New York Giants Playing in a Bear Market

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK THREE

Cowboys  23

GIANTS    16

FINAL

The Giants essentially played the same game for a third consecutive week.  Although they escaped with a victory in their first two games - outscoring their opponents by a mere four points - reality finally caught up with them in week three.

Daniel Jones got off to a decent start with a string of completions.  But the opening drive stalled, punctuated by a blocked field goal attempt.  The Giants drove 51 yards on 14 plays on their next possession before stalling again.  This time Graham Gano kicked the pigskin through for three points.

And there's the rub ...

For a third consecutive week, Gano and the Giant defense have kept the team in the game and in a position to win.  

I saw a little bit of bend don't break.  The defense limited the Cowboys to field goals in the first and second quarter as the Giants entered the half trailing by only three.  Gano would kick two more field goals, and Saquon Barkley rushed for a touchdown.  

Did the defense give that TD right back?  Sure they did.  In fact, Ezekiel Elliot rushed for 73 yards, and Tony Pollard romped for another 105 yards on 13 carries.  Did the defense make Cooper Rush look good?  Sure they did.  The guys up front recorded nary a sack and just two QB hits all game.

Meanwhile, Daniel Jones got sacked five times and endured a dozen more QB hits.  The Giant offensive line has now yielded 13 quarterback sacks in three games.  Jones also lost his leading wide receiver, Sterling Shepard.  

Meanwhile, some things remain unchanged; I don't want my quarterback accounting for 79 of 167 ground yards.  Otherwise, Jones finished 20/37 for 196 yards with an interception.  Playing under massive duress, he has yet to surpass 200 yards passing through three games and has as many turnovers as touchdown passes.

Said another way, Saquon Barkley and Graham Gano cannot carry this team alone, and after three games, Daniel Jones is not trending well.

Cooper Rush, who was making his third career start in only his 13th career game, outplayed Daniel Jones.  

Or is the offensive line still this team's greatest weakness?

The Bears will supply a short-term answer.

New York Giants Tame Panthers in Home Opener

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

GIANTS WIN HOME OPENER

WEEK TWO

Panthers  16

GIANTS    19

FINAL

Defense Cages Panthers; Graham Gano Takes Care of the Rest

Two recovered turnovers started the game, and the Giant offense scored six points.  

The first fumble occurred during the opening kickoff to Carolina and was recovered by the Giants at the Panther 22-yard line.  On their first possession, the offense feebly netted four yards on three plays, then settled for a field goal, albeit for an opportune lead.  

Six plays into Carolina's next possession, Andoreé Jackson recovered a Robbie Anderson fumble at Carolina's 40-yard line.  One must think the ensuing drive was geared at Daniel Jones taking advantage of Carolina's mistake (lest we forget, this season will likely determine his NYG future).  Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka dialed up three initial pass plays for Jones, which only netted nine yards.  

This is when Coach Daboll again demonstrated his promised aggressiveness.  Jones successfully scrambled around the edge on fourth and one to pick up the first down.  Jones was then called upon to execute six of the next eight plays and got the Giants to the Carolina eight-yard line before the offense again sputtered.  Graham Gano then kicked his second field goal to give the Giants a 6-0 first-quarter lead.

Big Blue did not score in the second quarter, while the Panthers managed a pair of field goals to end the first half tied at six.

Daniel Jones indeed outplayed Baker Mayfield in the second half.  Neither quarterback threw an interception, and each connected for third-quarter scores.  After the Giants opened the second half with a three and out, Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass to put the Panthers ahead.  Big Blue answered right back, as Daniel Jones connected with Daniel Bellinger on a 16-yard score.  But whereas Mayfield completed 48.2% of his attempts for 145 yards, Daniel Jones completed 64.7% for 176 yards.  

Jones was also sacked three times which makes eight sacks in two weeks.  But the Panthers still got another nine QB hits on Jones, and for now, any Giant offensive lineman not named Andrew Thomas is a prime reason.

As such, there was not as much daylight to be found up front as in week one.  Saquon Barkley does what he does and often creates his own daylight.  But the rushing consistency needed weekly will be regulated by the big guys up front.  Barkley rushed 21 times for 72 yards.  Take away his long of 16 yards; the math says he rushed 20 times for 56 yards with another 16 yards receiving for 88 overall yards.

The undisputed offensive star of the game was kicker Graham Gano who was 4 for 4 in FG attempts, including the decisive kick from 56-yards out with 3:34 left in regulation.

On Carolina's next possession, the Giants defense held the Panthers to twelve yards on four plays, forcing them to punt and effectively secure the victory.

Much of this game was reminiscent of week one against Tennessee, wherein the offensive performance lagged behind that of the defense (and their competition).  And like in week one, the defense remained stalwart throughout the contest while the offense experienced a second-half surge.

Playing without Dak Prescott, the Cowboys have scored a mere 23 points through two games.  Meanwhile, Dallas and the Giants have yielded 36 points each.  Therefore, I'm looking forward to a defensive struggle and for Daniel Jones to give us something to rave about come Tuesday morning.

One Giants Step Forward for Brian Daboll

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Week One

Giants   21

Titans   20

Saquon Barkley Rushes Giants to Daylight

Bill Parcells once said a 47-yard field goal attempt is no easy task.  Just ask Scott Norwood.  But instead of wide right, Sunday's kick hooked left to give the Giants a 21-20 victory over one of last season's more formidable teams.

Congratulations to head coach Brian Daboll on his first win as Giants coach.  Give the man credit for making a bold decision.  Coach got away with it and deserved a day to glow.  As a fan, I thank him for guiding Big Blue to their first opening-day victory in many years.

But if the first quarter made you want to change the channel, I don't blame you - three possessions, twelve plays, and three punts.  When Daniel Jones fumbled to open the second quarter, years of frustration rushed to the forefront of my mind.  

However, the defense twice held Tennessee to a field goal on consecutive drives, limiting the Giants' deficit to 13-0 by halftime.  This proved decisive.  

Ryan Tannehill was not under much duress.  He was 20/33 for 266 yards with two touchdowns, one sack, and five QB hits.  But the Giants limited Derrick Henry to 82 yards rushing, and if you take away his long of 18 yards, Henry rushed 24 times for only 64 yards.

The Giants scored all their points in the second half.  There are many ways to interpret the performance of Daniel Jones.  On the one hand, an end zone interception, a lost fumble, and failure to connect with Sterling Shepard in stride beg the question: where's the improvement?  On the other hand, Jones failed to complete only four of 21 attempts, converted a huge fourth down, and threw two touchdowns.  Take from that what you will.

Saquon Barkley was the clear star of the game.  Take away his third-quarter 68-yard romp, and he still rushed 17 times for 96 yards with a touchdown and the go-ahead two-point conversion.  Saquon was strong through the middle, beat Tennesse to the edges, and with six catches, totaled 194 yards of offense.  Did he get away with a lost fumble punched out from behind?  That's for Coach Daboll to address.

N.Y. Giants: Judge Renders A Bad Decision

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DARK BLUE DAYS AHEAD

WEEK SIX

Rams        38

GIANTS     11

FINAL

Coaches Continue Putting Daniel Jones In Harm's Way  

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

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

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

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

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

Wrong decision by the head coach.

N.Y. Giants: Week Five Angry Take

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK FIVE

Giants        20

COWBOYS  44

FINAL

Dazed and Confused

Let's see ...

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

I know; let me put my quarterback in jeopardy!

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

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

But, no ...

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

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

I put this all on Jason Garrett.

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

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

HOG MOLLIES STILL RUNNING IN MUD

Saquon Barkley: Playing Truth or Dare

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

'Memba?  I 'memba ...

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

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

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

That's simply not enough.

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

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

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

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

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

N.Y. Giants: Offense Rises to the Occasion

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK FOUR

Giants  27

SAINTS  21

OVERTIME

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

• ICYMI: Joe Judge Plants His Flag

An overtime win makes it even more meaningful.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That's what I want ...

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

But a win is a win, is a win.

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

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

GETTING DARK EARLY AT EAST RUTHERFORD

WEEK THREE

Falcons    17

GIANTS  14

FINAL

More Mistakes, More Flags, More Mismanagement, More Losing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Really?

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

I'll wait ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The numbers tell no lies.

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

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK THREE

Falcons

vs.

GIANTS

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

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

Thus, into Game Three, we go.

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

Indeed!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sometimes stuff like this needs to be revisited ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

First downs or bust ...

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

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

ICYMI

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

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

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK TWO

Giants   29

D.C.       30

FINAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N.Y. Giants: Still In Search of the Elusive Hog Mollies

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK TWO

Giants

vs.

WASHINGTON

Unless Offensive Line Elevates Their Game, Expect More of the Same 

Here's the thing about Washington, if Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't get hurt after just six passing attempts, perhaps the Chargers do not possess the ball for upwards of thirty-six minutes.  That being said, Washington's defensive front yielded 90 yards on 25 backfield rushes from scrimmage (QBs not included).  You can translate this two ways: Washington limited the Chargers to less than 100-yards rushing, or it took the Chargers over thirty-six minutes to accumulate 90 yards.  What would LAC's total have been had Ryan Fitzpatrick not gotten hurt?

Saquon Barkley got his test run last Sunday against the Broncos and looked, physically speaking, good to go.  He was handed the Giants' very first play from scrimmage for a five-yard gain.  Afterwhich, he rushed nine more times for 21 yards giving him 26 total yards on ten rushes.  Devontae Booker rushed four times for seven yards.  Do the math, and the backfield accounted for 33 yards on 14 rushes.  This simply will not do.

Daniel Jones scampered off six times for 27 yards, coming seven yards short of outrushing his backfield.  Far too often, this has been the case.  Sunday's opening game merely reinforces much of what went on last season in the absence of Saquon Barkley.  That's why in Thursday night's game against Washington, a division game, the Giant running game absolutely needs to do more, far more, if they aspire to be competitive.

The faux Hog Mollies face a big test this coming Thursday.  The question remains when will they, if ever, create requisite running lanes to minimize Daniel Jones' time playing in dire straits.  The Giants possessed the ball for just under 25:00 minutes against Denver, which proved woefully inadequate. 

What good is having all these ball handlers if the offensive line cannot influence the game?

The long underachieving Hog Mollies' next performance against Washington will speak volumes.

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

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK ONE

Broncos   27

Giants      13

FINAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

That simply will not do.

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

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

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

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK ONE

Broncos

vs.

GIANTS

Dave Gettleman Takes His Rightful Place In The Hot Seat

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

Dave Gettleman's job depends on it.  

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

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

Is this collection of ball handlers playoff-caliber?

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

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

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

Is this offense up for the challenge?

All this remains to be seen.

My true opinion: mediocrity rules the day.

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

SEASON FINALE

Cowboys 19

Giants     23

FINAL

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

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

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

That makes the Giants a sub-par team.

So long 2020 ...

Hello?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N.Y. Giants: Basking in November Daylight

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK TEN

Eagles    17

Giants    27

FINAL

First Five Games vs. Last Five Games Like Night and Daylight

You can't be disappointed with what you do not expect!  

The Giants snapped their losing skid against the Eagle, tie for most wins in the division, and set themselves up for a potential playoff appearance.  All of which makes for a good day in the neighborhood.  

Whereas a 3-7 record is indeed unsightly, they are 3-2 in their last five games and winners of two in a row.  If nothing else, they are trending in a positive direction.  It's the byproduct of demonstrable improvement in all aspects of their game.

Daniel Jones this season has been the slowest to progress.  But it seems as if he's finally coming around.  Is he trending?  No, I have a rule: one is an occurrence, twice is a coincidence, and three times equals a trend.  Sunday marks only his second straight game without a turnover, and wouldn't you know, the Giants win two straight.  But whereas he fumbled twice last week and the Giants recovered, this game was clean - no interceptions and no muffs whatsoever.  Otherwise, Jones was 21/28 for 244 yards and rushed for his first touchdown of the season.  He has thrown just one touchdown pass over the last two games, which perhaps demonstrates just how great a role ball control and game management really play.

Jones continues padding the rushing numbers.  On Sunday, he scampered nine times for 64 yards.  If opposing defenses want to offer him daylight, by all means, take advantage.  However, I do not want Daniel Jones dominating the run game for obvious reasons.  In the absence of Saquon Barkley, he is easily the team's leading rusher with 384 total yards on 49 attempts.  That equates to 35% of the Giants' ground game.  They have grossed 1,105 yards this season.  Wayne Gallman is the second leading rusher with 275 yards.  Against the Eagles, Gallman and Alfred Morris joined in rushing 26 times for 87 yards.  Not great, but it's enough to keep pass-action viable.  

All told, the Giants rushed 36 times against the Eagles for 151 yards.  After failing to breach 100 yards in their first three games and four of the first five, the Giants have now rushed for 100+ yards in five consecutive games and six of their last seven.  In fact, they've now exceeded 150+ yards in two straight games and three times in their last four (twice against PHI and once against WAS).  They are out-rushing their opponents this season by a slim +96 yard differential and rank 14th in rushing attempts, 16th in yards per game, and 11th in total yards gained.  Through the first four weeks of the season, the Giants were ranked near the bottom in all the aforementioned categories.

Improvement ...

N.Y. Giants: Daniel Jones Remains the Outstanding Problem

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK EIGHT

Bucs      25

Giants   23

FINAL

Eight Weeks Left For Daniel Jones To Rewrite His History

Once again, the Giants put themselves in a position to win.  Some would argue they are thwarted by a controversial non-pass interference call with 0:28 left in the game.  If they successfully execute a two-point conversion, the game is tied.  There's certainly something to that. 

Instead, the Giants fall to their seventh loss of the season.  That's the true reality of the situation.  But I'm not down.  After all, this is a rebuilding team, right?  

Despite their unsightly record, I see improvement.  Under Coach Graham, while bereft of linebackers not named Blake Martinez, the defense starts the season well and has only gotten better.  Special teams are fundamentally sound, and in the absence of Saquon Barkley, the running game, albeit padded by Daniel Jones, has rushed for 100+ yards in four of the last five games.  

However, pass protection still leaves much to be desired.  Tampa Bay sacks Jones three times and inflict another eleven QB hits for good luck.  The Hog Mollies this season have allowed the eighth-most sacks, yielding 2.9 per game.  

Left tackle Andrew Thomas is having a rough go in his rookie season, while left guard Will Hernandez was already playing below his own standard before being sidelined by COVID.  

But make no mistake.  Daniel Jones remains an outstanding problem on offense.  The longer it takes for him to set his internal alarm clock, the more he'll continue getting his bell rung by opposing pass rushers.  Jones has now been sacked 51 times in his last 16 games.  

With two more interceptions against the Buccaneers, Daniel Jones now has 35 turnovers through his first 20 career starts.  He is up to 13 turnovers this season through eight games.  Jones gallantly went toe to toe with Tom Brady, but ultimately shot himself in the foot, again.  The first interception is completely avoidable and an otherwise inferior decision by an NFL quarterback.  The second interception takes the Giants out of field goal range - failure to seize the moment. 

Time is indeed ticking.  Eight games remain in the regular season.  Said another way, eight games left before the next NFL Draft.  That's eight games left for Daniel Jones to prove himself worthy of the starting job.  This isn't the first time Jones put the Giants in a position to win only to flip the switch and self-destruct.  Time to prove himself is growing short.  Looking back is no help ... not with 20 fumbles in his last 16 games.  That certainly doesn't speak very well.  Nor does the fact that he is yet to throw for 300 yards this season.  

Today's NFL is a pass/fail condition.  That's just the lay of the land.  Alas, he has the next eight games to finally impress people and change some minds.  For the moment, Daniel Jones is a defective item more than a valued good.  Twenty starts worth of product testing have thus far revealed a lack of pocket presence, latent situational instincts, and poor decision making .. to say the least.

Thirty-two quarters of regulation football remain.  The more games Danny Dimes wins, the farther down the Giants fall in the draft order.  He is effectively his own anti-tank weapon against Dave Gettleman.  With no shot at (Clemson) Trevor Lawrence, it's more likely Daniel Jones remains safely at quarterback.

But can he win over the naysayers ...

N.Y. Giants: First Quarter Report Card

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

BACK TO THE LAB

It's time for first quarter report cards.  

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

OFFENSE: F

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

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: D-

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

OFFENSIVE LINE: F

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

BACK FIELD: D+

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

RECEIVERS: F

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

QUARTERBACK: F

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

DEFENSE: B

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

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: B

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

FRONT SEVEN: B

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

SECONDARY: B-

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

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

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

HEAD COACH: Incomplete

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

GENERAL MANAGER: C-

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

Hope ...

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

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

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

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

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

PIGSKIN 2020: Week Three

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Three

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

SCOREBOARD:

Week Two Record:  10-4

Overall Record:  18-9-1

Schmear of the Week:  1-1

Bagels in the Basket:  +8

1st and Ten

• REST IN PEACE ~ GALE SAYERS
• Eleven teams with 2-0 record ties for most in NFL history (2008).
• With the first pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, the NYG select...?
• Buffalo Bills only New York team with a victory.

2nd and Short

• After two games the Jets season already looks all but over.
• Bill Belichik's sense of fashion is second to none, that last sweatshirt looked older than me.

No Gain

• Ten teams with 0-2 record.
• Robert Kraft gets his happy ending after all; solicitation charges in Florida dropped.
• Niners QB Jimmy G (ankle) is hurt, again.

PUNT!

• NFL reprimands five head coaches for not wearing masks.
• Hail Mary!  Florida governor has essentially declared everything in the state, open.
• Texans interested in WR Antonio Brown?
• Tyrod Taylor out after having his lung punctured by the team physician administering an injection.

WEEK THREE

Friday line NYP

GIANTS +4 Niners

Despite the loss of Saquon Barkley, I'm still throwing the Giants a bone.  The running game has been wholly ineffectual, but the team is yet to embarrass themselves in games against the Steelers and Bears.  The Giants need better play from the offensive line.  They've run left for minimal yards and have yet to gain positive yardage rushing up the middle.  More than half of all rush attempts have gone right behind Kevin Zeitler and Cam Fleming.  As a unit they've so far yielded seven sacks.  After two games together, I'm anticipating a better performance.  If they create just a little bit of daylight for new acquisition Devonta Freeman and pass protect a little better, Daniel Jones stands a better chance of leading the Giants to their first victory.  The Niners are also beset by injuries after last week's game against the Jets, but are still well equipped to defeat the Giants.  With nothing to lose, it's up to OC Jason Garrett to be ultra aggressive.  Let's see if Jones and Darius Slayton can steal the show.  Food for thought: this spread opened at seven points.

Loss 36-9 49ers

• ICYMI: NYG: Hog Mollies Keeping Offense in the Dark

COLTS -11 Jets

The Jets are presently the worst team in football.  Injuries aren't helping.  Sam Darnold can not do this by himself.  Jets are lucky if they score 17 points.  This could get ugly.  The Colts should be flirting with 3-0 but got upended in Week One.

WIN 36-7 Colts

PATRIOTS -5 1/2 Raiders

The Raiders are traveling East and coming off a short week.  They are a team on the rise, just not this week.  This is still the Patriots at home.  Bill Belichick will figure something out.  Cam Newton is playing inspired football again.

WIN 36-20 Patriots

Rams +2 1/2 BILLS

This is based on opponents.  The Bills will challenge for the division title, but I'm little impressed with victories against the broken Jets and the South Beach Fish.  The Rams are undefeated after playing the up and down Cowboys and the flightless Eagles.

Loss 35-32 Bills

STEELERS -4 Texans

When it rains it pours.  Life is about to get worse for the Texans.  Steelers defense rules the day, and the offense does just enough (to cover). 

WIN 28-21 Steelers

Titans -2 1/2 VIKINGS

The Titans defeated the Broncos by two points and the Jaguars by three points, both on late field goals.  Ball control: Titans offense is closest thing to smash mouth football that exists in the league.  Looking for them to kick it up another notch against a ponderous Vikings defense.

Loss 31-30 Titans

 

BROWNS -7 No Names

I thought the No Names defense would be able to slow down Arizona's offense.  They didn't, and on the other side of the ball only scored 15 points.  The Eagles were complete garbage when WTF defeated them in Week One.  Baker Mayfield is the wavering variable.  Cleveland was limited to just six points when opposed by Baltimore's pass rush, then opened up for 35 points against the hapless Bengals.  If the Browns play to their two week mean they should be okay.

WIN 34-20 Browns

EAGLES -4 1/2 Bengals

Welcome to the Week IV Toilet Bowl.  The Eagles still have enough in place to win a game, right? Leaning towards the team with more in the toolbox. (I hate this game)

Loss 23-23 TIE*

FALCONS -3 Bears

Atlanta's absentee defense be damned.  Who do you trust to score more points, Matt Ryan or Mitch Trubisky?  

Loss 30-26 Bears

CHARGERS -6 1/2 Panthers

A good Chargers defense going up against a Carolina offense missing Christian McAffrey.  Similar to the Falcons, the Panthers defense is nowhere to be found.

Loss 21-16 Panthers

CARDINALS -5 1/2 Lions

Lions are cornered cats, but the Cardinals refuse to go away.  Ride the Kyler Murray bandwagon with me!  Cards beat the Niners when San Fran was still at full strength, then doubled up the No Names.  The undefeated Seahawks and Rams are all the motivation the Cardinals need.  Lions have too big a hill to climb after getting buried last week by the Packers.  

Loss 26-23 Lions

  

Bucs -6 1/2 BRONCOS

This is still a good Broncos defense.  The Steelers let Denver back into last week's game.  I do not foresee the Bucs defense doing the same.  Tom Brady will do enough to keep the Broncos at bay.

WIN 28-10 Bucs

  

SEAHAWKS -5 1/2 Cowboys

The Cowboys should be 0-2 entering Week Three.  The Falcons last week handed them victory on a silver platter.  To their credit, the Cowboys still got the job done.  But the Seahawks will not be as kind.  Seattle will provide no quarter.

WIN 38-31 Seahawks

Packers +3 SAINTS

Derek Carr carved up the Saints like a turkey.  The Saints couldn't get the Raiders offense off the field.  Look for Aaron Rogers to treat them similarly.  I expect Sean Payton and Drew Brees to throw everything in the book at Green Bay.  Problem is we've seen it all before, whereas Aaron Rogers and head coach Matt LaFleur seem to be onto something new.

WIN 37-30 Packers

Schmear of the Week (1-1)

Titans -2 1/2

LOSS

Good luck and have a great FOOTBALL SUNDAY everyone!

SCOREBOARD

Week Three Record:  6-7

Overall Record:  24-16-1

Schmear of the Week: 1-2

Bagels in the Basket:  +4