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: Smash-Mouth Makes an Appearance in Denver

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

FINAL-LY!

GIANTS      23

BRONCOS  10

New York Giants: Big Blue Finds Daylight in Denver; Rumble to First Victory of Season.

I rest my case!

Limited throwing from Eli Manning;
a heavy dose of the ground game;
key tight end receptions;
and shut down defense.

That's Giants football where I come from.

Unfortunately, Sunday's game was the closest thing I've seen to traditional Big Blue smash-mouth football since Ben McAdoo arrived in town.

Considering the Giants defeated the Denver Broncos quite soundly, I'm forced to revisit a question I've been asking for years:

If the New York York Giants won two Super Bowls in 1986 and 1990 playing smash-mouth football, then won another pair of Lombardi trophies in 2007 and 2011 still playing smash-mouth football, and all four Super Bowl victories came against west coast styled offenses, then why on earth are the Giants so hell bent on transforming into a west coast offense?

My answer is obviously Ben McAdoo.

The Giants second year head coach gets credit points for self-reflection.  He surrendered play calling to his offensive coordinator, Mike Sullivan, and the results were in stark contrast to what McAdoo has been reconditioning us for. 

How is it that with Mike Sullivan calling plays Eli Manning's yards per completion average also rose by almost two full yards (versus previous three seasons with McAdoo calling plays)?

I'll wait ...

That being said, isn't it amazing the things you can accomplish without Odell Beckham Jr.?  Odell is the best wide receiver the Giants have ever had.  Right?  He's better than Phil McConkey, Bobby Johnson, Stephen "touchdown" Baker, Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, you name it.

Problem is, Sunday's victory over the Denver Broncos was the Giants first of the season, and their first since last year's infamous trip to South Beach with Bieber. 

Is this proof it took Beckham's disappearance to finally open some eyes?  Does this prove, as I contend, Ben McAdoo's application of the west coast was flawed to begin with?

I don't know ...

But I do know Eli Manning only threw the ball 19 times, and connected 11 times for 128 yards.  And I know he threw a touchdown to his rookie tight end, Even Engram, who caught five huge passes for 82 yards.

With D.J. Fluker starting at center in place of Weston Richburg (concussion), the offensive line created loads of daylight for Orleans Darkwa, who rushed 21 times for 117 yards.  On three separate occasions, he rumbled for 47 yards, 17 yards, and 14 yards.

As John Madden would say ... BOOM!

But one game does not a running game make ... the line is still not without its problems. 

They allowed another three sacks.

Pfft ..!  Before the game, I was fearful Eli was going to get hurt.

The defense was shut-down.  The Giants limited the Broncos to just 46 yards rushing, sacked Trevor Siemian four times, with JPP recording three of them.  They intercepted Siemian twice, caused one fumble, and scored six points.

It was a nice day in Denver.

So, where do the Giants go from here?  After all, Sunday's victory only makes them 1-5 on the season.  There's still a lot of room to play with.

Is smash-mouth back to stay?  Will Mike Sullivan continue implementing this run-first philosophy, even though it flies in the face of Ben McAdoo? 

Or, will the head coach intercede, insisting upon some semblance of west coast?

N.Y. Giants: Rushing to Conclusions

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Offensive Line Inability to Create Daylight

Keeping Big Blue Fans Brooding in the Dark

New York Giants Football: After Three Weeks, Season Already Seems All But Lost.

It took three games, but the Giants finally broke the century mark in rushing.  They ran the ball 17 times for 49 yards during Sunday's 24-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, finally pushing them over the 100 yard mark in rushing for the season.

Through the first three games, the Giants backfield of Darkwa, Perkins, and Vereen, have rushed a total of 43 times for 134 yards.  That averages out to 14 attempts for 44.6 yards per game/ 3.1 yards per rush.

That's not complimentary football, folks, as Coach McAdoo likes to say.

Sure ... Eli threw three TD passes in the fourth quarter against the Eagles.  And on the one hand, Eli Manning and Odell Beckham proved that when they're in sync, they're among the most feared threats in football.  That being said, the Giants most gifted offensive player and lone scoring threat is at the same time the team's main source of controversy and fan irritation.

Eli clearly made adjustments heading into this game and got his throws off (more or less) within two seconds or less.  With regards to Coach McAdoo's version of the West Coast offense, that's the way it's supposed to be.  And in a micro sense, it worked.  Pressure on the offensive line was reduced.   They allowed no sacks and only four other QB hits.

But I ask, what good is this quick strike capability when their inability to run the ball and control the clock is continually putting Coach Spagnuolo's defense on the field for an average of 34:31 minutes a game?  Said another way, the Giants opposition is possessing the ball for ten more minutes per game.

More defensive field time equals more wear and tear.  In Week One, Dallas' Ezekiel Elliott rushed 24 times for 104 yards.  Detroit rushed 29 times for 115 yards.  Meanwhile, the Eagles oppressed the Giants defense with 39 rushes for 193 yards.  Said another way, they've already allowed a grand total of 437 yards on the ground, an average of 145 yards allowed per game.

With more wear and tear, injuries at some point could become problematic.  Janoris Jenkins, J.T. Thomas, and B.J. Goodson all had issues heading into Week Three.  Meanwhile, Olivier Vernon leaving Sunday's game with an ankle injury perhaps is not coincidental.

I derive no joy by saying the Giants regular season, and any aspirations of making the playoffs already seem like dust in the wind.

N.Y. Giants: O-Line Puts Worst Foot Forward

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Coach McAdoo 

Serving Up Offensive Line Kool-Aid

Week One

FINAL

Giants        3

Cowboys  19

New York Football Giants: New Season, Same Old Story.

ICYMI: As Offensive Line Goes, So Go The Giants 

This is an offensive line/backfield issue in the collective sense, as much a philosophical issue; be sure of that.  So there's no point in singling out players.  We know who they are, and what they're incapable of.  If anyone needs to be singled out, it's Jerry Reese for de-prioritizing these units over the last six seasons to the point of complete deterioration.

What I'm not sure about, is what Coach McAdoo is trying to sell us.  No coach should ever place himself in agreement with the press by saying, "Yeah, well, my O-Line sucks."  I understand not wanting to throw a struggling unit under the bus.  We all get that.  But reducing the matter to a non-issue.  That's the first indication of a huge problem.  And it's beginning to seem as if his media deflections and denials are cries for mercy.

The Cowboys sacked Eli three times, and registered four more QB hits.  In other words, the pocket was not a hospitable place to be.  Meanwhile the passing lanes remained riddled with obstacles as well.  Dallas defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence in particular laid siege to the right side of the Giants O-Line with two sacks, and two more QB hits.

Okay ... so Coach knows he has no running game, and that Eli Manning is in jeopardy with every snap he takes from center.  He also knows that without Odell Beckham Jr. turning seven yard receptions into 65 yard gains the Giants are somewhat impotent.  Sunday night was a Prime Time example (embarrassment).  Sure, Brandon Marshall is a fine receiver in his own right, and is here to alleviate the double team on OBJ.  But with no OBJ, and no viable running game to set up play-action, an average Dallas Cowboys defense (IMO) simply loaded the box, limited Marshall to one catch, and essentially defied the Giants to beat them with Sterling Shepard.

Dallas QB Dak Prescott nearly out-rushed Paul Perkins and Orleans Darkwa by himself.  Big Blue's backs joined to rush a mere ten times for thirty yards.  In fact, the Giants only rushed the ball eleven times all night if you include Sterling Shepard's six yard romp.

If you care to argue Shane Vereen's nine receptions for 54 yards out of the backfield count for something ... fine.  But what if I countered by saying he accounted for 23% of the Giants offense during what was effectively a shutout.

Now consider that guy on the opposing sideline.  Behind a well drafted, cohesive, and effective offensive line, Dallas' Ezekiel Elliott rushed 24 times for 104 yards ... against a good Giants defense.

That being said, the Giants defense played very well Sunday night, holding the Cowboys to 19 points. But if the offense remains intent on leaving them out there for 35:00 minutes a game, then we're all in for a long season.

The score was only 0-3 after the first quarter, and 0-16 at halftime.  We are not talking dire circumstances here.  Those are generally times for regrouping, making adjustments, getting back to fundamentals, and attempting to establish the run again.  But that's only if you have any semblance of a rushing attack.  One must have the mindset as well.  Teams must want to run the ball and commit.   And for that, you need an effective offensive line.  It appears as if the Giants have none of the above.

Dallas rushed for 129 yards and held the ball for 34:14 minutes.  They produced 392 yards of offense on 71 plays.  As previously noted, the Giants only rushed for 35 yards and possessed the ball for 25:46 minutes.  They were limited to 233 total yards on just 53 plays.

If you do not think there is a correlation between running successfully, and time of possession, and victory, then you're drinking Coach McAdoo's Kool-Aid.


 ... and I picked the Giants to win too.

N.Y. Giants: Coach McAdoo Earns Week Two Game Ball

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE..!

Game Ball Goes to Coach McAdoo 

for demanding the New York Football Giants take better care of

"THE DUKE"

WEEK TWO FINAL

Saints    13

Giants   16

New York Football Giants: Coach McAdoo's reinvestment in the run, and Doing It For The Duke will get him far.

After two games head coach Ben McAdoo is undefeated.

Make no mistake, there's great value starting 2-0 in a 16 game season.  After all, you can't win division titles in September, but you certainly can lose them.  So, give the man his due.

But what Coach McAdoo has actually accomplished in two short weeks as first time head coach of the Giants needs more context.

Passing Aggressive Personality Disorder: Eli, Gilbride, and Coughlin.

For better and for worse, Eli Manning and former offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride spent years routinely leading the NFL in most yards attempted per pass - all with Tom Coughlin's blessings, of course.

Their system was good enough to win a pair of Super Bowls.  But on a year-in-year-out basis, such high risk/high reward down field passing would certainly increase Manning's odds of getting intercepted.

Sure enough, in 2007 Eli led the league in interceptions during his first season under Gilbride.  In 2010, Eli attempted his most passes under Gilbride to that point of his career, and wound up topping the league for a second time with 25 interceptions.  By 2013, times grew considerably more dire for both Kevin Gilbride and Tom Coughlin. In his final season under Gilbride, Eli Manning led the league in interceptions for a third time in his career, which perhaps more than anything, spoke about the Giants depleted running capabilities, poor defense, and overall mounting desperation.

With the Giants disappointing 7-9 record requiring a sacrificial lamb, Kevin Gilbride took the hit for his friend Tom Coughlin by notifying the organization of his retirement from football.

Say what you will about Kevin Gilbride (I do), he still maintained a balanced attack. Although he often drew the ire of Giants fans (myself included) for what I called his endless search for the perfect pass play, he knew how and when, and did utilize his running game effectively (creativity withstanding) ... back when the Giants could.  But once center Shaun O'Hara retired, the rest of the offensive line and running game deteriorated in kind shortly thereafter.

That's a main reason why by 2014-15 Tom Coughlin had become an exponentially desperate head coach, who perhaps limited much of new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo's play calling autonomy.

Coughlin all but abandoned his already inconsequential running game that now featured an untenable, counter-productive four back rotation.  At the same time, Eli was setting career highs with 600+ pass attempts in consecutive seasons as the Giants began incorporating a more west coast style system.

But after two straight 6-10 seasons and 12 seasons overall as head coach of the New York Giants, Tom Coughlin unavoidably gave way last year for the promotion of Ben McAdoo.

Meet the New Boss

Jerry Reese arguably dealt Coughlin a losing hand in his latter years as head coach.  For the moment, that remains another matter.

Today, after just two weeks of play, there's little debating how much more head coach McAdoo is benefiting from better quality personnel, particularly on defense.

As offensive coordinator, he noticeably shortened up Manning's passing game, thus making him a more efficient quarterback. Eli limited himself to 14 INT's in each of his two seasons under OC McAdoo.

But the most welcome change from one regime to the next has been head coach McAdoo's reinvestment in the running game.

Last year, the Giants threw the ball 76 times, and only rushed 42 times through the first two games of the season against Dallas and Atlanta.  The Giants utilized four different backs against Dallas, while three rushed in week two against Atlanta.

This season, first year head coach McAdoo and first year offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan have elected to pass 69 times, and rush 52 times.  Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen have been the lone ball carriers, with the exception of Orleans Darkwa making his first and only rush of the season against the Saints.

All this sort of confirms Tom Coughlin's operational level of desperation.  The change is proving refreshing.

All that being said, once is an event, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a trend.  So let's see how things play out in Week Three.

Tugging at Big Blue's Heartstrings

Ben McAdoo spent ten years working under Mike McCarthy in New Orleans, San Francisco, and of course in Green Bay, prior to his arrival in New York.  With a credible resume, hiring McAdoo as offensive coordinator in 2014 was viewed, then, as somewhat of a layup - easily chalked up to career progression.

Instead, the general apprehension lay in having a 39 year old head coach.

Anyone savvy enough to invoke The Duke is wise beyond his years.  Perhaps a calculated move on McAdoo's part, but one that should have some members of the media feeling embarrassed of themselves for not catching it.

Starting the season 2-0 is nice too.

I'm sure Wellington would approve.

N.Y. Giants: Piling Weight of the Season on Eli's Shoulders

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Youngster no more.  

The old vet must be the Mann from here on out.

New York Giants: Unfairly, or not, Big Blue needs Eli Manning to be elite down the stretch.

The Fates are looking over the Giants.  I mean ... what more could Jerry Reese's broken pieces ask for?

Thanksgiving Day effectively eliminated the Cowboys from any meaningful conversation, and put the Eagles dysfunction on full display for the nation to see.  The Giants now get an opportunity to act on their own behalf by putting their last remaining division rival to pasture once and for all.

Yes Virginia, as improbable as it may seem, the stage is set for Big Blue taking one small step forward in the standings, and a Giant leap towards capturing an NFC East division flag by Christmas.

It's theirs for as long as they step up, keep their wits about them, execute, and take it.  But, as we've seen numerous times this season, particularly in the final minutes of games, that's been a task easier said than done.

Defensively, the Redskins have allowed 370 yards per game, while the Giants have surrendered 420 yards per game (2nd most in the NFL).  Yet, both average 25.3 points allowed per game, placing each in the bottom third of the league.

Offensively, the Giants average 27.3 points per game, while the Hogs have posted an average of 22.1 points per.

But let us not forget what Kirk Cousins did to the Giants secondary in Week Three.  Yes, he threw a pair of interceptions, but was also 30/49 for 316 yards, and a touchdown. Washington outscored the Giants 15-14 in the 4th quarter, in what ultimately ended up being a 32-21 Giants victory.

Just saying....

The return of Coach Spagnuolo means the Giants once again rank among league leaders in takeaways.  In fact, the Giants rank second.

There's your game.

Washington runs the ball as atrociously as the Giants do.  Both team's running games are ranked 7th and 8th worst, respectively.  So, the Giants better make sure they take away what little running game the Redskins possess, thereby putting Kirk Cousins in bad throwing situations.  Then it's a matter of Cousins offering the Giants defense opportunities to make big plays.

On the Blue side of the ball, the Giants lack of an effective running game makes the marrow in my bones boil over with frustration.  While injuries to the offensive line pose their own issues, this four-headed backfield they employ is nothing more than a mythical creature that needs to be eradicated.

Throughout football, I can not believe such learned minds have let the art of rushing to daylight become the road least traveled.  In the Giants case, it's avoidance by design.  But I digress...

If throw they must, then throw the damn thing with fury.

Time and again throughout Eli Manning's career, his leadership, and that ridiculous "elite" tag has been brought into question.  Unlike his earlier years, he no longer has a top grade offensive line, a punishing running game, nor a top ranked defense that made the Giants a well balanced team.

Today, there's only Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr., a scratch-off lottery system of playing opportunities, and a litany of question marks.  Yet, many unfairly demand Eli Manning put any lingering questions regarding his leadership beyond the late Autumn shadows of doubt starting Sunday.

Fans want another miracle run from him, but I'd offer his support group is immensely inferior than that of previous Big Blue contenders.

Hakeem Nicks is a nice blast from the past, but hard to gauge his impact on the immediate future before they play the games.  There's an old saying - players become available for a reason.  Just ask Jon Beason....

My biggest takeaway from today's game will be how Coach McAdoo utilizes Orleans Darkwa.

We'll revisit everything, then.

Here's what I said in my PIGSKIN PICKS:

Giants -2 1/2 (D.C. HOGS)

This is not your father's NFC East of the 1980s, folks.  If the Hogs win, they'll tie the Giants for the division lead with sub par 5-6 records.  A Giants win, however, would at least somewhat legitimize their standing in a poor bracket.  Many would argue the Giants could, and should be 8-3 right now.   They had their chances, sure, but as Bill Parcells would say - they are what their record says they are. That said, the Giants should be better than Washington, period.  I'd be thankful if they just went out there and seized the day.

N.Y. Giants: Big Easy Hangover

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Giants continue throwing rocks through their windows of opportunity

NEW YORK GIANTS: Yes, Eli really is an elite quarterback!

Eli Manning took over sole possession of 10th place on the NFL's all-time career touchdowns list by throwing six TD passes during Sunday's 52-49 loss against the Saints in his home town of New Orleans.

His fourth TD pass against the Saints pushed him passed Joe Montana.  Eli's sixth and final TD pass was the 276th for his career, moving him ahead of Vinny Testaverde.  Next on the career ladder is Johnny Unitas with 291 touchdown passes.

Eli now has 17 touchdowns with just 4 INTs at the halfway point of the season.  He was 30/41 for 350 yards against the Saints, putting him over 2,000 yards for the season, and keeping him on pace for the fifth 4K season of his 12-year career.

But, what's the sense if...

I know love is blind, but who didn't see this debacle coming?

These Giants do not handle success very well to begin with.  In my PIGSKIN picks, I warned everyone to look back at what Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Sam Bradford, Kirk Cousins, and Colin Kaepernick all did to the Giants secondary.  Even Matt Cassel had his moments during the Giants second game against Dallas.

Did you really think Brees would do any less?

Not only was Drew Brees the best quarterback the Giants have faced this season to date, he established a new career high with 511 passing yards, and tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes.

Dominque Rogers-Cromartie recorded the game's lone interception on a day which saw Eli Manning and Drew Brees combine for 91 pass attempts and 13 touchdown passes.  And while that was DRC's third INT in the last two games, Sunday's was just another indictment added to a long list of many levied against the Giants' overall secondary play.

Naturally, lack of a professional grade pass rush is equally to blame.  In the 50 times Drew Brees dropped back to pass, the Giants managed no sacks and just three QB hits all game.

Despite the Giants securing two New Orleans turnovers, the Saints still controlled the ball for 34:59 and posted 614 total yards (versus 416 for the Giants).

Otherwise, some things have not changed...

The Giants rushed 21 times for 87 yards:

• Rashad Jennings 10 rushes for 54 yards.
• After opening eyes last week, Orleans Darkwa was limited to just 4 carries for 23 yards.
• Andre Williams rushed 5 time for 7 yards.
• Shane Vereen rushed twice for 3 yards.

New Orleans Mark Ingram rushed 16 times for 80 yards by himself.  All told, the Saints rushed 25 times for 102 total yards.

And the moral of the story is...

Once upon a time, Tom Coughlin was handed a great defense, and a powerful running game.  He in turn handed the starting quarterback job to Eli Manning in 2004, whom together added another dimension to a Giants team primarily constructed by Ernie Accorsi.

Today, there's no longer a defense to speak of, and certainly no running game worth mentioning.  All that's left of those days are Coughlin and Eli, with Jerry Reese providing them a never ending flow of wide receivers.  

These days Big Blue lives to throw, and throws to live.

It's so flawed.

N.Y. Giants: Coach McAdoo Flicks On Orleans Darkwa, Then Turns Him Off

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

4-3

First Place

NFC EAST

NEW YORK GIANTS: Two games against the Cowboys brought out the best in Big Blue's running game.  See you again this time next year!

In the one hand, Sunday was refreshing.  On the other hand, maddening.

Do the Giants need to play Dallas every week?  Is that what it takes for Ben McAdoo to incorporate more running?  In any event, I guess he indeed wound up watching Game One's game film after all.

Let's rewind to the season opener in Dallas for a moment:

Right up until the Giants last, and fatal 4th quarter drive, Ben McAdoo called for a mere 16 rushes all game.  Then, during the Giants final drive (before handing the game to Dallas), McAdoo called on Rashad Jennings 7 times, and specifically targeted the Cowboys' middle 5 times.   In return, Jennings pounded out 38-net yards.

• middle: 3 yds.
• middle: 27 yds.
• middle: 7 yds.
• middle: 2 yds.
• left: minus 4 yds.
• middle: 2 yds.
• left: 1 yd.

In all, the Giants rushed 23 times for 91 yards that game.  Ponderously, this remained their best single-game output through the first six weeks of the season.  Eli went 20/36 for 193 yards that game, marking the only time this season to date Eli has thrown less than the Giants elected to run.

Otherwise, the Giants averaged 23 rushes for 80.1 yards, while Eli has averaged 39 attempts for 267 yards per game through the first six weeks of the season.

WEEK SEVEN

Cowboys   20

GIANTS   27

FINAL

The Dallas Cowboys amassed 460 yards of offense against the Giants, while Big Blue managed just 289 total yards.  

The Cowboys, however, insisted on turning over the ball four times, and it cost them the difference in Sunday's game.  Dominique Rogers-Cromartie had a pick-six, and a subsequent Matt Cassel INT (one of three) led to one of the Giants two field goals on the day.

Even then, Dallas still tied the score 20-20 with 7:14 left in regulation.  It took a 100-yard touchdown return from Dwayne Harris on the ensuing kick-off to seal the victory.

Now back to the business at hand.

Week One still remains the only game in which Ben McAdoo wound up calling more run plays than passes, although Week Seven came close.

This past Sunday, Eli went 13/24 for 170 yards.  Meanwhile, Ben McAdoo dialed up 21 rushes for a season high 128 yards.

Congratulations Orleans Darkwa on getting into his first game of the season.

And to a lesser degree, congrats to the Giants on hitting the century mark for the first time all year, and for topping 90-yards for a third time.  But, they shouldn't go patting themselves on the back just yet.

Here's the rub...

Ben McAdoo called on fourth string running back Orleans Darkwa during the Giants 2nd quarter scoring drive that went seven plays for 79 yards, putting them ahead 7-3.  He called on Darkwa four times (plus one uncompleted pass attempt):

• Left: 7-yard gain.
• Middle: 9-yard gain.
• Left: 10-yard gain.
• Final play of drive: 15-yards, touchdown.

All told, that was four rushes for 41 yards, or, 7.7 yards per carry.  Subtract that from the overall effort, and the Giants rushed 17 times for 87 yards.  That's a good day by their standards, but hardly anything that makes me feel better about the situation.

Furthermore, subtracting this drive means Darkwa only made 4 other touches all game.  If he was running like this to start the 2nd quarter, my next question would be, why stop?

Six touches for Shane Vereen likewise seems hardly enough.  Ben McAdoo's odd utilization continues.  If Shane Vereen rushed 4 times for 56 yards (one catch for six yards), why not give him more touches?  He's been limited, and I do mean limited, to just 3 receptions and 5 rushes per game.

Rashad Jennings is averaging just 11 carries and 2 receptions per game; Andre Williams 8 carries a game.

How is a back supposed to establish any kind of flow, or at the least gain a feel for the game, with that kind of indifferent, or dare I say ambivalent utilization?

Somewhere along the way, coaches forgot these players thrive on contact, and must negotiate their way through games with intelligence, but with physicality as well.  At some point, attempting to out-cute the competition will only garner lessons in concussion protocol.

To that I say, this generation of life coaches is too busy outsmarting themselves.

ICYMI: Running Game Making Me Green With Envy

Stop the madness and just continue running with power.