spent nearly 33-minutes on the field.  I kinda expected that as well.  The Giants are thoroughly compromised at linebacker and it showed on Sunday.  The Vikings rush for 211 total yards.  Meanwhile Adam Thielen burned the secondary for 130 yards and two touchdowns.  However there were times when the Giants beleaguered secondary actually provides marvelous coverage.  In turn the defense generates three sacks.  Two sacks come from the young guys up front.  Rookie Dexter Lawrence registers his second sack of the season, and sophomore tackle RJ McIntosh records his first ever NFL sack.  But the Giants only generate three other QB hits.

With an eye on Dave Gettleman's draft picks, I see worth in week five's loss.

Giants have a quick turnaround.  They play the Patriots at Foxboro on Thursday night.

N.Y. Giants: Two Big and Two Blue To Be True

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK FOUR

D.C. Football   3

GIANTS        24

FINAL

Ask and ye shall receive ...

Prior to Sunday's game I left off saying:

The ability to run effectively is a fundamental pigskin necessity.  Between Wayne Gallman and perhaps rookie Jonathan Hilliman it would please me to see them join for 25 to 30 rushing attempts.  Not so much in an effort to beat Washington, but for sake of establishing offensive credibility in the weeks to come.  I can't speak for Big Blue's defense.  But I do know the best way of limiting their time on the field is for the offensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage.  Win time of possession for a change.  Get behind the Hog Mollies and at least try running with power.  If they create daylight Wayne Gallman will find it.  Then Daniel Jones can go about his job of being a good quarterback.

The Giants defense spends less than 24-minutes on the field!

That's because the offense achieves 24 first downs and possess the ball for over 36-minutes.  I understand Washington isn't exactly up to NFL standards, but who are we to judge.  They play the opponent in front of them.  The mission was to beat Washington, and the Giants did just that.  Wayne Gallman and rookie Jonathan Hilliman rush 28 times for 99 yards and a touchdown.  All told the Giants rush for 164 yards on 37 attempts, including 5/33 from Daniel Jones (16-yard gain eluding a sack).  Take away dandy Jones numbers and the Giants still rush 32 times for 131 yards, with seven rushing first downs.  Gallman also makes six receptions for 55 yards and a score, giving him 118 combined yards from scrimmage with two touchdowns.

That's how you seize the moment!

But I'd be remiss if I didn't rain praise upon the Hog Mollies.  I put Sunday's game squarely upon their shoulders.  They respond with a commendable effort.  The Giants are now 2-2 at the one-quarter mile turn as a result.  In addition to creating clock-controlling daylight, the offensive line yields no sacks and just four QB hits all day.  In turn Daniel Jones goes 23/31 for 225 yards (7.3 yards per pass), with a touchdown, and the first two INT's of his career.  It's good, in a way, that they happen and quickly get put behind him.  After all if you're not throwing INTs, you're not trying.  Otherwise Jones throws/runs for 13 first downs and completes 74% of his pass attempts.

Cycling back to the defense, make that six straight stellar quarters of football.  After limiting Tampa to three second half points, the Giants limit Washington to three points all game.  Washington QB's Dwayne Haskins and Case Keenum join forces on 121 yards passing, and four INTs.  The Giants defense generates three sacks and eight other QB hits.  The Giants hold Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson to just 32 yards on 15 rushes.  Haskins winds up leading D.C. with 23 yards on the ground.

First round pick Dexter Lawrence quietly makes one tackle.  Third round selection Oshane Ximines has joined on a sack in each of the last three games.  Last year's third round selection B.J. Hill has yet to register a sack.  Janoris Jenkins and the rest of the secondary play well.  Julius Peppers in particular has a big day with six tackles and a pick-six.

N.Y. Giants: The Post Odell Beckham Jr. Era Begins

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

FIRST WORD

New York Football Giants: Rings, Receivers, and Rebuilds.

Here is a small list of reasons why I believe the Giants did right by trading Odell Beckham Jr., and why they'll survive without him:

• Bobby Johnson; Lionel Manuel; Phil McConkey; Stephen Baker; Stacy Robinson; Mark Ingram; Plaxico Burress; Amani Toomer; David Tyre; Victor Cruz; Hakeem Nicks; et al.  

Odell is unquestionably the best talent at the position the Giants ever had.  In fact some of the aforementioned names shouldn't even be mentioned in the same conversation where it concerns the freakish ability Beckham brings to the gridiron.  However I do not believe Super Bowl contenders are predicated on wide receivers.  They're low on my list after defensive play makers, offensive linemen, and quarterbacks.  I'll take a Pro Bowl caliber center or a two-way tight end any day; receivers not so much.  Give me good pass protection; give me a productive running game; and I'll show you a highlight stream packed with game breaking pass receptions made by ordinarily good receivers.

There's also the matter of Odell's contract.  At $90 million dollars the Browns can have him.  I can think of numerous other ways to ruin the salary cap, but spending that much money based on Odell's previous availability alone is not one of them.  However by first signing Beckham Dave Gettleman just may have provided another general manager a measure of cost certainty versus having to wait out the process and acquiring him as a free agent.  Just a theory, and perhaps a bad one.  But truth is Cleveland was perfectly positioned to acquire him.

Otherwise I find it virtually impossible taking NFL general managers at their word.  Rather I expect half truths and double speak.  Expecting them to reveal their hand is being naive.  It's just the nature of the business.  Therefore, I pay little or no attention to what they say, and focus instead on what they actually do.  Be it a shrewd move on Gettleman's part or not, this transaction still must be viewed within the context of team building and roster maneuvering.  In two short seasons Gettleman has purged many a popular name from the Giants ranks, not just Odell.  The team Beckham once knew and played for has all but been disassembled.  Therefore it was hard envisioning him outlasting a third head coach, much less Pat Shurmur.  And that's why I do not get caught up in Dave Gettleman's widely perceived propaganda.

If defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, drafted with the #1 pick they received from Cleveland, develops into a legitimate player, and safety Jabrill Peppers proves his worth, all the better.

I purposefully steered clear from making any mention of Eli Manning.  There's a reason for it, of which I will get into very shortly ...

NEXT: The Hog Mollies Are Coming!