Giants Are Double-Digit Underdogs At Home
Oh, The Shame!
SUNDAY
Kansas City Chiefs
vs.
New York Giants
The man sounds delusional, but I'll play along and talk strategy for the hell of it.
The New England Patriots defense actually leads the NFL in most yards allowed per game. However, you can chalk much of that on a poor start during their first four games of the season. Since then, they've clamped down, limiting their opposition to just 13 ppg over their last five games.
Second on the list are the Giants, having allowed an average of 400.3 yards per game. No wonder there. Suspensions in the secondary, injuries to the defensive line and linebackers, and overall poor play speak for themselves.
Fourth on the list are the Indianapolis Colts. They're just terrible.
Surprisingly sandwiched in at number three on the list are the Kansas City Chiefs. They've allowed an average of 390.3 yards per game, and like the Giants, have surrendered an average of 6.0 yards per play! I know losing safety Eric Berry hurt them. But I'm nevertheless surprised that K.C. is the only division leader (of eight) to have surrendered more than 200 points so far.
Once upon a time, that would have been welcome news for the old smash mouth Giants of yore.
But without Weston Richburg and Justin Pugh, the offensive line isn't likely to be creating much daylight. D.J. Fluker is also dealing with a barking knee and has only engaged in limited practice. Whatever Orleans Darkwa gains will be won through his own individual efforts.
Shane Vereen has become a non-entity. And the back-up receivers are still not up to snuff, at which point, it becomes easier for the Chiefs to eliminate either tight end Evan Engram or Rhett Ellison. That being said, don't count on much pass protection for Eli Manning. I counted on numerous occasions how the 49ers were on Eli Manning in three seconds flat.
But you know what they say about any given Sunday. If the Giants can put together a respectable offensive effort, the Chiefs defense just might be willing to oblige.
Giants fans can only hope Coach McAdoo's ploy to view last week's game film in front of the whole team works out. Although that seemed directed at the defensive side of the ball, perhaps most players will indeed have become embarrassed enough into putting forth better performances this week.
This big money defense still has big problems.
Landon Collins, DRC, Eli Apple, and Janoris Jenkins, all need to redeem themselves, and do a little bit of growing up as well. Linebacker B.J. Goodson is out this week, and upon returning from his injury Jonathan Casillas still appeared a step behind the competition last week. Snacks Harrison is dealing with a bum ankle, while JPP is still being hampered by a disagreeable knee. At least Olivier Vernon has played well since returning from injury, but he can't stop Alex Smith and tight end Travis Keice by himself.
Who is going to step up?
John Mara and Robert Tisch have spoken. The Giants will finish out the season with Ben McAdoo as head coach, and Jerry Reese as general manager.
I agree with them. Don't change a thing.
As if life on the hot seat wasn't making McAdoo sweat already, he will most certainly be judged all game against Kansas City head coach Andy Reid. Be sure ownership will be watching this particular match-up very closely.
Let McAdoo and Reese own this (and increase our odds for securing a high draft pick). Besides, adversity reveals character. We are beginning to learn which players are committed to playing the game, and which chose to comport themselves in a professional manner, versus those more willing to just go through the motions, and focusing on self-serving interests.
