N.Y. Giants: New GM Dave Gettleman Vows To Kick Ass

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Gett This House In Order

New York Giants: David Gettleman Named New General Manager ... And I Couldn't Be More Happy.

My genesis as a Giants fan occurred while Andy Robustelli (1974-1978) still served as general manager.  But I do not remember much, if anything, about him.

I vividly recall, however, the day the Giants hired George Young, and his 18-year tenure as general manager.

From 1994 through 1997, Ernie Accorsi served as assistant GM under George Young.  Upon his retirement after the 1997 season, Young appointed Ernie Accorsi to succeed him as next general manager of the Giants.

Jerry Reese likewise began working for the Giants in 1994 as a college scout.  In 1997, he was elevated to pro scout by George Young.  In 2004, Accorsi made him director of player personnel.  Upon his own retirement after the 2006 season, Ernie Accorsi named Jerry Reese general manager.

It was also Ernie Accorsi who originally brought David Gettleman into the New York Giants fold as a scout back in 1998.  He was elevated the following year and served as pro personnel director through the 2011 season.  In 2012, Jerry Reese promoted him to senior pro personnel analyst.

When the Carolina Panthers were in search of a new general manager, they brought in Ernie Accorsi as a consultant, whom recommended Dave Gettleman.  Gettleman in turn served from 2013 through 2016 as general manager of the Panthers, posting a 40-23 regular season record over his four years.  The Panthers made three straight playoff appearances under his stewardship, and after posting a 15-1 record in 2015 opposed the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl Fifty.

After co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch moved to release Jerry Reese and former head coach Ben McAdoo, they similarly consulted Ernie Accorci, who once again recommended Dave Gettleman (whom in 2016 experienced a falling out with Panthers managing owner Jerry Richardson).

His interview effectively ended with haste the Giants search for Jerry Reese's replacement.  And now David Gettleman becomes the fourth lineal general manager of the New York Giants during my lifetime.

Simply put, I love the move!

This is not just another typically safe in-house selection.  Dave Gettleman's resume speaks for itself. He has been a part of four different Super Bowl contending organizations.  He has scouted or served as general manager for two different AFC champions, and two different NFC champions.  All told, he's been associated with nine Super Bowl appearances:

• Buffalo - 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993.
• Denver - 1997.
• NYG - 2000, 2007, 2011.
• Carolina - 2015.

Gettleman began his NFL career scouting for the Buffalo Bills in 1986, and through the 1993 season.  For those of you still too young at the time, or not yet born, those Bills were frighteningly stacked with Hall of Fame and Pro Bowl caliber talent, whom together won four consecutive AFC championships.

From 1994 through 1997, Gettleman then served as a scout for the Denver Broncos.  Denver went 7-9 during his first season associated with the organization, then followed with an 8-8 record during his second.  The Broncos elevated to 13-3 in 1996, then posted a 14-2 record in 1997 en route to winning Super Bowl XXXII.

Then began his first stint in East Rutherford.  He was on staff during the Giants Super Bowl run of 2000, and for both their 2007 and 2011 championship seasons.

Said another way, the man understands winning.  Moreover, he understands New York Giants football.

Dave Gettleman Press Conference - NYG.com

Jerry Reese was widely criticized for his failure to effectively rebuild the offensive line, and poor drafting overall.  And while it's true that not one player from the 2011 and 2012 drafts presently play for the Giants, to be fair, Gettlemen and Marc Ross, were still a part of that process.

Since 2013, the Reese and Ross connection have arguably hit on a few players (some more debatable than others): Justin Pugh, Odell Beckham Jr., Weston Richburg, Landon Collins, Sterling Shepard, B.J. Goodson, and most recent addition, Evan Engram.

A few of their more notable busts are proving to be Eli Apple, Ereck Flowers, and newly departed Bobby Hart.

Point being, Jerry Reese, Marc Ross, the entire scouting department, and extended staff, indeed left much to be desired.

And so, here we are.

NY Giants Draft History - Football Reference

Prior to interviewing Dave Gettleman, the Giants previously extended their very first interview opportunity to Marc Ross.  On board since 2007, Ross spent his first six years with the organization serving as their director of college scouting, and for the last five years has served as the Giants vice president of player evaluation.

The New York Daily News suspects his interview did not go very well, because on Saturday David Gettleman fired Marc Ross.

At the very least, one should immediately ponder the future of Ken Sternfeld (director of pro personnel) as well.

David Gettleman does not operate in grey zones.  His decisions, rather, gleam with conviction.

He refuses to pay one dollar beyond what he thinks is their fair market value, and certainly won't pay for past performance late in careers.  In fact, he'd rather cut a player too early than too late, and is quick to eliminate malcontents from his locker room.  Look no further than his treatment of former Panthers favorites Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams, Jon Beason, and Josh Norman.

Speaking of which ... I hope Odell Beckham Jr. is paying attention.  Or, maybe he should call right tackle Bobby Hart.  It was reported during Sunday's Giants/Redskins telecast on FOX, that Bobby Hart allegedly refused to play in Sunday's meaningless game.  Dave Gettleman in turn waived him.

During his introductory press conference, Gettleman listed among his top his priorities: rebuilding the offensive line; reestablishing the running game; and rebuilding the defensive line.  If you look at his team building in Carolina, he consistently maintained a strong presence at linebacker as well.

Is Dave Gettleman set on bringing back the good old days of Smash Mouth?

That remains to be seen.

But he did say rather matter of fact, his goal is to kick ass.

N.Y. Giants: Ben McAdoo Breaks Out The Pom-Poms

from the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Giants Are Double-Digit Underdogs At Home

Oh, The Shame!

SUNDAY

Kansas City Chiefs

vs.

New York Giants

New York Giants: Coach McAdoo Says Come Out To Met Life Stadium To Watch A Great Show; We Plan On Playing Great Football On Sunday And Getting A Win.

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.

N.Y. Giants: All Eyes On Offensive Line

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Nothing Changes

Everything Starts Up Front

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

NEW YORK GIANTS

vs.

DALLAS COWBOYS

FROM

The House That Jerry Built

TEXAS

New York Football Giants: Big Blue Will Go As Far As Their Offensive Line Takes Them.

We left off last season with Coach McAdoo downplaying the offensive line's pedestrian performance, and instead taking odd shots at Eli Manning, and placing the onus on his QB's individual play.

Coach McAdoo may have simply been employing tough talk tactics, especially coming off guiding the Giants to their first winning season since 2012, and first playoff appearance 2011.  There's also a part of me that totally understands the art and intricacies of Coach Ploy.  Indeed, many things coaches do and say serve specific reasons, particularly where it involves sending messages and/or singling out players.  And at this point, Coach and Eli are also no longer strangers to one another.  But if Coach McAdoo honestly believes his offensive line was not necessarily a problem (or the problem) last season, then we have a big problem on our hands.

I obviously believe the offensive line remains this team's greatest liability.  Last year's performance was mediocre at best ... and I think that's being kind.  One hand washes the other.  So, with regards to Eli, Coach McAdoo has obviously altered the plan since Kevin Gilbride once called the shots.  Eli played under duress.  Why?  His 6.7 yards per attempt last season were his lowest since 2008.  His 10.7 yards per completion were his lowest since 2006.  And while Eli's average yards per game, and QB rating improved dramatically during Coach McAdoo's time as offensive coordinator, Eli's yards per game and QB rating experienced a noticeable downturn last year, not coincidentally, during McAdoo's first year as head coach.

Point is, Coach might be talking out of both sides of his mouth.  It was his own offensive predictability that stood out most me.  That, and the team's complete lack of a running game.

Fact is, the Giants attained an 11-6 record last season despite their offensive line deficiencies.  And as far as I'm concerned, all that does is build false hope.  You saw what happened in the playoffs last season against the Packers.

Having a great defense is just that ... great!  But if your offensive line is incapable of pass protection, and creating daylight for the running game, and thereby managing the clock, then the quick strike system (aka Odell Beckham Jr.) allows the opposition every chance in the world to stay in the game, and position themselves for victory.  Why?  Because they'll likely have sufficient time on the clock. Said another way, the Giants can not win in December and January if their defense has been forced to play 32:00 to 38:00 minutes a game.

The alternative has been Eli needing to orchestrate a game saving 1:39 minute, 87 yard drive for the victory.

The Giants head into this season with the same offensive line as last season.  There's something to be said for continuity.  I believe in that.  But does this unit, as presently constituted, posses the talent worthy of such a time investment?

At left tackle, the answer is unequivocally, no..!  Ereck Flowers must blossom this season, and preferably sooner in the year that later.  There's no doubt all eyes will be on him.  But will Eli need eyes in the beck of his head?

Hoepfully (I can't stress that enough), LG Just Pugh is a year wiser, and a year better.  And at Center, I'm expecting perhaps too much from Weston Richburg.  I have a belief that winning, success, or at the very least a effective running game is born of an all-pro caliber center.  Look how the Jets ran with Jeff Mangold, then how their running game fell off the planet without him.  The same thing happened last year of the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl against the Patriots.  Atlanta couldn't keep the Patriots offense off the field once their center got hurt because they could longer run the ball effectively.  The Giants won Super Bowls with Bart Oates at center, with Joe Morris, and O.J. Anderson, and Sean O'Hara at center with Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw.  Get the picture?

The right side of the line is a complete mystery to me.  I have no idea what we'll be getting, from what is sure to be a revolving door system, involving John Jerry, Bobby Hart, and D.J. Fluker.

At least Jerry Reese thought enough to fortify tight end, if only to help the running game, and give Eli an occasional outlet.  But by no means are any of them a primary pass option, and that's too bad.

To make this long story short, and as good as this defense is expected to be, the Giants will only go as far as their offensive line takes them.

N.Y. Giants: Back to the Frozen Tundra

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

2007 

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP 

GAME

New York Football Giants: Best way to defeat Aaron Rogers is by keeping him on the sidelines..

Let the record show, that in his first campaign as head coach Ben McAdoo ended Big Blue's four year playoff drought, guiding them to a well earned Wild Card berth - considering, that is, the team punctuated their 11-5 record with two victories over this season's NFC East champion (and #1 seed) Dallas Cowboys.

That being said, let the second season begin!

The Giants will again trek to Green Bay's famed Lambeau Field where they'll resume their ongoing subarctic conflict against the Packers.  This time led not by Tom Coughlin, but by Ben McAdoo who returns to the place where he helped create the beast Big Blue must slay named Aaron Rogers.

Again.....

The Giants obviously emerged victorious in a pair of epic confrontations played at Lambeau during their 2007 and 2011 Super Bowl runs ... games Packer fans would much rather forget.  Which is why Sunday every cheese head in Wisconsin will have nothing but revenge on their minds.

*          *          *

But if the Giants are to be successful in Green Bay, and hopefully beyond, they'll need to gain a measure of ground control and clock management.  They'll need to run the ball whether they like it or not.  They must do so in order to keep the Packers defense honest, which is another way of saying keeping Eli Manning alive and maximizing play-action.  Running the ball will help keep Aaron Rogers on the sidelines, and perhaps lessen the burden being placed on the Giants defense (minus JPP) when Rogers is on the field.

• Question:  What is the single most factor differentiating these Giants from the Super Bowl champions of XXI, XXV, XLII, XLVI?

• Answer:  Previous opponents were forced to respect a formidable Giants running game.  Joe Morris and O.J. Anderson ran behind superb offensive lines led by all-pro center Bart Oates, while Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw rushed behind another superb offensive line anchored by yet another all-pro center, Shaun O'Hara.

Promising center (I'm being kind) Weston Richburg is good, and will get better.  In fact, the Giants do their best running up the middle.  However, he does not have the quality of personnel lined up to his left and right that Oates and O'Hara enjoyed.  The performance of left tackle Ereck Flowers has been the most distressing of the lot.  Otherwise, left guard Justin Pugh represents the best of the rest.

Having Shane Vereen on injured reserve combined with Rashad Jennings' unspectacular style and underwhelming performance only exacerbates the situation.

So what's a coach to do?

Everyone says the Giants should go right after Green Bay's weak secondary.

I could not agree more.

But I say do that by attacking Green Bay's more competent front seven.  Sit a third receiver from time to time, and at least attempt to smash mouth a way through to daylight.  Let Nikita Whitlock play like a true fullback.  Give Green Bay some double tight end sets.  Said another way, do what it takes to gain 3.5 yards per carry.  Give Weston Richburg, Justin Pugh, and John Jerry, the help they need to make this happen.

But a coach must first try, and commit.

Sell out.

Because at this point rookie Paul Perkins is the most powerful and elusive runner the Giants have.   Take that with a grain of salt, especially coming off a 102 yard performance during the season finale against a disinterested Washington Redskins defense.  That game nevertheless marked the first time this season a Giants running back rushed for 100 yards in a game.

To his credit, Perkins has been consistent.  He rushed 112 times this season, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.  He closed out the regular season on an uptick, rushing 47 times for 226 yards over the Giants final three games for an average of 4.80 yards per carry.

Run ... so Eli Manning can throw the ball to Miami Vice on his terms, not Green Bay's.

N.Y. Giants: Weston Richburg at Center of Running Attack Versus Cowboys

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK ONE

FINAL

GIANTS   20

Cowboys   19

New York Football Giants:  Weston Richburg and Justin Pugh spearhead effective ground game against Cowboys.

After suffering through the pre-season's slings and arrows of outrageous media, the Giants offensive line put their best foot forward.

We shall see as we move forward whether Sunday's ground performance is a sign of things to come.

Center Weston Richburg and left tackle Justin Pugh are easily the Giants best two linemen.  It is no coincidence, then, the Giants did the majority of their rushing behind them.

Rushing 12 times for 58 yards behind Richburg, the Giants averaged 4.8 yards up the middle.   Rushing nine times for 38 yards running left with Pugh, they averaged 4.2 yards per carry.  Along with guard Ereck Flowers, the center/left side of the line opened up 96 yards of daylight over 21 carries.

The caveat ... Dallas defensive front seven is widely regarded as an inferior group.

Back to the Giants...

Will Beatty's return is a clear indication all is not well on the right side of the line presently manned by guard John Jerry and tackle Marshall Newhouse.  Jerry did pull left on occasion with effectiveness against the Cowboys.  Sunday's plan, however, only called for three rushes to the right side, albeit for 13 very positive yards.

Rewarding Rashad Jennings with the lion's share of carries paid off with 75 yards on 18 carries, for a 4.2 average.  Shane Vereen gained 38 yards on six rushes, for a handsome 6.8 average.

Overall, averaging 4.7 yards on 24 carries for 113 yards is a nice way of kicking off the 2016 regular season.

Timing is Everything

Trailing 6-0 in the 2nd quarter, the Giants put their quick strike capabilities to work.  Their touchdown drive during their second possession of the game required just four plays and shaved a mere 1:33 off the clock.

After which, the defense resumed their positions on the field.

Clinging to a 20-19 lead late in the fourth quarter, three straight running plays during the Giants final possession of the game caused Dallas to expend all three of their time outs.

In fact, Mike Sullivan elected to run on every play, handing off to Rashad Bradshaw seven times in all.

That's called controlling the ball and owning the clock.

So, to whom do I owe my little debt of gratitude for such a rushing effort?  Coach McAdoo?  First year Giants' offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan?

I will answer that next time.

Till then, thank you for the correction guys.

N.Y. Giants: Running To Daylight With Sunglasses On

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

GAME FIVE

San Francisco 49ers

vs.

New York Giants

FROM

The Snoopy Bowl

NEW YORK GIANTS: There are no such things as dire circumstances in the NFC East, only chance and opportunity.

Part I of IV

COWBOYS 27; Giants 26

Falcons 24; GIANTS 20

GIANTS 32; D.C. Hogs 21

Giants 24; BILLS 10

The road to an NFC East title has remarkably been detoured through East Rutherford, proving time and again that one team's misfortune and/or dysfunction are another team's opportunity.

Ever mounting injuries continue taking a heavy toll on the Dallas Cowboys, and will do so for several weeks to come.  Elsewhere, the D.C. Hogs remain locked in an eternal struggle against themselves, while the Eagles are safely chained in the division basement until further notice.

In a tumultuous first quarter season, the Giants recovered from their 0-2 start to even their record with consecutive victories over Washington and a particularly convincing one over Buffalo.

Last week's game was certainly an attitude adjuster, causing fans to seriously rethink a great many things.  For instance, the Giants have effectively controlled roughly 235 of a possible 240 minutes played over four games and 16 quarters of football.  It's just that those two gaffes late in games One and Two were so self-destructive, and completely unnecessary.

The second quarter of the season begins with the NFC East locked in a three way tie.  Big Blue is seemingly in the best shape to seize control of a leaderless pack.

Part II of IV

49ERS

@ Eagles

COWBOYS

@ Saints

GAME FIVE: Niners @ Giants

ICYMI: Running of the Bills; Applied SPAGnology

Some of the Niners cast members might still be the same, but San Francisco's performance is far from what we grew accustomed to under Jim Harbaugh.  

The familiar Colin Kaepernick, Anquan Bolden, Vernon Davis, and the 49ers offense are last in total yards per game, and total points scored.  San Francisco's ground game is another matter.  Despite no longer having Frank Gore in the loop, the Niners have nevertheless accumulated the most rushing yards to date, and rank 5th in average yards rushed per game.  All told, however, the Niners are only averaging a mere 12 ppg after four weeks of play.

Defensively, the Niners have allowed the league's 6th most total points, and 10th most total yardage per game.

GIANTS DEFENSE

20.5 points allowed per game

386 yards allowed per game

The Giants, meanwhile, have allowed the NFL's 7th most overall yards.  They have allowed the second most yards through the air, and have averaged the most passing yards allowed per game.  But, they're number one against the run.  They've allowed opponents the 10th most time of possession, allowed the 13th fewest points, and average the 8th least points allowed per game.

GIANTS OFFENSE

25.5 points scored per game

335 yards gained per game

The Giants have rushed for the 8th fewest yards in the NFL, and average the 9th least rushing yards per game.  Through the air, the Giants have only thrown for the 18th most yards in the NFL, and are yet to surpass 1,000 passing yards through 4 games played. They're 19th in average passing yards per game.

Crossed Connections:

Eli Manning's first INT of the season came part and parcel with this whole perverted pass doctrine under Coughlin.  Just saying...

Moose Johnston was covering the game on FOX and pointed out that Rueben Randle should have fought harder to make that particular reception, and I couldn't have agreed more.  He was targeted 6 times but only made 3 receptions for 31 yards (and a touchdown).

The man is slow off the line, telegraphs his cuts, and as Moose pointed out, doesn't place himself between the defender and the ball well enough.  His ineffectiveness has done little to relieve OBJ of double teams.

Eli, meanwhile, has limited his INTs this season, but his in-game management has seemingly gone to pot.  The same spirits that possessed Eli in the latter stages of games One and Two, returned with about 4:00 left in Game Four.  Fortunately they were exorcised in time to stave off yet another 4th quarter disaster.  He must suffer occasional spells of voodoo from growing up in New Orleans  I guess....

If Eli does not audible, Rashad Jennings does not score a 51-yards touchdown on a play that should have been limited to a few yards at most.  I get that.  But running the clock down to zero and wasting time outs still seems routine.

In No Particular Rush:

The Giants stick with the run for sake of maintaining balance.  They certainly do not stick with it long enough to let it wear opponents down or dictate a game.  In previous seasons, the reasons were glaringly evident as to why.  This season, however, there's little excuse not to run more.

Ereck Flowers - Justin Pugh - Weston Richburg - Geoff Schwartz - Marshall Newhouse

The offensive line is coalescing into an effective unit.  They have protected Eli very well, allowing the NFL's 3rd fewest sacks (4) this season.  They have also executed strong run blocking.  Scheme-wise, however, the Giants continue running towards daylight with their sunglasses on.

Minus any yardage gained by Eli Manning, the combination of Rashad Jennings, Andre Williams and Shane Vereen, have rushed 100 times for 343 yards, for an average of 25 rushes for 85.7 yards per game.

While not great, they've been reliable.  The manner in which they've run, however, has been impressive at times.  Rashad and Andre have moved the chains with power, but only as the play calling allows.

N.Y. Giants: Building Up Offensive Line Still The Way To Daylight

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

A Solution At Left Guard Continues To Evade Jerry Reese.

NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL: No Quarter...

I thank the Giants for losing the final game of the season.  It makes it easier to keep things in proper perspective, for we need to call the Giants what they were: a woefully inconsistent team.

I can't have a late season surge against the Titans, Hogs, and Rams, change any minds or lend false hope; not again.

Last season, this team lost six straight games.  This season, they lost seven straight games.  The only team they defeated with a winning record were the (9-7) Houston Texans in Week Three.  Otherwise, their 25-24 Week Thirteen loss to the Jaguars was truly the low point of their disappointing 6-10 season.

Problem #1 - The Offensive Line: There's Still A Place In This League For Smash Mouth Football.

Everything starts up front, and the Giants biggest problem remains left guard.

Guard Geoff Schwartz was signed to big money last off-season, and has played all of two inconsequential games for the Giants.  He initially started the season on IR for a toe injury, then wound up recently needing surgery to both his ankle and leg.

The Giants signed free agent Adam Snyder late in the pre-season to compensate for Schwartz.  But, Snyder only managed to play parts of four games, and wound up on IR for a knee as well.

The Giants then tasked rookie Weston Richburg with protecting Eli Manning's blind side.

The Giants started the same offensive line for the first 10 games of the season: Will Beatty, Weston Richburg, J.D. Walton, John Jerry, and Justin Pugh.

Beatty, Walton, and Jerry, started all 16 games this season.  Richburg played in all 16 games, and started 15 games, while Pugh started 14 games.  While not the original plan, that amounts to a very healthy season, which is promising.

Behind them, Dallas Reynolds was a routine contributor, while Brandon Mosley played in 9 games.

To his credit, center J.D. Walton played a full schedule after missing nearly all of the previous two seasons.  In 2012 while with the Broncos, he went down with a broken fibula and a dislocated ankle.   He's certainly been an improvement over David Baas.

However, there is much to consider moving forward.

The Giants running game ranked 23rd in the NFL last season.  The Giants barely rushed for 100 yards per game this season (100 yards per game none the less), hardly enough to compliment the NFL's 7th rated passing attack (which started the season without Odell Beckham, and ended without Victor Cruz).

The O-Line has gotten marginally better at protecting Eli Manning, and their run blocking remains well below par.   There's no push forward; there's no wearing down of the opponent in the 4th quarter; they simply lack power.

A strong O-Line and running game is the best way to keep the opposing offense off the field; it's the best way to control the clock; it's the key to play-action and creating big plays down field; and the best way to preserve Eli Manning in the latter years of his career.

That's why Jerry Reese needs to spent another 1st round draft pick on a beefy, studly, left guard - a franchise left guard - and steer clear of all these injury prone cast-offs.  There's reasons why they become available.  The Giants simply need better play from Eli's blind side.

Jerry Reese also needs to either upgrade the tight end position, or get his hands on a traditional lead blocking fullback, or both.  If Rashad Jennings (if healthy) and Andre Williams get the assistance they need up front, then they should be able to spot the daylight.

And on that note, Will Beatty is another point of contention for me.  He is costly, and is a technique pass protector.  He offers little with regards to the running game.  At his price, he's just not strong enough.  His position needs to be reconsidered.

There is a place in today's NFL for smash mouth football.  It's time this organization got back to its roots.



Mike

N.Y. Giants: Big Blue A No-Show In Philadelphia

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

3-3

SUNDAY FINAL

Giants         0

EAGLES  27

NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL: Jon Beason makes inconsequential return; Victor Cruz likely out for season.

It was hard to piss off The Duke.  But, this game surely would have.  This game would have pissed off John's grandfather too.  It was the Eagles.

Sunday's loss puts the Giants 2 games behind both Philadelphia and Dallas (whom defeated the Seahawks in Seattle).  But we all know that's only scratching the surface.

This was a demoralizing straight up beat down.

The offensive line, starting their 6th straight game together, and seemingly improving, failed to get the running game going, and allowed an amateurish 8 sacks (6 Manning; 2 Nassib).  Justin Pugh was the culprit in 3 of those.

Steve Weatherford almost doubled the Giants offensive output with his foot.

And of course, there's the obvious bad news: It looks as if Victor Cruz is out for the remainder of the season.

The return of Jon Beason didn't help at all.  Defensively, they allowed 200+ yards on the ground (149 of that to LeSean McCoy), and another 248 yards through the air via 7 different receivers.

Demontre Moore recorded the only sack on Nick Foles, and was the only Giant to touch him all game.

Special teams have been absolutely atrocious since Week One.

This isn't my line - I heard it on TV, but it's true.  The Eagles looked faster than the Giants in every aspect of the game.

On Monday, it is clear they are not as good as 3 consecutive victories led us to believe.

Unless they rebound in Week 7 against the Cowboys, the Giants will sped their bye week listening to everyone list everything wrong with them.

The lists are long, but they'll get the benefit of one more week to figure this out.

I'll only say that the more Jerry Reese has relied on free agency, the worse this team has gotten.




Mike

N.Y. Giants: Showdown At The Met-Life Corral

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

WEEK TWELVE:

Jerry's World Enters The Land of Giants

NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL: Big Blue's Season Is
Facing Third And Very Long.  Can They Convert?

 

I - First Quarter of Season; 0-4

II - Second Quarter of Season; 2-2

III - 2-0 Entering Clash with Cowboys.

IV - The Final Four.

For this season, and this 2013 troubled season only, the time has come to take the New York Football Giants seriously again.  They've earned it.  Despite still being two games under .500, four straight victories have somehow propelled them back into NFC East contention.

Consider which teams were predicted to be players and pretenders this season.  The Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons ran headlong into adversity and fell apart like wet toilet paper, while the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, two of the league's ancient sentinels, have weathered their respective 0-6 tempests.  Team fortitude such as that displayed by these two inter-connected franchises emanates from the top, and works its way down to the field.  People know who own the Giants and Steelers.  They know who coaches them.  Quick!  Who owns the Falcons and Texans?  My point exactly.  Thus, on Sunday, the Steelers and Giants stand poised to make December meaningful again.

Everyone knows who Jerry Jones is too.  He's the famous football owner of America's (most overrated) Team, who may just now be realizing what so many have known all along - Jerry Jones is an awful general manager.  Despite a 3-0 record against the division, his team is reeling.  The Cowboys are now 28th in offensive rushing yardage, and rank 29th defending the run.  How much did Jerry Jones spend on cornerbacks last off-season?  Answer - the Cowboys currently rank 32nd, or dead last in passing yards allowed.  So, it doesn't matter what he spent except to Cowboys season ticket holders.

The Giants have made just enough adjustments, improved their situation just in time, and regained just enough confidence and momentum, to make Sunday's clash against the Dallas Cowboys not just relevant, or even a huge deal.  This game is now set up to join the all-time great clashes these teams have ever engaged in.

At present, the teams appear to be passing each other by, heading in opposite directions at high speed.

After beginning the season 0-6, this conversation shouldn't even be taking place, but the rest of the NFC LEAST has made all things possible again.  A victory by the Giants this Sunday would give them a 5-6 record, tying them with the 'Boys for second place in the division.  The Philadelphia Eagles won last week, and will sit out this week's bye in first place, with a secure 6-6 record.

Big Blue still has the same flaws and deficiencies which got them into this mess in the first place, which no doubt will require GM Jerry Reese's immediate off-season attention.  But at the same time, there's no arguing the locker room is still filled with skilled, good character professionals.  Many of them have been to both the top of the mountain, and the bottom of the valley together, among them obviously, is Coach Tom Coughlin.

Defensively, the Giants have only allowed 46 points in their last four games, or 11.7 points per game during this current winning streak.  By comparison, they allowed 146 points in their first four games of the season.  Then for good measure, they gave up another 63 points in weeks five and six, thus allowing over 200 points during their six game skid.

They are now 7th in the NFL against the run, and 15th against the pass.  Three big reason for that are, 1) - Jon Beason, who has turned into an exceptional acquisition by GM Jerry Reese, 2) - Jason Pierre Paul is showing signs of emerging into a dominant lineman again, evidenced by a sack against the Raiders, and his remarkable, point-blank pick-6 against the Packers, and 3) - Antrel Rolle continues to be a relentless leader, and the team's undisputed MVP.

Offensively, the revamped front line is coming along.  They allowed four sacks last week.  That must change by this Sunday.  Otherwise, the situation is far from being the calamity it was earlier this season.  Justin Pugh continues to play effectively as a rookie, Jim Cordle is providing a considerable upgrade at center, while David Diehl has undoubtedly become a stabilizing presence since his return to action.  With the return of Andre Brown, the overall running game is breathing with life again.  Make no mistake, things are progressing slowly, but progressing nonetheless.

Eli is still throwing picks, albeit less frequently.  Interception #17 against the Packers was due to an incorrect rout again by the receiver.  Despite the miscommunication, and because the running game is making strides, Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and even Ruben Randall can potentially be aggressive big play makers for the Giants again.  The numbers say Big Blue should win a shoot-out against the Dallas Cowboys.


Last word - Never underestimate guile, experience, winning cultures, and great organizations.  And never, overestimate the Cowboys, especially this time of year.





Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: David Diehl Leads Smash Mouth Effort Over Oakland Raiders

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

WEEK TEN FINAL:

Raiders    20

GIANTS  24

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Coach Kevin Gilbride Unleashes Smash Mouth Football Against Oakland Raiders.  Andre Brown Grinds Out 115 Yards In First Game Back from Fractured Leg.  But Make Sure You Give The Game Ball To David Diehl!

The Giants came out of their bye week running - literally.  For the first time all season, Coach Gilbride designed a game plan that incorporated more rushing, than passing the football.  In return, the Giants received a stellar effort from Andre Brown, an overall running effort that overcame yet another Eli Manning pick-six, and converted on third down to gain a crucial first down with 2:03 left in the fourth quarter to cement a 24-20 victory over the Oakland Raiders.

In Andre Brown's first game of the season back from a leg fracture, Coach Gilbride surprisingly dialed up an old-school smash mouth ground attack.  Coach called Brown's number thirty times, and in return Andre rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown.  Peyton Hillis rushed another five times for 21 yards.  That's 136 yards by the backfield on 35 carries, for an average of 3.9 yards per rush.  Hillis did fumble once however, but in the bigger picture, the running game helped the Giants convert 50% on third down, and rushed for eight first downs.  Big Blue also won time of possession by a 32-28 minute margin.

Eli Manning, on the other hand, was only 12/22, for 140 yards.  He threw one touchdown pass to Reuben Randal, and one (INT) TD pass to Oakland's Tracy Porter.  In a very real way this week, the running game bailed-out Eli Manning for a change.  More time will be spent this week talking about a resurgent running game, than dissecting Eli's performance and discussing how much he sucks this season.  I've definitely defended him over the weeks, but today was strictly his own folly.

The real conversation and rightful acclaim however should focus on right guard David Diehl.  He first deserves credit for being adaptable enough over the years to fill in at most offensive line positions.  He variously switched between left guard and tackle through the years, and with this year's season ending injury to Chris Snee, Diehl was asked to shift over and stabilize right guard.  It is far from coincidence that the Giants running game has demonstrated substantial improvement ever since David Diehl rejoined the offensive line after breaking his thumb.

This afternoon against Oakland, Coach Gilbride unleashed a ground attack that repeatedly rushed behind David Diehl's blocking.  Coach relied heavily on Diehl in the first and fourth quarters.  The Giants right guard responded by creating lanes and daylight worth 64 yards on 11 carries, for a 5.8 yards per rush average.  Coach Gilbride elected to run right 7 times out of 8 1st quarter rushes.  Then after going heavy left side in the 2nd quarter, Oakland held the ball for 13:16 in the 3rd quarter, and limited the Giants to just 3 rushing attempts.  But in the fourth, Coach Gilbride went heavy right again, calling for 9 of 13 rushes behind Diehl and Pugh.

Analysis shows the right side of Big Blue's O-Line played huge Sunday.  Coach Gilbride called for 9 plays to be run off right tackle Justin Pugh, and gained 31 yards.  Between both Pugh and David Diehl, the Giants rushed 20 times for 95 yards, good for a 4.7 average yards per carry.

On the other side, the Giants ran off left tackle Will Beatty 7 times, and gained 28 yards, for a 4-yard average per rush.  But when they dialed up Kevin Boothe at left guard, the Giants gained just 13 yards on 5 carries.  In total, the Giants ran left 12 times and gained only 41 yards, for a 3.4 average per carry.  Trying to force their way up the middle was an even less fruitful endeavor.  The Giants gained net zero yards on three rushes behind Jim Cordle at center, but Cordle's efforts playing to Diehl's left certainly also contributed to the Giants overall success running right.

The Giants running game had six plays go for -16 yards, only one play went for no-gain, while 28 plays resulted in positive yardage.

This came against the Oakland Raiders - not exactly a bad team, but not necessarily a very good one.  Nonetheless, the search for daylight continues.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: Running In The Shadows Of Daylight

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS - With Andre Brown Returning To Rush Behind A Reconfigured Offensive Line, Is There Yet Hope For The Running Game?  Or, Will This Wind Up Being A Late Sunday Afternoon Shadow In Autumn's Fading Quest For Daylight?

The Giants are ranked 30th in the NFL rushing the football.  They average 69.9 total yards per game, but the effort rates even worse when you peel back the layers.

In eight games, the backfield has rushed the ball 166 times, for an average of 20.7 attempts per game, but even that is misleading.  In the first five games, they averaged sixteen rushes per game.  Over the last three games, they've averaged twenty-eight rushes per game.  Here's the breakdown:

Week One - 41 pass attempts; 12 rushes for 41 yards.
Week Two - 49 pass attempts; 19 rushes for 23 yards.
Week Three - 25 pass attempts; 15 rushes for 46 yards.
Week Four - 37 pass attempts; 19 rushes for 86 yards - (Wilson, Scott; 18/81, 4.5 avg.)
Week Five - 52 pass attempts; 17 rushes for 53 yards.
*
Week Six - 26 pass attempts; 26 rushes for 123 yards!
Week Seven - 39 pass attempts; 29 rushes for 59 yards.
Week Eight - 39 pass attempts; 29 rushes for 89 yards.

The Giants have gained a total of 520 real yards, which excludes Eli Manning's attempts to scramble. In nine attempts this season, Eli has gained thirty-eight yards, for a 4.2 average.  In jest, Eli Manning could technically qualify as the Giants best rusher, as the backfield has only averaged 3.1 yards per carry this season.  Without Manning, the Giants rush average drops to only 65 yards per game.

Wait - it gets worse.  Take away Brandon Jacob's supreme Week Six effort against the Chicago Bears, and the Giants recalibrated totals read - 144 rushing attempts, 414 total yards, for an average of 2.8 yards per carry, and a likewise reduced 60 yards per game average.  Not unexpectedly, Brandon Jacobs suffered a strained hamstring during the Bears game, and has not factored since.

So what do we know?  Through eight weeks, the Giants featured a barren backfield, running behind a depleted offensive line incapable of run blocking.  The O-Line additionally allowed sacks, and drew penalties at an (un-Giant like) prolific rate.  And of course, over reliance on passing the ball has resulted in an absurd amount of interceptions.

Okay.

Lost in all this, offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride has quietly been out of sight and out of mind - if not lost upon our collective self-pity over starting 2-6 this season.  So, as necessity is the mother of all invention, Coughlin unleashed Simon Bar Sinister to be as crazy, wiley and as irresponsible as he wanted to be without fear of recriminations from me, you and most fans, nor the media, the NSA, the Russians, global warming and endangered polar bears.  He may not escape Jerry Reese at season's end, but that remains to be seen.

Let's not forget, in the Eli/ Coach Coughlin era, the Giants have been a highly aggressive, pass-first team.  This is not all on Gilbride.  He is Coughlin's enabler.  And so, through the first five weeks, in trying to play catch-up football, Air Gilbride reduced the running game into a mere smudge on his  play calling chart.  Yes, the running game indeed was a futile venture, but there was a minimalist attempt on his part to keep opposing defenses honest.  Many screamed for more controlled roll-outs and 3-step drops by Eli, employing double tight ends and utilizing pulling linemen, trying more screen passes and draw plays, and more overall swing catches by the backfield to offset the run.

Instead, we're presently at the midway point of the season, and Eli Manning has as many INT's (15) as he had all of last year, and yes, he leads the NFL this season in that category.  Kevin Gilbride's idea of situational play calling and lack of better creativity, in addition to receivers running incorrect routes, no tight end to speak of, the crumbling offensive line, and yes, Eli Manning's inconsistency and occasionally reverting back to old habits (like throwing off his back foot) all share equal blame for fifteen interceptions.  But in truth, without an effective running game, all semblance of play-action was, and still remains null and void.

Under those conditions, it is hard to decipher any measure of success or even promise, culpability, negligence, or singular blame.  The Giants do not have much to hang their helmets on outside of A) - a decently competitive game to open the season against Dallas, B) - a good first half against the Broncos, C) - a decent day against the Chiefs running the ball despite yet another loss, D) -  a throw-back game by Brandon Jacobs against the Bears, and E & F) -  two yawn inspiring victories over the Vikings and Eagles.

Make no mistake - the defense and special teams have more problems than a math book as well.  But you know what they say - an effective running game gets first downs, keeps possession of the football, keeps the punter off the field, takes time off the clock, keeps the opposing offense off the field, and minimizes the defense's exposure and limits their fatigue.

The demise of Brandon Jacobs, then Ahmad Bradshaw ushered in the era of Andre Brown and David Wilson?  That's the way Jerry Reese designed it, and the Giants paid a steep price. 

October 9, 2013 - The Long Successful Run To Daylight Is Over

Andre Brown went down before opening day, and David Wilson is still battling a neck condition.  Brandon Jacob's contribution this season has been chronicled and appreciated, while Da'rel Scott and Peyton Hillis did all they could.  None of this falls on them.

What now?

The season ending injuries to offensive linemen Chris Snee, but more specifically to David Baas, are perhaps addition by subtraction.  Jim Cordle has filled in at center, and will continue seeing steady playing time.  The center position is now bigger and healthier because of it.  David Diehl's return is not only timely, his ability to play multiple positions has allowed him to slide into Snee's spot.  Corresponding to the changes, the O-Line has demonstrated marked improvement over their first five weeks of the season.  The backfield in turn has benefited as well.  Will Beatty, Kevin Boothe, Jim Cordle, David Diehl and Justin Pugh, who has played quite well as a rookie, are now the starting front five, and should finish out the season together barring any further injury.

Coach Coughlin also put the brakes on Air Gilbride.  After failing to run the ball at least twenty times during the first five games, and averaging two passes for every one rush, Coach advised his long-time friend and coordinator to restrike a balance between passing and running the ball.  In Week Six, Kevin Gilbride struck total balance for his friend, and elected to pass and rush an equal twenty-six times each.  In both Weeks Seven and Eight, the Giants ran a season high twenty-nine times, and had finally rushed the ball in excess of twenty-five times in three straight games.

David Wilson recently went for a second MRI for a herniated disk in his neck, and will not be reevaluated for another few weeks.  But, finally some good news - Andre Brown appears back after sustaining a fractured leg in pre-season, and may finally play for the first time this Sunday against the Oakland Raiders.  How effective he'll be in his first few games back is obviously a highly questionable proposition.  Not to mention, regardless of the opposition, he'll be playing against defenses that are very literally in mid-season form.

With Andre Brown rushing again behind a reconfigured offensive line, perhaps there's hope for this running game yet.  I'm afraid however, the affect will be too little, too late, and wind up a mere late afternoon shadow in Autumn's fading quest for daylight.

Despite the pass-happiness of the Eli/Coughlin/Gilbride era, for nearly a full decade, the Giants featured one of the most fearsome running games in football, rushing behind a record setting offensive line.  Back then, Coach Gilbride took it upon himself to strike offensive balance, and had the resources to get it done.  Those days are officially long gone.  After Chris Snee went down, David Diehl became the lone surviving lineman from the previous era, and even his days are short.

There are no football miracles on the horizon for Big Blue.  Not this year.  Time and Football stand still for no one.  The Giants will not win out and finish with a 10-6 record.  They need to go 5-3 just to finish with a 7-9 mark.  Let's just get through the Raiders first.

I've never hesitated to criticize Kevin Gilbride.  I'm old school, remember - raised on Bill Parcells, smash mouth, and stuff like that.  So Gilbride has been a real assault on my sensibilities.  But I never wanted him fired.  Defensive coordinators?  Yes.  Him?  No.  This year, Gilbride is only guilty of doing what he's been told, and it feels weird defending him, but there you go.  I'm resigned to the fact that in this modern era of...whatever... Coughlin, Gilbride, and Eli Manning will go down as the most prolific offensive trio in Giants history, yet go down as perhaps the most criticized.  Ponderous, but true.

N.Y. Giants: On Tom Coughlin - Note To Fans, Remember Where You Came From

 

Too may of Jerry Reese's problems stem from the salary cap.  Above all else, he needs to get that in order.  The Giants entered the season with the most free agents on their roster and least amount of drafted players in the Jerry Reese era.  That is the inherent and inevitable peril when tasked with putting a previous era to bed, and trying to establish a new one on the fly in the parity stricken NFL.  So, money is a definite factor in future decision making.  Free agent acquisition David Baas woefully under-performed for the cash he was earning.  That mistake can not be repeated.  Will Beatty is making too much as well, but at least deserves further consideration.

Of the current members of the offensive line and backfield, I am only otherwise predisposed to move forward with Justin Pugh, David Wilson, Jim Cordle and Kevin Boothe.  The Giants need to reevaluate quickly this off-season and choose which direction they want to go.  Then move forward by making very hard, unpopular decisions and affect the necessary changes.

Next, Jerry Reese needs to reprioritize next year's draft.  Reese did not compromise himself by sending the Panthers a late pick for Jon Beason. 

We've know for a few years now, the offensive line needed a complete overhaul.  When Jerry Reese finally rebuilds the offensive line, only then will things fall into place again.  A grassroots effort is in order.  Assemble another young core of linemen, and let them grow together.  Selecting RT Justin Pugh last year was a needed step in the right direction.  Jerry Reese will need to expend another pick on an O-lineman, and hope he gets as good a player, if not better than Justin Pugh.  A trade and a smart free agent signing later, and perhaps one more rush for glorious daylight may resume in earnest again before Eli retires.




Mike.BTB

N.Y.Giants: The Long Successful Run To Daylight Is Over

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

JOE MORRIS

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Big Blue's Long Proud Contiguous Chain Of Running Backs Has Snapped.

Just so you know, former G-Man Ahmad Bradshaw will undergo neck surgery, and miss the rest of the season.  So, in all likelihood, he would have been of no use to the Giants had they retained him.  In essence, the Giants would have been in the same situation they find themselves at this very moment.  Think of it this way, by letting Ahmad Bradshaw walk to Indianapolis, the Giants were able to retain Victor Cruz.  The reality is, that equated to a personnel net gain of zero, which circles back to the current state of running game, doesn't it?  Meaning - Net Gain Zero.

In David Wilson's defense, he's been attempting to rush behind the Giants worst offensive line of the last fourteen years.  He's no doubt a partial victim of bad timing in that respect.  The front five couldn't push a refrigerator right now.  There is no taking away the marvelous season Wilson had returning kicks last season.  Over 1,500 yards led the entire NFL.  In fact, his career is starting similarly to Tiki Barber's; returning kicks, fumble issues, and accused of being undersized.

Wilson should only be so lucky.

Potential talent aside, David Wilson is now stored energy.  He will miss Thursday night's game against the Bears with a neck injury that threatens to keep him out longer - maybe even the entire season.  That still remains to be determined.

What if I said David Wilson also represents a glaring break down in the system?

I'm afraid the long successful rush towards daylight is over.  The torch passed from Joe Morris, to O.J. Anderson, to Rodney Hampton, to Tiki Barber, to Brandon Jacobs, to Ahmad Bradshaw, has been dropped and extinguished.  Even guys like Ron Dayne, Gary Brown and even Charles Way did their part to keep things moving down field.

The difference between all those guys and David Wilson is this - Every single one of those running backs overlapped each other.  Since Joe Morris, the Giants have always smoothly transitioned from one back to another.  Morris played with O.J., Otis played with Rodney, Hampton played with Tiki, Barber played with Jacobs, and big buddy Brandon played with his little buddy Bradshaw.  Then..., Jerry Reese handed Brandon Jacobs his walking papers two seasons ago, and opened the door for Ahmad Bradshaw last season.  In this long succession of backs, David Wilson was the first one to go into a regular season solo.  At this point, I beg you please - Andre Brown is inconsequential.  I'm not even inclined to say the injured Andre Brown and David Wilson would, or could have formed a formidable duo.  Unless you blindly see life through Big Blue colored glasses, I respectfully ask, who the hell is Andre Brown that we should rue the day he got injured?  And so I reiterate, the search for daylight just went dark.  There is a failure in the system, and it's not necessarily with David Wilson.  He is a byproduct.

For the moment, let's leave Brandon Jacobs out of this.  The Giants will enter Thursday night's game against Chicago with a backfield of Da'Rel Scott, who they cut last week, and a rookie, Michael Cox.  In the name of Frank freakin' Gifford, have you ever recalled such a circumstance?  I have!  And it was a long time ago.

I hope I'm clear in making my point, which is, the contiguous chain of running backs has been snapped.

The O-Line is indeed as bad as perhaps fourteen years ago, and deserves rightful blame for much of the current offensive dysfunction.  Jerry Reese did not transition this unit with the urgency it demanded.  The offensive line had long ago peeked and was already in steep decline entering the 2011 SB season.  Now that Chris Snee is done for the season, that means four of the original Big Five record setting linemen inherited by Jerry Reese are done.  David Diehl is the last man standing.  Reese replaced Shaun O'Hara with an ineffectual, and expensive David Baas, and Rich Seubert with a growing question mark and equally expensive Will Beatty.  Rookie Justin Pugh replaced Kareem McKenzie, and now the Giants will juggle Jim Cordle and James Brewer to accommodate the loss of Snee.  The Giants offensive line was allowed to grow old together, and these are the consequences.

Should I pile on and speak of the tragedy which is tight end?




Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: Offensive Woes Mounting

From the desk of:   DO IT FOR THE DUKE

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Things Always Get Worse Before They Get Better.

The Giants offensive line continues to pose more problems than a math book.  David Diehl is still not ready for game action, and now, Chris Snee and David Baas will miss this weekend's game, and possibly more than that.  That makes three (potential) starting linemen out for Sunday's game.

At least Big Blue will get a fresh new look at their remaining options without having to second guess themselves.  Injuries have forced their hand.  James Brewer and Jim Cordle now enter the equation.  The Giants third option is second year Brandon Mosley.  Regardless of who plays where this week, any combination the Giants throw out Sunday can't do any worse than the line performed last week.  In fact, in three successive weeks starting in Dallas and culminating last week against Carolina, the offensive line's play got worse, gained less yardage, and allowed more sacks as they went along.  So, last week was indeed like hitting rock bottom, as it cost them two more players and the reputation of a third - that being Will Beatty, who had perhaps the worst day of all.

This week's beleaguered and inexperienced bunch has the unenviable task of protecting Eli from the Kansas City Chiefs, who just happen to lead the NFL in sacks.  Linebacker Justin Houston has 7 1/2 of them.  Justin Pugh in particular will have his hands full this week.  It certainly won't help the Giants that they're also facing a familiar old foe in Coach Andy Reid.

There is also something more to than just protecting Eli.  As we've learned, when Eli can't get the ball to Hakeem Nicks, the offense looks especially bad.  Once again, that circles back to the running game, and making matters even worse now, the back field suffered an additional major blow with the loss of fullback Henry Hynoski for the season.  If the Giants continue to struggle running the ball, they at least have to do a better job of keeping Eli upright, so he, Nicks and Cruz can at least make this a competitive game.



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: Black, Blue And Blindsided

From the desk of:   DO IT FOR THE DUKE

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Look Left, Look Right, Then Left Again.  If There Is Still No Where To Go, Call Jerry Reese.

Six of Carolina's seven quarterback sacks came in the first half.  Five came from their defensive front. The other two came from linebackers.  Of the Panthers five defensive front sacks, three came from Defensive End Greg Hardy.  He was Left Guard Will Beatty's man.  The other two defensive front sacks belonged to Carolina's Tackle positions (one by a rookie), meaning they came straight up the gut, with a lean towards the Giants left.  That means Guard Kevin Boothe, but namely Center David Baas.  One of Carolina's linebacker sacks came from their weak side, meaning once again, the Giants left.  That means six of the overall seven recorded sacks by the Panthers originated from a man on Eli Manning's blind side.

Sunday, Will Beatty had as bad a game as any offensive lineman would care to ponder.  Sunday is also why numerous times before I have expressed wavering confidence in him.  He is a brains over brawn kind of guy - a tactician; he relies on quickness and technique.  Sometimes that doesn't work, and Sunday he simply got manhandled.  Boothe and Baas teamed up to get beat twice as well.  If I said this a thousand times, here I go again.  David Baas is an undersized Center.  Kevin Boothe is currently book-ended by this dilemma, and between the three of them, Eli's blind side has been an unforgiving bad land.

David Baas additionally isn't up to the GIANT task of opening running holes either.  Beatty is another who's style doesn't lend itself well to run blocking and crating holes.  There is no surge in either of their blocking.  So, running left is a precarious option.  On the other side, the rookie Justin Pugh occupies Right Tackle.  His man ironically didn't record a sack, only because others got to Eli first, but the linebacker who came from his side did.   He's been increasingly struggling through three weeks, and like the rest of the line, is not creating running room.  In fact, the offensive line is surrendering yardage now and becoming a huge liability.  Will Beatty even took points off the board when called for a holding penalty in the second quarter.

I know the Giants wanted to give the offensive line a second week of continuity with the same starting five, as David Baas missed the opener.  Truth is however, they played worse than last week.  The question now is how much longer can they afford before drastic changes are warranted?  Even then, while they await the return of David Diehl, Jim Brewer and Jim Cordle are the only viable in-house options they have.

With respect to Jerry Reese, an argument can be made that perhaps he waited one or two years too long to start rebuilding the offensive line in earnest.  But I also feel had Prince Amukamara, Terrell Thomas and Kenny Phillips not been hurt so often, Mr. Reese wouldn't have had to exhaust so many picks over the years refitting the secondary - that maybe at least one more high draft pick over the last four years could have been used selecting a stud lineman.

In the mean time, Jerry Reese must scour the waiver wires and living rooms of America for someone who can help bolster this offensive line.  Maybe Chase Blackburn has a 325 pound friend who isn't busy?



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: Week One; Sunday Night Showdown In Dallas

From the desk of:   DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

Defense Still Panning For Fewell's Gold

Offensive Line Adds Some Weight

David Wilson's Quest For Daylight

 

 

WEEK ONE:

New York Giants @ Dallas Cowboys

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Nothing Comes Easy In The Land Of Giants.  Big Blue May Need Another Week Before They Get It Together.

Last season was no way to defend a Super Bowl championship - no playoffs.  Let's hope that served as motivation heading into this season.  After all, there are many members of this team who've been through all this before.

I would even suggest Jerry Reese was caught in a personnel bind, and still is.  His secondary needs constant repair, while his linebacker corps suffer from neglect because he's constantly replenishing the defensive line.  Offensively, he's been deliberate in rebuilding the front line, the team currently lacks a quality tight end, and the back field is suddenly very thin and largely untested.  If anything, Jerry Reese's best off-season move was to keep Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz and Eli Manning together.  That said, the march back towards the playoffs, starts now.

The Giants open up the season in Big Dallas, Texas.  What a way to get the Hate-o-rade juices instantly flowing through our veins.  Jerry's Kids - the Dallas Cowboys - America's premiere pom-pom shakers, will swing open the Jerry Jones Dome doors for everyone tonight, on Sunday Night Football.  And I couldn't be more bothered!  I like my Giants football one way - on Sundays at 1:00pm

Here's today's game preview > In Eli We Trust.  Thank you very much.  See you after the game.

Both teams have major question marks regarding their offensive and defensive lines.  The bigger question then, is which team's deficiencies loom larger?  To answer I say the Giants offensive line will prevail over Dallas' defensive front, even despite having to deal with DeMarcus Ware, and what should be Dallas' inclination to pick on rookie right tackle Justin Pugh.  Offsetting that scenario is my belief that the Giants will be able to run the ball against the Cowboys.

Until JPP is fully healthy, the Giants defensive line seems a little light in the ranks.  Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka will start at the respective end positions, and that's not a bad situation at all.  If he plays, Jason Pierre Paul's performance tonight, or lack there of, will be very telling.

If only to see them in action, I'm terribly curious about what kind of linebackers we'll have.  That unit is concerning.  Otherwise, it's the secondary versus Tony Romo and his receivers which disturbs me entering tonight's game.  In fact, I do not think the Giants are ready for this match-up.  I'm not pleased with what I saw during pre-season.  The Giants have lost their last two opening games, and tonight I believe they will drop their third straight.

Even if the Giants do manage a couple of sacks, for tonight at least, I think we're in store for something that more resembles last season, over what they could look like three week from now. Romo will get flushed out of the pocket due to good coverage and the Giants pass rush, then hurt us down field.....repeatedly.  It's a damn catch-22.  But fret not Giants fans, I'm a believer, just not tonight.  This has more to do with Tony Romo looking good early in the season, only to become a colossal failure later when Fall turns into Winter.

The Giants like to do things the hard way, and well, losing on opening night is part of that.  But I have a suspicion the Giants and Cowboys will see each other three times this season.  First, I think the Giants need one more week before they're settled.  Or, I need another week to figure them out.

Either way, football is back.  Happy day!



Mike.BTB

N.Y. Giants: Offensive Line Adds Some Weight

From the desk of:   DO IT FOR THE DUKE

 

David Wilson's Quest For Daylight

Giants Need A Full Season From Hakeem Nicks

NEW YORK FOOTBALL GIANTS: Week One's Offensive Line Is Big and Blue, Weighs Over 1500 Pounds, And I Like It.

Did David Diehl's Injury Actually Improve The Offensive Line?

 

Tiki Barber, Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw all ran behind superior offensive lines.  I didn't say that, the record books did.  In the same breath, Eli Manning has been one of the least sacked quarterbacks since entering the league.  But time stands still for no one.  The front five I'm referring to were already on the precipice of decline by the time the Giants won Super Bowl XLII.  Over the last five years since then and another Super Bowl later, some members have slowly been transitioned out.

Last season saw the departure of Kareem McKenzie.  Prior to him, Rich Seubert and Shaun O'Hara were given their walking papers.  Remaining from what was once the most formidable offensive line in football are David Diehl and Chris Snee.  Diehl, as we know will miss the first quarter of the regular season with a thumb injury.  Although he's been very adaptable and helpful in playing multiple positions over the last several seasons, his game has been in steady decline for the last two in particular.  For the moment, that leaves Snee as the lone survivor at right guard.

This year's offensive line has already suffered multiple casualties.  In addition to David Diehl, regular starting center David Baas will miss Sunday night's opener in Dallas with an injured left knee.  I'm still not at peace with the signing of Baas.  He struggled somewhat and suffered a neck injury his first season here.   To be fair however, he played well last season.  I just feel he is undersized for the position.

This year, the Giants will enter Sunday's clash against the Cowboys with over 1500 pounds of offensive linemen.  At 6'3" and 320 pounds, Jim Cordle, 26, will take over at center this week.  That's the kind of size I'm talking about.  Jim will be taking on his biggest assignment to date.  Entering his fourth season, he should at least have the smarts and his technique down.  Kevin Boothe was the original back-up plan for David Baas, but after David Diehl went down, Boothe was forced to slide back to left guard.

Will Beatty is back to man left tackle.  He is a technique reliant guy, which tends to get me down on him from time to time.  But when you crunch the rushing numbers, the Giants ran the ball slightly better running left with Beatty at tackle than with Diehl.  As previously mentioned, Kevin Boothe will play left guard.  I like Boothe - always have, and especially like him at left guard because we can trust him.  He is entering his sixth season, and his prime years as a player.  At twenty-eight years old, he maintains a 6'6", 319 pound wall of protection for Eli Manning's blind side.

Chris Snee is just a good, gutsy lineman.  He's been a great front line grunt for the G-Men.  He is now entering his eleventh season.  When you add his 305 pounds to that of Jim Cordle and Kevin Boothe, that's over 900 pounds of Big Blue man meat between the tackles, which I find somewhat comforting.

Pressed into service at right tackle, will be Jerry Reese's first round (#19) draft pick, Justin Pugh.  Luckily for him, he will be playing along side an excellent mentor in Chris Snee.  He'll need to mature in a hurry, as Pugh could potentially receive a personal welcome to the NFL from the Cowboys DeMarcus Ware.  Pugh brings another 301 pounds to the line.

These five will be charged to open holes for David Wilson and protect Eli Manning.  Through injury, I kind of like this unit better.  Of course, being down to one feature back is a precarious way to start the season.  If David Wilson goes down, we're pretty much consigned to throwing 70% of the time; or just plain screwed if you prefer.  But I'm not so sure going into the season with just David Wilson is such a bad thing though.  Running off right tackle with a rookie there might pose a problem, but  that wouldn't be a new problem. The running game saw a drop off in yardage last season when rushing to the right side, or off-tackle.  In Kareem McKenzie's last season, the Giants averaged nearly five yards per rush running right, and barely three yards per carry to the left.  Last season with McKenzie gone, the Giants had difficulty getting to the outside of both tackles, faring much better inside.  If anything, the Giants will have good size and experience up the middle this season.

I guess the idea is to keep defenses honest.  Coach Gilbride likes balance.  Hopefully, the running game will provide that, and prevent team's from keying in on Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz.  Offense is all about making the defensive safeties commit.  If the offensive line and David Wilson can help keep safeties honest by providing a productive running game, then Coach Gilbride, Eli, Cruz and Nicks can dice up any team.

Welcome to the new, modern day NFL.  Oh smash-mouth football, why have you forsaken me?



Mike.BTB