N.Y. Giants: Jason Garrett and Devontae Booker Getting In Step With Running Game

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

SUNDAY

Raiders    16

GIANTS    23

FINAL

Is Jason Garrett Shedding the Sunglasses?

Better late than never, but Jason Garrett seems to finally have figured out that running to daylight is still a worthwhile endeavor.  

Against Kansas City, Devontae Booker rushed 16 times and averaged 4.0 yards per attempt for 60 yards.  But the rushing game versus the Chiefs started and ended there.  Daniel Jones accounted for the only other five scrambles, and not so much as a single touch for Elijhaa Penny. Instead, the plan was for Jones to attempt 32 passes.

Let's be clear: the Raiders suck against the run.  Las Vegas allowed the eighth-most ground yardage to date.  But let us not forget the compromised state of the Giant offensive line.  That being said, in the absence of Saquon Barkley, Devontae Booker set season-highs with 21 rushes for 99 yards and 4.7 yards per average.  Elijhaa Penny rushed another five times for 35 yards and an average of 7.0 per attempt.  Together, Booker and Penny rushed 26 times for 134 yards.  It marks the most times this season Jason Garrett has called upon the backfield on non-receiving plays.  Even if you subtract Booker's and Penny's respective long gains, they still joined in mustering 102 yards on 24 attempts for an average of 4.25 yards per attempt.  

As such, the Giants were able to possess the ball for 30:11, which matters extraordinarily when you consider the Raiders mounted over 400 yards of offense.  Las Vegas had 13 more plays from scrimmage than the Giants but could not survive three turnovers.  Thus, the Raiders' opportunities were likewise limited by a lack of time.  In the meantime, Daniel Jones managed a somewhat more conservative yet effective performance, connecting on 15 of just 20 attempts and one for a touchdown to Evan Engram.

Did the defense save the Giants' Big Blue posterior?  You bet they did.

But if Jason Garrett tosses away the sunglasses and continues this new pursuit rushing the ball, the Giants will no doubt benefit.  

One has to stick with it from the first through fourth quarter; rushing is a cumulative effect.  

With discipline come results.

N.Y. Giants: Daniel Jones Gets in Some Early Trick or Treating

From the desk:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK SEVEN

Panthers     3

GIANTS     25

FINAL

Sometimes You Just Have To Take Matters Into Your Own Hands

Was Week Five's bell-ringer at Dallas not an indication that this type of football is unsustainable?

Daniel Jones attempted 33 passes, ran the ball eight times, and caught one pass for 16 yards.  That's a full day's work.  But it's utter folly on behalf of the coaching staff who continue putting Jones in harm's way.

Of course, desperation sets in when you start the season with a 1-5 record.  A large part of the problem is the ten other offensive inefficiencies playing alongside Jones.  Injuries have indeed taken their toll.  I understand there needs to be a certain level of improvisation that must take place and that Daniel's activity just may have limited him to being sacked only twice and with five other QB hits.  

The problem is, Jason Garrett called a season-high 23 (non-QB) rushes, which is still not nearly enough.  What's the sense if Daniel Jones accounted for 25% of all run plays on Sunday, and on a trick play, they put him into position to absorb yet another open field tackle?

Seven of the Giants' 21 first downs against Carolina came via the run.  Devontae Booker is averaging 3.2 yards per rush this season behind an inferior offensive line.  He ran 14 times for 51 yards (3.6 AVG) against Carolina.

Why not run more?

Non-quarterback runs only account for 32.1% of all rushing plays from scrimmage.  Based on 127 non-quarterback rushes for 422 total yards (3.2 AVG), the Giants this season have averaged just 18 rushes for 60.2 yards per game.  Meanwhile, Daniel Jones is averaging 38 pass attempts (Dallas game not included) and six scrambles per game, accounting for 67.9% of all plays from scrimmage.

Receptions out of the backfield are equally impotent.  They account for only 15% of pass catches for 204 total yards or just 29.1 yards per game.  It's embarrassing when the backfield cannot average 100 yards per game via receptions and passing combined.  But truth be told, they can do more if Jason Garrett wills it.

Before going down that rabbit hole, I first demand that rookie offensive line coach Rob Sale do a better job.  Lest we forget, the Giants started last season with Marc Colombo, who was fired midseason by Joe Judge when the two experienced a significant disagreement in which it's been said they nearly came to blows.  Colombo was replaced with widely traveled former Giant assistant line coach (2004-2008) Dave DeGuglielmo.  In February, the Giants signed University of Louisiana-Lafayette offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Rob Sale.

To Sale's credit, Andrew Thomas is greatly improved, but injuries are proving ruinous.  Even then, the present times necessitate more be done to improve their collective performance.  This is about teaching and adapting and being creative on the fly.

And unless they want Mike Glennon taking snaps the rest of the season, I advise Giant coaches at the very least to teach Daniel Jones how to properly slide.

N.Y. Giants: Judge Renders A Bad Decision

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

DARK BLUE DAYS AHEAD

WEEK SIX

Rams        38

GIANTS     11

FINAL

Coaches Continue Putting Daniel Jones In Harm's Way  

Last week Jason Garrett put Daniel Jones in harm's way by calling a goal-line naked bootleg without left tackle Andrew Thomas on the field.  The result was Daniel Jones winding up in concussion protocol.  On Sunday, Coach Judge leaves Daniel Jones in a game trailing the Rams by 28-points after three quarters.  Both were bad decisions, only this time, the head coach escapes without incident.  

Joe Judge said he left Jones in the game for the sake of competing.  What he really did was make Daniel Jones attempt 51 inconsequential passes, all for no good reason.  It was a nice gesture, but with this offensive line, still somewhat foolish.  

Nate Solder was moved over to the left side in place of Andrew Thomas.  That's a threefold problem.  He already needs help from the tight end and backfield just to secure the right side.  It's problematic for Jason Garrett, who must cheat on formations and play call around Solder's inefficiencies.  In turn, it makes the Giants' offense very predictable.  If Nate Solder is switching over to the quarterback's blind side, you do not play Daniel Jones in a meaningless fourth quarter - not after Solder allowed a sack on the Giants' very first play from scrimmage.

Look, the Giants do not have an NFL grade tight end, period.  Argue with me if you will.  Saquon Barkley is out, and they played without Darius Slayton and Kenny Golladay as well.  Kadarius Toney injured his ankle during the Giants' first offensive series, and Andrew Thomas was likewise injured. 

If Joe Judge wanted to do something constructive, he should have turned to his offensive coordinator and told him to rush the freaking ball no matter the outcome.  Devontae Booker rushed twelve times for 41 yards, and Elijhaa Penny three times for 15 yards.  Together they averaged 2.7 yards per attempt.  All told, the Giants rushed 15 times for 55 yards.  However, Booker averaged 3.4 yards per rush - that's worth a potential first down.  How is that any worse than three INTs, a fumble, and 22 incomplete passes?  Not to mention, Daniel Jones was coming off concussion protocol and, in the game, absorbed unnecessary hits.  

Wrong decision by the head coach.

N.Y. Giants: Week Five Angry Take

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK FIVE

Giants        20

COWBOYS  44

FINAL

Dazed and Confused

Let's see ...

I'm the offensive coordinator and already down three wide receivers (Kenny Golladay, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard).  In the first quarter, I lose my starting running back (Saquon Barkley), and I'm missing Andrew Thomas, my starting left tackle.  

I know; let me put my quarterback in jeopardy!

The play in which Daniel Jones was hurt was mindless, senseless, ponderous on Jason Garrett's part.  

Third and goal, two tight ends, a fullback, hand it off to Devontae Booker, and the Giants likely score.

But, no ...

Jason Garrett calls for a naked bootleg.  Jones sustains a helmet-to-helmet hit and is driven headfirst into the turf.  When Jones picks himself up off the ground, he's clearly disoriented, foaming at the mouth and wobbly on his legs.  Afterwhich he needed to be carted off the field and did not return.  

I've been saying for five weeks now: Daniel Jones cannot be the team's primary run threat!

I put this all on Jason Garrett.

N.Y. Giants: Onus is on Jason Garret to Elevate Saquon Barkley's Game

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

HOG MOLLIES STILL RUNNING IN MUD

Saquon Barkley: Playing Truth or Dare

Daniel Jones needs help, and truth be told, it's incumbent upon Saquon Barkley to supply much of it.  After all, that was Dave Gettleman's original vision, was it not?  Upon drafting Barkley, he said teams will stack the box and thus open up downfield opportunities.

'Memba?  I 'memba ...

Saquon Barkley has rushed 52 times for 186 yards through four games, averaging 13 carries for 46.5 yards per game.  Meanwhile, Daniel Jones is averaging 36 attempts per game.

His sixteen attempts against Atlanta are to date a season-high.  However, his two best efforts arguably came against Washington and New Orleans, in which he averaged over four yards per rush.

Barkley has caught 14 of 19 targets out of the backfield for 130 yards, giving him 66 total touches for 316 yards or 16.5 touches for 79 yards per game.

That's simply not enough.

First, we are forced to ask, is Saquon still playing through the lingering effects of last year's injury and recovery efforts?  We also have to decipher whether we're witnessing a lack of confidence and hesitancy on Saquon's part versus an ability to instinctually pound the ball between the tackles?  We just don't know.

If Saquon is indeed feeling 100%, then it's the offensive line that is still nowhere near creating enough daylight.  While Andrew Thomas is developing into an outstanding tackle, Nate Solder remains a liability at the other end, Will Hernandez is still not back up to snuff.  Ben Bredeson and Billy Price continue covering for the injured Nick Gates.

However, the biggest reason for the Giants inconsequential running game remains Jason Garrett's continued unbalanced attack, much less his play selection itself. 

If they're building up Saquon Barkley's workload on an incremental basis, we should soon be seeing Saquon rush twenty and 25 times per game.

This doesn't even bring into question why Devontae Booker only has seven rushing attempts for 22 yards.

N.Y. Giants: Offense Rises to the Occasion

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK FOUR

Giants  27

SAINTS  21

OVERTIME

Daniel Jones and the Offensive Side of the Ball Finally Carry the Defense to Victory

• ICYMI: Joe Judge Plants His Flag

An overtime win makes it even more meaningful.

The Giant third-year quarterback has actually done a lot of things right this season.  But an 0-3 start didn't bear that out.  

After four weeks, it can now be said Daniel Jones and Kenny Golladay pose a legitimate threat.  Golladay caught six passes for 116 yards, and Jones was 28/40 for a career-high 402 yards.  It marks only the sixth time he's eclipsed 300-yards passing and the first since his rookie season, which also means the first time under Jason Garrett.

In the absence of Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, rookie Kadarius Toney made his first start, catching six passes on nine targets for 78 yards.

Saquon Barkley accounted for 18 touches for 126 total yards and the game-winning touchdown.  His actual effectiveness lay in six catches for 74 yards, including a 54-yard reception for a score.  Five other catches for 20 yards is still worth its while.  He rushed 13 times for 52 yards with a long of 17 yards.  Minus the long, he rushed 12 times for 25 yards, an average of 2.9 yards per run.  More importantly, he capped off a nine-play 75-yard drive with a six-yard romp into the endzone for the winning score.  

All told, Barkley and Devontae Booker rushed 14 times for 58 yards, and I have a big problem with that. Four scrambles by Daniel Jones gave the Giants an even twenty running attempts for the game.  That's nowhere near enough.

Why on earth did Devontae Booker only rush one time, and why the hell is Evan Engram and Kadarius Toney rushing at all?  The answer is clearly Jason Garrett, who continues to hinder this offense.

The Hog Mollies yielded no sacks and just six quarterback touches.  But the Giants only achieved four first downs via the run, whereas the Saints gained nine first downs on the ground.  In fact, the Saints rushed 33 times for 142 yards (minus QB) and possessed the ball for 37:31 minutes.

That's what I want ...

Playing without Blake Martinez, linebacker Tae Crowder tied Logan Ryan with a team-high nine tackles.  Leonard Williams assisted on five tackles with only one solo stop.  Said another way, the Giants generated no sacks and no pressure - not one quarterback hit.  Meanwhile, Alvin Kamara outran the entire Giants' team.  He pounded the ball 26 times, mainly up the middle for 120 yards, and only had a long of ten yards.

But a win is a win, is a win.

N.Y. Giants: What's The Play!?

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

GETTING DARK EARLY AT EAST RUTHERFORD

WEEK THREE

Falcons    17

GIANTS  14

FINAL

More Mistakes, More Flags, More Mismanagement, More Losing

Once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  With Sunday's loss against the worst team on their schedule, the Giants now own an 0-3 record after three weeks.  It speaks for itself.

Week three featured yet more second-half folly.  Moreover, the offensive line penalties are becoming maddening; otherwise, eight-team penalties for 53 yards.  

At about the 9:00 mark of the third, Will Hernandez, who should absolutely know better, was flagged for an ineligible man downfield.  It cost Saquon Barkley a 23-yard gain.

If you were watching on TV, at 6:29 of the third quarter Daniel Jones was changing the play at the line of scrimmage.  Or was he?  Because not just once, but at least twice, we heard very clearly someone yelling out, "What is the play?"  When they finally do snap the ball, Brad Bredeson is flagged for holding.  

Nate Solder was called for another costly fourth-quarter penalty, and Billy Price another.  It's downright exasperating, and it costs the Giants games.

The Hog Mollies yielded two sacks and five other hits, which is manageable.  But they're still not creating requisite daylight.  They rushed 19 times for just 61 yards.  Saquon Barkley rushed 16 times for 51 yards.  Daniel Jones ran for 39 yards giving the Giants 100 yards for the game, but as I've been saying, this is far from optimal, nor is it tenable.

Where in the world was Deventae Booker?  Why isn't he increasing Giants' rushes to upwards of 22 to 25 per game?  Why the hell did they shovel money at him if they're not going to play him?  Elijhaa Penny and Gary Brightwell rush three times for ten yards.  

Really?

Cycling back to Jason Garrett, despite a season-high 19 rushing attempts, his play calling is still far from balanced and sometimes even nonsensical.  Why would you devise a running play for the fullback to rush around the edge?

I'll wait ...

It doesn't end there.  In the first half, Daniel Jones and the Giants' offense did many things right.  But the Giants entered the red zone three times and stalled, including a dropped pass in the end zone, thus coming away with only six points, only to lose by a field goal.

The Giants trailed 7-6 at the half, ordinarily nothing to fret over.  That is until a mistake-riddled third quarter.  

Some of that is on Joe Judge.  He needs to clean up this pandemic of penalties and better manage his timeouts!

But unlike Jason Garrett, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham called a decent game.  The Giants posted an improved three sacks and six other hits.  They held the Falcons to 17 points and under 300 total yards.  Atlanta rushed for just 69 yards, and Matt Ryan was held to 243 yards passing.  However, another costly penalty near the goal line afforded the Falcons a second chance resulting in an easy touchdown connection with the tight end.

Yes, in consecutive fourth-quarter drives, they yielded the tying score and winning score.  They even dropped a potential interception in the end zone.  But I can't put this loss on the defense, fourth-quarter letdown, and all.  Lest we forget, they lost Blake Martinez in the first half and for the season.

Despite mixing and matching Hog Mollies, investing foolishly big bucks on receiver Kenny Golladay, picking up a tight end, and selecting Kadarius Toney in the draft, the Giants' biggest problems remain on the offensive side of the ball, and not necessarily Daniel Jones.  Nor can penalties and rushing inefficiency be blamed on injuries to Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard.

With the game tied at fourteen, the Giants were given the ball with 4:13 left and mustered nothing except for Solder's holding penalty.

Sunday's loss makes two games they've been held under fifteen points.

The numbers tell no lies.

N.Y. Giants: Line of Scrimmage Still in the Dark

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK THREE

Falcons

vs.

GIANTS

If The Hog Mollies Can't Push Around The Atlanta Falcons, Then Who Can They Push?

Some intelligent guy from Greece once said: man is the measure of all things.  If we apply this to football, the Atlanta Falcons will measure the Giants' offensive line.  Because, as I say: once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  

Thus, into Game Three, we go.

Another intelligent person on Twitter said that if the Giants get more first downs, the defense spends less time on the field.

Indeed!

1. Week One, the Broncos achieved 24 first downs, 17 passing, four running, and three on penalties. 
2. Week Two, Washington completed 25 first downs, 13 passing, eight running, and four on penalties.

• Through two weeks, opponents have achieved 49 first downs, 30 passing, twelve running, and seven on penalties.

1. Against the Broncos, the Giants earned 19 first downs, 13 passing, three running, and three on penalties.
2. Against Washington, they completed 21 first downs, ten passing, seven running, and four on penalties.

• All told, the Giants have achieved 40 first downs, 23 passing, ten running, and seven on penalties.

Said another way, the Giants are getting outplayed.  But do with these numbers as you will.  Just know they're being polluted by Daniel Jones.  The Giant quarterback leads the team through two games with 122 yards running on 15 romps, with two touchdowns, one fumble, and no trip-ups ... yet.

The backfield of Saquon Barkley and Devontae Booker together has rushed 29 times for 99 yards.  If you take away Barkley's 41-yard run against Washington, Saquon finishes that game with twelve rushes for 16 yards.  With his 41-yard romp, Barkley has now rushed 23 times for 83 total yards, averaging 3.6 yards per run.  He carried ten times against the Broncos and 13 times against Washington.  Is he being eased back into action coming off last year's injury?  Indeed he is.

However, the numbers still speak for themselves.  In light of Saquon's soft return, there are two, actually three, big reasons why Devontae Booker is not helping bring the rushes per game up from 14 and 15 to upwards of twenty-plus per game.  

Sometimes stuff like this needs to be revisited ...

ONE  -  The days of the highly skilled blocking fullback (Maurice Carthon) have gone the way of the Dodo Bird - flightless, grounded, extinct.  Phil Simms and the Giants do not win Super Bowl XXI without Joe Morris; Jeff Hostetler and company do not win XXV without Otis Anderson.  Heck, Kerry Collins, and Jim Fassel do not get to XXXV without Tiki Barber.  What these three teams had in common was a formidable offensive line.  After the 2000 season, Ernie Accorsi further supplemented it, and that offensive line set a record for consecutive games played together.  They all waited for Eli Manning to grow up, and when he did, the Giants won two more Super Bowls.  But, of course, that doesn't happen without Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.  What did the 1986/1990 Giants have in common with 2007/2011 Giants, you ask?  Both teams featured Pro Bowl-caliber centers in Bart Oates and Shaun O'Hara.

TWO. -  Bill Parcell's Giants were straight out smash mouth.  Simms was tasked with being a field manager.  That's why he glistened in Super Bowl XXI because entering that game, the Giants had already stamped the NFL with their running game.  Nor did 2007 and 2011 happen without offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, who, despite pass-happy Tom Coughlin, called a balanced game; after all, the Giants featured a formidable running game.  The point being, offensive coordinator Jason Garrett is the one calling plays.  His style often works contrary to the available talent pool; his sense of pass/run balance is nonexistent.  Everything in between is rightly within questioning.

THREE  -  Forget the history lesson; the Hog Mollies are simply not performing at a contending level, never have.  After 2011, Jerry Reese then Dave Gettleman have never satisfactorily rebuilt the offensive line.  Instead, they effectively ruined the latter part of Eli Manning's career.  But I digress.  The offensive line is not creating enough daylight.  Open a lane, and I can push a mailbox through for positive yardage.  Otherwise, the line of scrimmage remains dark.  Whether by design or taking what is given, yardage gained by Daniel Jones is strictly opportunistic football.  It's the complete antithesis of what we Giant fans know works because it's been proven: clock-control smash-mouth football.

The season-ending injury to Shane Lemieux, and presently to Nick Gates (IR) further compound matters.  The Giants will be moving forward with Andrew Thomas, Ben Bredeson, Billy Price at the center, Will Hernandez, and Nate Solder, with Matt Peart and recently signed (C) Jonothan Harrison on call.  

Newly inserted center Billy Price did not at all have a good game against Washington.  Andrew Thomas was better from week one to the next.  Nate Solder and Will Hernandez remain pedestrian, and Ben Bredeson performed under par. 

What more can I say, other than there's a reason teams like the Steelers and others make such huge investments into their (center) offensive lines.  

First downs or bust ...

I will go to my grave believing Atlanta lost the Super Bowl to New England because (their then) All-Pro quality center Alex Mack broke his leg just before halftime.  Afterwhich, the Falcons running game completely collapsed like a cheap poker table.  Atlanta's inability to achieve first downs compromised their entire second half.  They instantly became one-dimensional; Bill Belichick and Tom Brady and took care of the rest.

The Denver Broncos have a good defense, and Washington features better security.  But the same cannot be said of the Atlanta Falcons.  We shall see if these Hog Mollies are trending or not.

ICYMI

• All Eyes On Daniel Jones, and the Man Who Drafted Him
• Stumblin' and Fumblin' in Week One Loss to Broncos
• Still In Search of the Elusive Hog Mollies
• Week Two Marred By More Mistakes and Another Fourth Quarter Meltdown
• The Pressure is On For Some, Off For Others

N.Y. Giants: Week Two Marred by More Mistakes and Another Fourth Quarter Meltdown

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK TWO

Giants   29

D.C.       30

FINAL

Week Two Presents Joe Judge With More Problems Than a Math Book

This was supposed to be the game in which the offense carried the defense.

The Giants held the ball for 31:44 minutes, scored 29 points, and should have finished with considerably more if not for a cacophony of penalties that ultimately lost them the game.  

They defeated themselves due to numerous off-sides penalties on offense and another very costly defensive offsides penalty on what should have been a missed field goal to preserve the victory.  One of the cardinal sins in football is giving a kicker a second chance.

Lest we forget, Daniel Jones' touchdown run in the second quarter also got called back because of a holding call against C.J. Board, and of course, there was that big dropped pass by Darius Slayton.

But, as in Week One, the fourth quarter presented the Giants with numerous scoring opportunities but too many mistakes down the stretch trump the narrative.

An already beleaguered offensive line sustained a big blow in the first quarter when Nick Gates was carted off the field with a broken leg.  Gates was moved over to guard after Shane LeMieux earlier in the week was placed on injured reserve.  Ben Bredeson relieved Gates, and preseason acquisition Billy Price started at center.  Hence, the variables leading to so many pressure-laden late-game penalties are in place.

Daniel Jones threw well, going 22/32 for 249 yards and a touchdown.  If Darius Slayton catches the fourth-quarter pass, Daniel's numbers look far more impressive.  Insofar as protection, Jones was sacked four times (seven QB hits), costing 21 yards.  

But Daniel Jones stood firm, just not in the opinion of Kenny Golladay and rookie Kadarius Toney.  But, whereas the veteran Kenny Golladay took his beef straight to Jones and Jason Garrett, the latter took his issues to social media.  Is this a harbinger of things to come?

Meanwhile, in the eternal search for daylight, the backfield (not including Daniel Jones, CJ. Board, and Sterling Shepard) rushed 16 times for 72 yards.  Saquon Barkley was limited to 13 rushes for 57 yards.  But if you subtract his first quarter romp of 41 yards, then Barkley gained only 16 yards on twelve other carries.

Daniel Jones galloped downfield nine times for 95 yards.  If the yardage presents itself, you take it; no qualms there.  My issue is with Jones continually leading the Giants in rushing, which cycles back to Saquon Barkley and an increasingly problematic offensive line.

The defense does not escape me.  That's coming up next ...

N.Y. Giants: Stumblin' and Fumblin' in Week One Loss to Broncos

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK ONE

Broncos   27

Giants      13

FINAL

Offense Leaves Defense Stranded On The Field For Thirty-Five Minutes

There's a lot of fourth-quarter fluff in those end-of-game numbers.  Otherwise, we're talking about an offensive performance mired in futility.  

The Giants possessed the ball for just 24:52, in which they gained only 60 yards on the ground, 33 yards by Saquon Barkley and Devontae Booker, and 27 yards by Daniel Jones, most of which, to reiterate, came in the fourth quarter, and of course, there was his third-quarter fumble.  Meanwhile, the Giants only rushed for three first downs.

Daniel Jones played increasingly better as the situation became direr.  But even then, the Giants had multiple scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter, which stalled miserably.

Sunday's boxscore says Daniel Jones was 22/37 for 267 yards with a touchdown connection to Sterling Shepard.  But, again, much of that was accumulated in the last few possession of the fourth quarter.  He threw incomplete to Kenny Golladay on a fourth and goal, and the Giants later turned the ball over on downs from the Broncos' twenty.  So, essentially what we have is the fumble and several late-game failures.  Making his 27th NFL start, Daniel Jones turned the ball over for the fortieth time in his career.

The defense was forced to stay on the field for over a half-hour.

That simply will not do.

I'll give Saquon Barkley a pass in his first game back from injury.  Ordinarily, I'd be griping that 14 rushing attempts by the backfield versus 37 pass attempts are not complementary football.  But despite minimal attempts, the offensive line did not create much daylight for Barkley or Devontae Booker to run through.  They did not provide an effective option for Coach Garrett and Daniel Jones to operate with.

The offensive line also had no answer for Denver's Von Miller who's performance negatively altered New York's plans.

N.Y. Giants: All Eyes on Daniel Jones and the Man Who Drafted Him

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK ONE

Broncos

vs.

GIANTS

Dave Gettleman Takes His Rightful Place In The Hot Seat

All eyes are on Daniel Jones.  By most accounts, last season was a step backward.  If you care to place some of the blame on losing Saquon Barkley in Week Two, I won't stop you.  In any event, entering his third NFL season, the Giants now need Jones to take a major leap forward.  

Dave Gettleman's job depends on it.  

The Giants last season rated second to last in offensive productivity.

Therefore, the general manager signed Kenny Golladay, picked up Kyle Rudolph and drafted wide receiver, Kadarius Toney.  They'll join regulars Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram, and Darius Slayton, with Jason Garrett calling plays.

Is this collection of ball handlers playoff-caliber?

Insofar as the NFC East, maybe.  Conference and Super Bowl quality?  Hardly ...

But once again, the offensive line will be a decisive factor.  The best thing I can come up with is continuity.  I believe that's an important element in building offensive lines.  There's a level of choreography they must establish together as a unit.  Andrew Thomas, Will Hernandez, Nick Gates, Matt Peart, and perhaps the return of Nate Solder at right tackle have time together.  As such, I expect them to collectively function more effectively.  

But can they protect Daniel Jones and create daylight for Saquon Barkley?  Can this offense consistently make first downs, sustain possession, and limit the defense's time on the field?

Is this offense up for the challenge?

All this remains to be seen.

My true opinion: mediocrity rules the day.

Denver has a good defense.  I think the Giants get blown out Sunday.  There, I said it, and it's up to the Giants to change my mind.  

This will be Dave Gettleman's fourth season.  Forget being an NFC contender.  The Giants aren't even the best of the rest, not with a 15-33 record over the last three seasons.

Patrick Graham is doing a good job on the other side of the ball.  Last season the defense was forced into playing too many minutes.  This season, it's up to the offense to pull their fair share of the load.  That being said, this general manager must go if his collective draft choices do not help elevate the Giants this season.  

Hopefully, head coach Joe Judge, who has my full support, can show them the way.

Lest we forget, Wellington Mara's five-year rebuilding plan took two decades.  His son is entering year ten.

 

N.Y. Giants: Daniel Jones Fails to Sieze the Moment

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

FAILURE TO TRANSITION

WEEK FIVE

Giants        34

Cowboys    37

FINAL

The Giants Are In The Worst Shape They've Been Since Before Ray Perkins Was Head Coach

I'm not sure whether my lack of anger over the Giants 0-5 start stems from apathy or empathy or both.

History, if nothing else, lends context to the Giants present condition.  General manager George Young begins transitioning and trading players after winning Super Bowls XXI and XXV.  After one last playoff appearance in 1993 under head coach Dan Reeves the rebuilding begins in earnest.  Before stepping down and handing over the reigns to Ernie Accorsi, Young hires Jim Fassel as head coach and the Giants win the division.  That's four years between playoff games and their second post-season of the 90's.  By 2000 the Giants are back in the Super Bowl, ten years after XXV.  Ernie Accorsi gets back to work and the Giants make the playoffs again in 2002.  After which Accorsi during the 2004 NFL Draft trades for Eli Manning.  The team bides its time while Manning matures.  Then finally the Giants win Super Bowls XLII and XLVI.  But in the ensuing years the organization effectively ruins the latter part of Eli's career.  Jerry Reese, who's drafting is wholly ineffective, leaves the organization in shambles.  In comes Dave Gettleman who is initially hampered by John Mara's uncompromising devotion to Eli.  However, the big picture still remains: it's been nine years since their last Super Bowl with only one playoff appearance in what has been a near decade of folly.  The Giants are now 9-28 under Dave Gettleman and have yet to win a game this season.  Said another way, the Giants are in the worst shape they've been since before Ray Perkins was head coach.

Phil Simms was drafted in 1979 when I was twelve years old.  It wasn't easy transitioning away from the quarterback I had just watched for the last fifteen years of my life.  I assure you, Dave Brown was worse than Daniel Jones.  Ironically, the common denominator between the two is Duke University - not exactly known as a manufacturer of quarterbacks.  Then again, neither was Morehead State. 

I'm always upset when the Giants lose to Dallas.  But I'm sticking to the premise this is a rebuilding football team.  

This is a completely different offensive line from just four years ago.  Wayne Gallman and Devonta Freeman are proving what I say: if the hog mollies create daylight the backfield will get through for positive yardage.  On Sunday they collectively put forth their second consecutive respectable effort.  The two joined on 22 rushes for 84 yards.  Last week against the Rams they grossed 78 yards on 17 rushes.  That's a two week average of 19.5 rushes for 81 average yards which is a world of difference when compared to backfield production over the first three games.  This is a big reason why the Giants were able to possess the ball for 32:22 minutes.  Last week they held the ball for 33:18 minutes.  It's no coincidence the only two games in which they've run somewhat effectively are the only times they've won the battle of the clock.

Meanwhile, sacks were limited to a pair, but there were ten other QB hits inflicted by the Cowboys.  No improvement here.  The Giants remain 30th in average sack allowed per game.

Darius Slayton has the game I've been hoping for.  I believe we may have a keeper in him.  He catches eight passes for 124 yards.

The offense as a whole produces its first 300 yard game of the season.  They previously surpassed 290 yards in three of four games and are now averaging 282 yards of offense per game.  

They were also limited to just 47 total points over the first four games.  Against Dallas the Giants finally breach 20 points en route to a 34 point day.

There are indeed quite a number of positives that can be extracted from these last two games.  However, the play of Daniel Jones is not one of them.  Several times now this season he has been in various positions to single-handed change the outcome of games, but continues coming up short.  In the two games this season in which the opposition is ravaged by injury, Jones turns in his two worst performances.  No interceptions against Dallas but a lost fumble is his 32nd career turnover in 17 starts.  He is yet this season to throw for 300 yards and still has not to thrown a touchdown pass since Week One against Pittsburgh.

Even Jason Garrett has a better game.

N.Y. Giants: First Quarter Report Card

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

BACK TO THE LAB

It's time for first quarter report cards.  

After four games (0-4) we have a mixed bag of goods: a rookie head coach with a representative defense and an all-time bad offense.  The Giants only saving grace is their classification as a rebuilding team.  Yet despite a win somehow they're still in contention in a pitiful NFC Least. 

OFFENSE: F

The offense clearly gets a failing grade as the least scoring unit in the NFL.  The Giants are averaging just 11.8 points per game and have been limited to just three touchdowns through four games (two passing, one rushing).  They presently own the sixth worse passing attack and the league's second worse running game.

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: D-

Jason Garrett is signal calling the most unimaginative offense in all the NFL.  I'm not quite sure what his aspirations are for this unit, but he's not nearly creative enough much less aggressive enough to inspire even a moment of second thought by an opposing defense.  Running schemes are basic and thus too predictable.  Granted he has limited tools to work with.  However, in no way is he trying to coach within the limits of his talents and making the most of what they do best.  Instead I see a failed head coach trying to force fit a system that accomplishes nothing of the kind.  Against the Rams his offense finally displays mild hints of complexity to no avail.  I'm also not so sure why he's targeting Damian Ratley on the final offensive play against the Rams.  Constant red zone futility falls squarely on the coach.

OFFENSIVE LINE: F

After four games I'm pleased to say center Nick Gates is presently the Giants best offensive lineman.  He is learning fast and displaying steady improvement.  His tenacity is so far unmatched.  At guard Will Hernandez is either struggling while being sandwiched between the inexperience of Gates and Andrew Thomas, or he's just struggling in his third season.  Otherwise, I have no outstanding issues with Kevin Zeitler.  The aforementioned rookie Andrew Thomas is having his ups and downs which are to be expected, but veteran Cam Fleming seems to be having a tough go of it on the right side.  Matt Peart is receiving a little playing time at Fleming's expense.  As previously noted, this offensive line has so far created the second least amount of daylight.  Against the Rams they finally turn in their first respectable running performance.  With regards to pass protection, they've allowed 14 sacks, which translate into third most average sacks allowed per game. 

BACK FIELD: D+

Losing Saquon Barkley is no doubt a huge loss.  But if the offensive line is creating enough daylight I should be able to push a mailbox through for a yard.  Moving forward the onus is on Wayne Gallman and Devonte Freeman to carry the load.  Dion Lewis is here to let them catch their breath.  Daniel Jones leads the team with 137 yards rushing.  That must change!  Sunday's performance against the Rams, for now, appears promising.

RECEIVERS: F

The fact that I'm leading with Evan Engram is disturbing to me, because I do not view him as a tight end.  He leads the team with 17 receptions for 131 yards and the Giants have no choice but to throw to him more.  So far Darius Slayton and Daniel Jones are the connection that isn't: 15 receptions for only 236 yards.  Golden Tate is the only other receiver with double digit receptions: 14 catches for 103 yards.  The Giants top receiver Sterling Shepard has missed two of four games.  All of the aforementioned receivers, including Damion Ratley, have been abysmally negligent on run blocking.

QUARTERBACK: F

Daniel Jones has now started 16 games (3-13) at quarterback.  He is 375 for 608 (61.7%) for 3,916 yards with 26 touchdowns and 31 turnovers (17 interceptions, 14 fumbles).  He hasn't thrown a touchdown pass since Week One and has yet this season to surpass 300 yards passing.  Last season he posted five 300-yard games in twelve starts.

DEFENSE: B

The defense (three out of four games) has been a pleasant surprise.  Their lone letdown remains the Niners game.  Otherwise, this side of the ball has provided all the reasons to cheer for Giants football.  They've yielded the sixth least yards in football, but fall to 14th in total points allowed.  They are 13th in average points allowed (24.0) and that's not a bad spot to be.  Nineteen other teams can't say that.

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: B

When no one is talking about you, odds are it's because you're not screwing up.  Patrick Graham has quietly guided a young and gamely group of defenders who in turn appear to be responding to their coach.  Graham preaches pressure and the defense so far has ten sacks and 24 other QB hits.  Meanwhile, the Giants have caused four turnovers in four games.

FRONT SEVEN: B

The Giants have allowed the eleventh least yards on the ground.  Linebacker Blake Martinez far and away leads the team with 26 solo and 46 assisted tackles.  That's a good thing.  The Giants have good spread which means opponents have yet to fully exploit the secondary.  The difference in solo tackles between defensive end Dexter Lawrence and left cornerback James Bradbury is one.  Linebackers Lorenzo Carter and Kyler Fackrell and nose tackle Dalvin Tomlinson have the same amount of combined tackles (42) as safeties Logan Ryan and Julian Love.  The Giants are tenth with 2.7 sacks per game.  Leonard Williams, criticized for his lack of pressure while with the Jets, leads the team with two sacks and four other QB harassment cases.  Second year Dexter Lawrence, who last year registered just 2.5 sacks, so far has one sack and three other QB hits.

SECONDARY: B-

The Giants have allowed the eighth least yards in the air.  James Bradbury has started all four games and therefore has defended the most passes.  He is fourth on the team with 13 solo tackles and has one of two Giants interceptions.  Third year Isaac Yiadom, second year Corey Ballentine and rookie Darney Holmes all have started at least one game each as the battle for right starting cornerback continues.  Safety Jabrill Peppers hurt his ankle against the Niners.  In fact, this whole unit was completely undone by the Niners.  Julian Love has the other Giants interception and is second on the team with 17 solo tackles.  Logan Ryan is third with 16 solo tackles.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

Not much going on here.  No touchdowns in either direction.  Decent returns on kicks and punts.  Clean snaps, no fumbles, no problems.  Kicker Graham Gano is 9 for 10, his lone field goal miss came from beyond 50-yards out.  Otherwise, through four games Gano has attempted just two extra points (see offense)!  Riley Dixon is averaging a standard 45.5 net yards per punt.

HEAD COACH: Incomplete

I'm copacetic with the Joe Judge hire and I'm not going to grade him based on four games.  We know what Joe Judge is working with.  One side of the ball might be overachieving and the other side we know is woefully underachieving.  That said, we also know Dave Gettleman still has much work to do.

GENERAL MANAGER: C-

For as long as Eli Manning remained in the building, John Mara was going to meddle in the affairs of general manager Dave Gettleman.  Now with Eli out of the way, Gettleman is back in the business of team building - or so we hope.  

Hope ...

The hope moving forward is he has the right head coach in place and that his draft selections mature into quality starters.

Saquon Barkley is no doubt a star talent.  But he'll long remain a controversial pick in local circles.  Barkley was Gettleman's first ever selection as general manager of the Giants.  Not exactly the smartest move if you're rebuilding, which John Mara clearly was not.  Gettleman's second selection of the 2018 draft was guard Will Hernandez - a solid addition to a sorely needing offensive line.  Linebacker Lorenzo Carter was also drafted in 2018 but under the pretense of a defensive lineman and defensive tackle B.J. Hill is still around contributing little.

Last year's first round draft pick was used to select Daniel Jones.  Dexter Lawrence, Darius Slayton, Julian Love and to a lesser extent Corey Ballentine are also present day contributors.  Whereas first round selection Deandre Baker turned into an outstanding mistake on Gettleman's part.  The general manager is also whiffing on his second straight attempt at a defensive end wherein the third round he selected Oshane Ximines whom presently remains an inconsequential figure loitering the sidelines.  Gettleman this year devotes no high picks towards the offensive line.

This year Gettleman with his first pick selects tackle Andrew Thomas.  Second on his list was safety  Xavier McKinney who is presently out with a broken foot.  Tackle Matt Peart is now seeing playing time at Cam Fleming's expense.  Taken in the fourth round, cornerback Darney Holmes is receiving limited playing time.  Selected in the fifth round, guard Shane Lemieux has been a part of just one snap, last week against the Rams.

The Giants are now 9-27 under Dave Gettleman's watch.  Daniel Jones remains a huge question mark on his resume.  Simply put, the Giants need more and better quality players from the draft.

N.Y. Giants: End Zone Continues to Elude Daniel Jones

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

DAYBREAK!

GAME FOUR

Giants     9

Rams    17

FINAL

Nick Gates Announces His Presence With Authority

Game Four features an interesting development and it centers around ... the center, Nick Gates.  

The rushing game (backfield participants only) through the first three weeks clearly leans heavy right.  Out of 39 total rushes eleven go left, seven up the middle and 21 rushes go right behind Kevin Zeitler and Cam Fleming.  As the trend implies, the Giants rush for minimal positive yardage center/left behind novice center Nick Gates, third year Will Hernandez and rookie Andrew Thomas.  

On Sunday against the Rams and defensive end Aaron Darnold, the Giants buck that three game trend.  Jason Garrett runs right at Darnold and the Giants put up their best rushing totals in four weeks with 136 yards on the ground.  Daniel Jones accounts for 45 yards on six carries.  Devonta Freeman (11), Wayne Gallman (6), Dion Lewis (1) and C.J. Board (1) run for a season high 91 yards.  Seven rushes go left behind Andrew Thomas and Will Hernandez for 29 yards, and nine rushes go up the middles behind Nick Gates for 53 yards.  That's 82 yards of daylight created by the middle/left side - indeed a milestone accomplishment for this group.

Only two rushes go right for eight yards.  I would have stopped there were in not for a pair of offsides penalties called against Kevin Zeitler and Cam Fleming plus the fact that for a series in the second quarter rookie Matt Peart was inserted into the line in place of right tackle Cam Fleming.  All of which makes for a curious albeit acute situation.

With five more sacks by the Rams, the offensive line has now yielded 14 quarterback sacks.  Their average sack per game ranks 30th in the league.

At the end of the game Golden Tate and L.A.'s Jalen Ramsey get into a full blown fight.  The obligatory dog pile ensues.  Then along comes Nick Gates with no helmet barreling into the crowd, pulling and shoving bodies aside.  After creating the most daylight for the running game he looked as if he wanted to knocks someone's lights out completely.

Giants need more guys like this ... clone him.

Cycling back to the game, the offensive line yields five more sacks.  They have now allowed 14 quarterback sacks in four games.  Their average sack per game ranks 30th in the league.

That said, we know Daniel Jones is often negligent in his own undoing.  Trailing 17-9 the Giants have the ball on the Rams 18-yard line with 0:52 left in the fourth quarter.  A touchdown and a two point conversion tie the game.  On second and five, Jones throws a pass intended for Damion Ratley.  The ball is under thrown and intercepted by Darious Williams.  Jones has now thrown five interceptions - at least one in every game - but has yet to throw a touchdown pass since Week One against Pittsburgh when he threw his only two of the season.

As an aside, why is this play going to Damion Ratley in the first place?  He caught his first pass of the season last week against the Niners.  This was his third and last target of the game.  He caught all of 25 passes over two seasons with the Browns.  This is who Jason Garrett is targeting inside the red zone with the game on the line ....

In any event, the regressing Daniel Jones turns in his second straight sub 200 yard performance on a day the defense and running game turn in their best performances to date.  

Sunday's game sort of reaffirms the defensive performance during weeks one and two, leaving their poor play against the Niners alone as the aberration. 

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.     

N.Y. Giants: No Lipstick Can Doll-Up These Hog Mollies

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Like Running Into a Brick Wall!

WEEK THREE

Niners   36

Giants     9

FINAL

That was hard to watch.  San Francisco was essentially forced into playing the B-Squad as a result of so many injuries.  But even with confidence on their side the Giants still turn in their worst performance through three games.  They manage just 49 offensive plays for 231 total yards.  They possess the ball for only 20:16 minutes and turn it over three times.

When the quarterback is the team's leading rusher you know something is very wrong.  Daniel Jones has so far scrambled 12 times for 92 yards.  Combined rushes by the backfield to date have only netted 80 yards.  Against the Niners the Giants rush just ten times for 17 net yards.  In Week Two they net 16 yards on 16 carries and in Week One they rush 13 times for 47 total yards.

Directional Breakdown: rushes/yards

• I - left 4/6; center 0/0; right 9/41; TOT 13/47
• II - left 5/1; center 4/0; right 7/15; TOT 16/16
• III - left 2/3; center 3/8; right 5/6; TOT 10/17

No need to rub your eyes.  You're reading that correctly.  The Giants have so far rushed CENTER/LEFT 18 times for 18 net yards, whereas they've rushed CENTER/RIGHT 21 times for 62 net yards.  Will Hernandez is dealing with a weekly maelstrom having to be sandwiched between rookie Andrew Thomas and novice center Nick Gates.  Kevin Zeitler and Cam Fleming aren't exactly cutting down rain forests out there, but the difference in experience and execution between the left and right sides of the line is clearly discernible.  However, as a whole there's no shade of lipstick in the world than can disguise the Hog Mollies lack of performance.  I also refuse to put this all on the unavailability of Saquon Barkley.  You can't run to daylight if the guys up front keep the curtains shut.

I'd be remiss if I didn't include the tight and and offensive coordinator in this indictment.  Evan Engram isn't even a legit tight end to begin with.  He's an oversized slot receiver at best and that's being kind.  Where is the blocking tight end?  Where is the fullback lead blocker?  Where are the coordinated blocking schemes and pulling guards?  Where the hell is the offensive coordinator's sense of creativity?

Jason Garrett and offensive line coach Hal Hunter are engineering an absolute bore.  This offensive line can't even execute a simple screen.  They're making pee-wee football look complex by comparison.  Meanwhile, averaging just 12.6 points through three games is just amateurish.

Daniel Jones has so far turned the ball over six times through three games (four INT; four fumbles, two lost), and now has multiple turnovers in ten of 16 career starts.

N.Y. Giants: Jason Garrett Needs to Throttle Up Offense Against Injured Niners

 From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Run to Daylight!

WEEK THREE

San Francisco 49ers

vs.

New York Giants

San Francisco is prime for the taking.  

On defense DE-Nick Bosa, LB-Dre Greenlaw and CB-Richard Sherman are all out for the Niners.  That's a conducive situation for Darius Slayton and Daniel Jones.  

On offense QB-Jimmy Garappolo, C-Weston Richburg, RB-Raheem Mosert, RB-Tevin Coleman and TE-George Kittle are all out which is conducive situation for the Giants beleaguered defense. 

The Giants signed former Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman to replace Saquon Barkley.  I'm satisfied insofar as Freeman being a veteran.  In fact, I'm less concerned with his ability to rush than I am with the offensive line's ability to create daylight.  With Nick Bosa out of action, rookie Andrew Thomas should have one less thing to worry about.  He's had a rough two games.  Let's see if he can finally start pushing forward.  Same goes for Nick Gates.  The Giants running game has gained minimal yards running center and left.  They've had little choice but to lean right behind Kevin Zeitler and Cam Fleming.  I'm hoping after two weeks together, a little more cohesion and effectiveness from this line will start to shine through.  Daniel Jones has shown an ability to sustain long drives despite little contributions from the run game and inconsequential play from Evan Engram.  Therefore, when the front five improves, the Giants will improve.

If there was a game in which Jason Garrett should be ultra aggressive, this is it.  

What do the Giants have to lose? 

N.Y. Giants: Hog Mollies Keeping Offense in the Dark

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Back to the Lab

WEEK TWO

Giants     13

Bears      17

FINAL

With the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select _

It seems as if we're headed that way, doesn't it ..

Confirmed: Saquon Barkley (right knee) will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL.  Although signed to a four year contract, NFL rules prevent him from renegotiating an extension until next season.  Saquon's injury suddenly compromises his bargaining leverage and generally complicates the matter all around.

The Giants are a rebuilding team.  That's understood.  But I was very anxious to see Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard, Evan Engram and the transformed offensive line together in action.  Their first assignment was against a formidable Steelers defense.

WEEK ONE vs. Pittsburgh

• Jones goes 26/41 (63%) for 279 yards with two touchdowns and two INT's.  

The offensive line yields three sacks (-17 yards).  Subtract Daniel Jones' four scrambles for 22 yards, and the backfield rushes 16 times for just seven yards.  Saquon accounts for all but one rush for a mere six yards.  All told the Giants generate 291 gross yards but only 29 yards on the ground.

Rushing Breakdown: Saquon Barkley

• LEFT: five rushes; +1 yard
• MIDDLE: four rushes; 0 yards
• RIGHT: seven rushes; +15 yards

WEEK TWO vs. Chicago

• Daniel Jones goes 25/40 (62%) for 241 yards, one INT, no TD's.

Daniel Jones throws his third INT and coughs up his first fumble.  Last season he throws twelve INT's and loses twelve fumbles in 13 games.  Chicago tallies four sacks (-21 yards).  The offensive line has now yielded seven sacks through two games.

Saquon rushes four times for a vastly improved 28 yards until injuring his knee.  Through six quarters he ends his season having rushed 19 times for 34 yards.

Rushing Breakdown: Barkley/Dion Lewis

• LEFT: four rushes; +6 yards
• MIDDLE: no attempts
• RIGHT: nine rushes; +41 yards 

Seven year veteran Dion Lewis steps in for Barkley with ten rushes for 20 yards (Sterling Shepard one rush for six yards).  But with Saquon out for the season, the mission remains the same: create space.

Coach Garrett is clearly protecting novice center Nick Gates.  The Giants have only attempted four rushes up the middles through which they have yet to gain positive yardage.  Next on the watch list is rookie LT Andrew Thomas.  Garrett has called nine rushes to his side which has thus yielded just seven positive yards.  Left guard Will Hernandez is handling quite the load with such inexperience playing to his left and right.  Otherwise, the Giants are clearly leaning right side behind the experienced and polished Kevin Zeitler and Cam Fleming.  Jason Garrett has called for 16 rushes to their side for 66 yards.

Through two games the Giants backfield has rushed thirty times for just 55 yards.  Seven sacks have cost the Giants -38 yards.  Without a running game, so far they've failed to achieve twenty points in a game.

For now I'm placing the onus on the Hog Mollies to start creating more daylight and provide better protection.

N.Y. Giants: Young Offensive Core Falling Into Place

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

vs.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Dare I say this season the offense appears capable of generating some excitement.  Health and development will go a long way.  Lest we forget this is still a work in progress.  But key pieces continue being put into place.  Dave Gettleman has so far conducted three drafts in which he's assembled a young core featuring Saquon Barkely, Daniel Jones, Darius Slayton, Will Hernandez and hopefully Thomas Andrews joins the list.  

And so the rebuilding continues .. 

THE HOG MOLLIES

Andrew Thomas   Will Hernandez   Nick Gates   Kevin Zeitler   Cam Fleming

Everything starts at center.  Nick Gates will be making his first NFL start at the position after playing all of last season at guard.  He was hurt two seasons ago, making this his second full season with the Giants.  Much of my attention on Monday night will be focused on him.  The center is the play caller for the offensive line and he's going up against a Steelers defensive line that needs little help getting to the quarterback.  That means Daniel Jones will be throwing into a crowded field.  It'll be up to Gates to make sure he and the line keep Jones standing upright.

Luckily Gates will be sandwiched between two very solid guards.  To the left of center will be Will Hernandez.  He's been a fine addition to the line since being selected in the second round of the 2018 draft.  He's started every game since.  Right of center will be Kevin Zeitler, acquired last March from the Browns (as part of the Odell Beckham trade).  In 2017 the Browns made him the NFL's highest paid right guard.  Last season Zeitler demonstrated reasons why.  The line was improved immediately upon his arrival and he now makes for a great on-field coach next to Nick Gates.

The more troublesome issues exist at tackle.  Nat Solder back in July opted out of the upcoming regular season over family and personal health concerns.  This means first round draft selection Andrew Thomas gets thrown into the fire.  Drafted out of Georgia, the 21-year old (6'5" 315 pounds) is being charged with protecting Daniel Jones' blind side, on Monday Night Football, in front of a national audience, against a ferocious Steelers front seven.  At right tackle Mike Remmers is out.  In his place is free agent acquisition Cameron Fleming.  The 28-year old six year veteran sports a nice resume: six years in the league, two Super Bowl titles in four years with the Patriots, and two seasons with Dallas.  He arrives with an ally in offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Daniel Jones enters his sophomore season and his first full season under center.  In taking the baton from Eli Manning he appears in thirteen games and makes twelve starts as a rookie, throwing 284/459 for 3,027 yards with 24 touchdowns and twelve interceptions.  An otherwise fine debut if it wasn't for 18 fumbles!  If nothing else, Jones needs to rectify that with haste.  Thirty turnovers are way too high, but they're within his control.  Better ball security - that number must absolutely come down.

If the offensive line provides enough time, Daniel Jones starts the season with a full complement of receivers at his disposal.  Evan Engram returns after making just eight appearances and six starts last season.  He rejoins Sterling Shepard and second year favorite Darius Slayton and Golden Tate, if and when available.  Slayton won over many fans last season with 48 receptions and 740 yards in fourteen games and just nine starts.

The star of the offense is obviously Saquon Barkley.  In 29 career games he has thus generated 3,469 total yards from scrimmage.  He is selected to the Pro Bowl as a rookie with over 1,300 yards rushing and over 700 yards receiving.  Last season Saquon missed three games but still rushed for 1,003 yards and caught 52 passes for another 438 yards giving him a net of 1,441 yards for the season.

All this is being put in the hands of new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.

Very interesting ...