N.Y. Giants: Big Blue Goes Old School in Upset Over Seattle

From the desk:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Week Thirteen

Giants        17

Seahawks  12

FINAL

S   M   A   S   H   ~  M   O   U   T   H

Many fans last season questioned Dave Gettleman's sanity when he packaged the Giants' 2020 third-round pick and 2021 fifth-round pick in exchange for Jets defensive end Leonard Williams who was in the final year of his rookie contract and considered by some an underachiever.  In four and one-half years with the Jets, Williams averaged 26.8 solo tackles and 3.7 sacks per season.  He played eight games last season for the Giants, registering just one-half sack.  No deal was reached in the off-season, but Gettleman franchised him as a defensive tackle, which this season guarantees Williams slightly over $16 million.  The matter of a contract extension remains open.  Leonard has now played in twenty games for the Giants, which equates to one and one-quarter season.  If we prorate his performance, he is averaging 36 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks per season.  That speaks to a 26-year old player on the rise.  On Sunday against the Seahawks, he registered 2.5 sacks, which tied and breaks his single-season high of seven sacks set in his sophomore (2016) season with four games still left on the schedule.

The Giants sacked potential MVP candidate Russell Wilson five times and applied another ten hits for good measure.  Otherwise, Russell was 27 of 43 (62%) for 263 yards with one touchdown.  Rookie cornerback Darney Holmes (fourth-round selection) intercepted Russell early in the fourth quarter, which at the time helped protect a 14-5 lead.  DJ Metcalf topped out at 80 yards, and aside from Wilson's 45 yards on the ground, the Seahawks' backfield was held to just 66 yards rushing.  If you take away Seattle's defensive safety late in the first half, the Giants' defense held the Seahawks to just ten points.  Twelve total points still rate as Seattle's lowest output to date, even with the safety.

Eleven seconds are all that separated the Giants from the Seahawks insofar as time of possession.  That's a big deal considering Seattle had 15 more plays from scrimmage.  The Giants had Colt McCoy throw 22 times and elected to rush 29 times (QB scrambles not included).  Wayne Gallman rushed 16 times for 136 yards, and Alfred Morris rushed eight times for 39 yards.  The Giants grossed 190 yards on the ground, and therein lies the importance of a running game and clock control.

Colt McCoy was 13 of 22 for 105 yards with a touchdown (to Alfred Morris) and one interception.  Let's assume a healthy Daniel Jones performs better, which further advances the point.  With a superior running game - two tight ends and fullbacks and actual blocking receivers - the quarterback must merely manage the game (and himself).  It's not outdated.  If I'm bigger and stronger than you with superior cardio, and you can't stop me, then what is so antiquated about that?

First game ball goes to defensive coordinator Patrick Graham; the second goes to Wayne Gallman.

S   M   A   S   H   ~   M   O   U   T   H

N.Y. Giants: Hog Mollies Giving Wayne Gallman His Space

From the desk: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

HOG MOLLIES CONTINUE SURGE

WEEK TWELVE

GIANTS     19

BENGALS  17

FINAL

SMASH MOUTH: Punishing Running Game, Maintaining Ball Possession, and Controlling The Clock.

The Giants are officially trending.  Recent developments are no longer a matter of coincidence.  They're winners of three in a row and four of their last six games.  However, I care not that they temporarily find themselves atop the NFC East standings.  A 4-7 record quells that conversation. Instead, it's the steady improvement that I desire, and from week to week, we see just that.

Daniel Jones has yet to break 300 yards passing this season.  But for as long as the Giants keep winning, the matter of yardage remains something more of a cosmetic issue.  What's more important is where he was versus where he is now.  The closest Jones has come to cracking 300 yards was in Week One against the Steelers, of all teams, when he threw for 279 yards.  In four of his next five contests spanning Week Three through Week Seven, he failed to throw for 200 yards.  But over his last four games, the Giants are 3-1, in which they just barely lost to the Buccaneers.  Jones threw for over 200 yards each time, averaging 231 yards per game, which speaks to an emerging consistency that earlier in the season was absent from his game.  This is also his third straight game without a fumble or turnover, making the Giants' win streak far from a coincidence.  Sunday's game was obviously not without its casualties.  The full extent of Jones' strained hamstring sustained against the Bengals remains to be seen.  By the way, a very questionable move by Judge reinserting Jones back into the game.  Otherwise, I would hate to see Daniel Jones' development sidetracked while amid a good run. 

Meanwhile, the offensive line yielded no sacks and limited Cincy's QB hits to just three.  The running game again rushed for high yardage with a net 142 yards on the day regarding daylight.  Gallman was the big man on campus with 24 rushes for 94 yards.  In his last three games, Gallman has rushed for 215 yards with four touchdowns.  Gallman, Dion Lewis, and Alfred Morris joined together on thirty rushes for 112 yards.  I find the number of rushing attempts very pleasing.  As such, the Giants owned time of possession 37:26 minutes versus just 22:34 for Cincinnati, and have now won the time of possession in three straight games - again, no coincidence.  This, to me, is a clear indication that the offensive line is growing into a more cohesive and integrated unit.

We all know by now about the confrontation between Joe Judge and former offensive line coach Marc Colombo.  If nothing else, Sunday's performance further confirms Coach Judge's decision to fire Colombo as being correct.  In fact, I applaud him for it.  After failing to breach 100 yards in their first three games and four of the first five, Joe Judge got more involved in coaching up the offensive line.  Since then, the Giants have rushed for 100+ yards in six consecutive games and seven of their last eight.  In fact, they've exceeded 140+ yards in three straight games and four times in their previous five.  Looking back, it indeed seems as if the rushing turnaround is partly the result of Joe Judge's intervention.

On average, Patrick Graham's defense is yielding the tenth least points per game.  In six of eleven games to date, the defense has held opponents to twenty points or less.  A big reason for that has to do with being tied for fourth in the NFL with 18 takeaways.  They are also one of only five teams limiting their opponents under 100 yards rushing per game.  Lastly, they are tied for tenth with 2.5 sacks per game.  Blake Martinez is tied for fourth with 101 tackles.  

And what of Dave Gettleman's controversial acquisition of Leonard Williams?  After averaging just 2.5 sacks over the last three seasons, he presently has six sacks, one shy of his career-high of seven set in 2016 during his sophomore season with the Jets.  Five games remain in the season.

And yeah, the Giants are in first place ...

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: Hail to the Blue Team, Hail Victory

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Hail Victory..!

WEEK NINE

Giants        23

NoNames   20

FINAL

Too bad they can't play W every week; Big Blue would be undefeated.  

The Giants sweep the season series from the No Names with a dramatic 23-20 victory at Washington.  After starting the season 0-5, they are now trending 2-2 in their last four games.  

Dare I say this was perhaps their most impressive game this season?  I say that after watching them play a little bit of bend don't break, and a little bit of smash mouth.  

Daniel Jones technically did not turn the ball over, but he fumbled twice, and the ball was recovered each time.  He threw no interceptions for just the second time this season.  Jones and Alex Smith nearly have the same number of attempts and completions.  But whereas the veteran Smith throws for 325 yards, Jones tops out at a mere 212 yards.  Each throws for a touchdown.  However, Alex Smith throws three interceptions, and Jones wins the day.

Low and behold, ball security and control prove pivotal for the Giants.  This is what happens when you rush the ball effectively - you hold the ball for 36:27 minutes!  The Giants rush for 166 gross yards.  Wayne Gallman, Dion Lewis, and Alfred Morris rush 26 times for 140 yards.  Most of this takes place behind and to the left of center Nick Gates and against a formidable Washington front seven.  Andrew Thomas enjoys a rebound game.  Shane Lemieux starting in place of (COVID) Will Hernandez, puts forth a stellar effort at left-guard.  The offensive line as a whole continues to incrementally improve.  The Giants have now rushed for 100+ yards in five of their last six games. 

Big Blue's defense is eighth-best against the run!  That ranks them right alongside the Ravens and Steelers.  They limit Washington to just 37 total yards on nine rushes.  Every week Blake Martinez' star shines brighter and brighter.  He dutifully leads the team with ten tackles. 

Leonard Williams records his fifth sack, putting him just two away from matching his career-high with seven games left in the season.  How are you feeling about the trade now?

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

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

FAILURE TO TRANSITION

WEEK FIVE

Giants        34

Cowboys    37

FINAL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Even Jason Garrett has a better game.

N.Y. Giants: First Quarter Report Card

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

BACK TO THE LAB

It's time for first quarter report cards.  

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

OFFENSE: F

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

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: D-

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

OFFENSIVE LINE: F

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

BACK FIELD: D+

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

RECEIVERS: F

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

QUARTERBACK: F

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

DEFENSE: B

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

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: B

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

FRONT SEVEN: B

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

SECONDARY: B-

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

SPECIAL TEAMS: B+

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

HEAD COACH: Incomplete

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

GENERAL MANAGER: C-

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

Hope ...

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

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

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

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

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

N.Y. Giants: Someone Must Answer For Sunday's Big Blue Bust

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

THREE YARDS RUSHING

WEEK TEN

Giants   27

Jets       34

FINAL

No sense in picking on the defense.  Like Sunday's loss, it's a shameful situation.  We knew this heading into the season.  But where Dave Gettleman did pay particular attention this past off-season was in the offensive line.  With three of his starting hog mollies missing from action, the Giants run game gets shrouded in green darkness Sunday afternoon against the Jets.  Center Jon Halapio, and tackles Nate Solder and Mike Remmers, are all out with injuries.  That manifests in six quarterback sacks, ten other QB hits, and just three rushing yards all game.

• I say it all the time ... show me a Super Bowl contender and I'll show you an all-pro caliber center.  After missing most all of last season Jon Halapio (a converted center) is hurt again, making this the third straight season he's been forced off the field due to injury.

Behind a compromised offensive line Saquon Barkley rushes 13 times for one yard.  Wayne Gallman rushes one time for two yards.  The offensive line's physical condition and Sunday's performance by the backups are indeed contributing factors in Sunday's dismal rushing display, but the extent of Barkley's lingering injury (real or otherwise) is another matter.  For if Saquon is running on a hurt ankle that makes Wayne Gallman's lone rushing attempt far more indicative of Coach Shurmur's ongoing malfunction.  For if an offensive line is doing their job correctly, I could push a mailbox up field for positive yardage.  Which is why I say when it comes to implementing and executing a detailed running attack, Shurmur and his staff continually reaffirm the notion there is no plan.  I hearken back to Shurmur's reasoning for transitioning away from Eli Manning and have since watched him utilize Daniel Jones as a primary running threat.  It's no coincidence that for a second straight game Daniel Jones leads the Giants in rushing with 20 yards on three scrambles.  Jones also coughs up his ninth fumble of the season.  Hand the ball off and we don't have that problem.  Otherwise this level of ground game ineptitude is unrivaled in the annals of Giants history.  Where are the proactive measures?  Where are the variations in game planning that better suit your personnel?  Where is this coaching staff's adaptability?  It's certainly not coming from Shurmur, and it's definitely not coming from offensive coordinator Mike Shula, offensive line coach Hal Hunter, or even running backs coach Craig Johnson.  The results all speak for themselves.  Here we are entering week eleven and Saquon has yet to gain 500 yards for the season (same goes for Le'Veon Bell, Adam Gase, and the Jets).  That screams of a ponderous lack of technique.  Gettleman is at fault for not bringing in another body; any warm body; needed to reinforce the back field (or sign a viable fullback, for that matter).  We know Shurmur is unlikely to be fired soon.  Therefore Gettleman must absolutely place Shurmur's offensive staff under full review.

• Know why Rhett Ellison looked so good Sunday?  Because no team expects him to break off in a pass route.  When teams see Ellison, they expect the Giants to run.  When teams see (injured) Evan Engram line up at tight end, they are usually correct in assuming pass.  I find this such an impotent application of tight end.

I watched Joe Pisarcik, so believe me when I say I have no issues with Daniel Jones.  Sure, his 17 turnovers are problematic.  But of the 47 or so roster spots which demand Dave Gettleman's immediate attention, kicker quarterback is not one of them.  With Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard both out, Jones turns to fellow rookie Darius Slayton whom plays his best game to date.  Jones targets him 14 times, connecting ten times for 121 yards and two touchdowns.  Slayton did not play in week one against Dallas.  Since then, Jones has targeted him 45 times, connecting 27 times for 394 yards and five touchdowns.  In their first game together Jones and Slayton connected three times for 82 yards in week two against Tampa.  I'm excited to watch this relationship grow.

In the meantime, Dave Gettleman has created quite a mess for himself.  Although I would argue he needs at least another draft under his belt, losing to the Jets is quite an indictment of his work to date as general manager of the New York Giants.  To that affect, Pat Shurmur offers no help in getting out-coached by Adam Gase.

N.Y. Giants: Coach Shurmur Continues Suppressing Running Game

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Week Eight

Giants    25

Lions      36

FINAL

COACH SHURMUR ISN'T EVEN TRYING TO PRESENT A BALANCED ATTACK

Daniel Jones enjoys what is easily his best game as a starter, going 28/41 (68%) for 322 yards, with four touchdowns, and no interceptions.  While he experiences a personal uptick in fortune, it's a bittersweet achievement as the Giants still lose to the Lions at Detroit and see their record fall to 2-6 on the season.

In my PIGSKIN picks, I said,

Saquon Barkley has yet to rush more than 18 times in a game.  Not until Coach Shurmur intensifies the running game will Daniel Jones resemble the quarterback we saw in week three.  Shurmur needs to give the Lions front seven something other to do other than just sacking Daniel Jones.  He's been sacked 18 times in five starts.  That needs to stop.

The offensive line is not great by any stretch, but they are improved and at the very least, serviceable.  However, to what degree is indeed debatable.  After all, they yield another three sacks and five QB hits at Detroit, bringing the total number of sacks allowed to 21 through Daniel Jones first six starts.  Jones fumbled on one QB hit which the Lions returned for a touchdown.

That being said Coach Shurmur's play calling remains contrary to Dave Gettleman's narrative with regard to running behind the hog mollies.  On Sunday Saquon Barkley rushes the ball a season high 19 times for 64 yards, and Elijhaa Penny accounts for three yards on one rush.  Otherwise Daniel Jones runs for another 13 yards on four sprints.  The Giants 24 rushing attempts are 37% of all plays called from scrimmage, and Daniel Jones 44 pass attempts account for 63% of plays called from scrimmage (punts not included).

With Sunday's 80 yard rushing effort the Giants through eight games have now run for 739 total yards.  They rank ninth in the NFC, and 17th in the NFL.  But where it concerns the Giants backfield, Saquon Barkley accounts for 373 yards, while Wayne Gallman; Jonathan Hilliman; and Elijhaa Penny; together account for 234 yards.  That's four Giants backs joining for 607 yards.  Said another way Dalvin Cook (MIN); Leonard Fournette (JAX); Christian McCaffery (CAR); Nich Chubb (CLE); and Ezekiel Elliott (DAL); all have more.  In fact only Daniel Jones' added 19 run attempts for 121-yards gives the misleading appearance that the Giants average one hundred ground yards per game.

Coach Shurmur's play calling against the Lions continues right in line with his previous seven games.  Eli Manning and Daniel Jones have to date joined on 246 pass attempts, accounting for 64% of plays from scrimmage.  Saquon Barkley, Wayne Gallman, Jonathan Hilliman, and Elijhaa Penny, account for 142 rushes, or just 36% of plays called from scrimmage.  In other words Coach Shurmur isn't even trying to present a balanced attack.

As previously stated, until Coach Shurmur intensifies the running game this offense will remain predicable and out of sync.  The situation is not without its positives.  Daniel Jones and fellow rookie  Darius Slayton (two touchdowns) are establishing an effective connection together.  Saquon caught a touchdown, and the returning Evan Engram caught one as well.  Even then, Saquon is only averaging a mere four receptions for 32 yards per game.  But can we agree getting sacked an average of four times a game is detrimental to Jones' well being?

This lack of pass/run balance is made more ponderous because the personnel (Saquon Barkley) is there.  So how about Shurmur reverses gears on the offensive line.  Instead of having them back peddling in pass protection, why not get all that brute force and ignorance moving forward in an effort to create Saquon Barkley more daylight.

N.Y. Giants: Daniel Jones Under Siege

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

SACKED AGAIN

WEEK SEVEN

Cardinals   27

Giants         21

FINAL

MetLife Stadium Sacked For Second Time in Last Three Weeks

Arizona sacks Daniel Jones eight times and get in another 12 QB hits.  The offensive line has now yielded a grand total of 20 sacks and 57 QB hits through week seven.  That averages out to 3.6 sacks and nine QB hits per game.  At this juncture it's reasonable to question which weighs more heavily: Daniel Jones inexperience or some perceived ineptness on behalf of the offensive line.

With regards to experience or lack thereof, Eli Manning is sacked once and hit seven other times in week one against Dallas.  In week two against Buffalo, he is again sacked just once and hit five other times.  However, Eli is the beneficiary of healthy team mates.  While I've never considered Evan Engram much of a blocker, it's still easier to operate when your tight end and backfield understand their respective assignments.

Daniel Jones, on the other hand, has played largely minus the services of Engram, Barkley and Wayne Gallman.  In turn pass protection suffers collateral damage.  Arizona linebacker Chandler Jones alone registered four sacks.  If that sounds familiar, it's because Tampa linebacker Shaquil Barrett recorded four sacks in week three.  That makes two respective linebackers accounting for eight sacks.  Someone is failing their assignment.  In the meantime, Jones has now been sacked 18 times and hit another 45 times times.  He has been sacked no less than four times in three of his five starts.  And keep in mind the Patriots only sack him once.

I'm trying to lend the hog mollies some support ... work with me.

While I have low expectations for the Giants in general, I anticipated a better effort against the Cardinals.  Instead Mother Nature and Arizona's pass rush keep Jones under duress.

• 22/35 (63%) for 223 yards, one touchdown, one interception; three fumbles (two lost).

Once upon a time the more it rained the more you ran the ball.  Arizona seems to know what I'm talking about.  Coach Shurmur not so much.  The elusive NFL mudder is alive and well.  The Cardinals ride the back of Chase Edmonds whom rushes 27 times for 126 yards and three touchdowns.  Shurmur calls for a mere 18 rushes, Saquon Barkley answers with 72-yards and a touchdown.  In fact, Barkley has yet to attempt 20 rushes through four games played.  Daniel Jones is the only other Giant to run the ball beyond scrimmage on Sunday.

N.Y. Giants: Two Big and Two Blue To Be True

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

WEEK FOUR

D.C. Football   3

GIANTS        24

FINAL

Ask and ye shall receive ...

Prior to Sunday's game I left off saying:

The ability to run effectively is a fundamental pigskin necessity.  Between Wayne Gallman and perhaps rookie Jonathan Hilliman it would please me to see them join for 25 to 30 rushing attempts.  Not so much in an effort to beat Washington, but for sake of establishing offensive credibility in the weeks to come.  I can't speak for Big Blue's defense.  But I do know the best way of limiting their time on the field is for the offensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage.  Win time of possession for a change.  Get behind the Hog Mollies and at least try running with power.  If they create daylight Wayne Gallman will find it.  Then Daniel Jones can go about his job of being a good quarterback.

The Giants defense spends less than 24-minutes on the field!

That's because the offense achieves 24 first downs and possess the ball for over 36-minutes.  I understand Washington isn't exactly up to NFL standards, but who are we to judge.  They play the opponent in front of them.  The mission was to beat Washington, and the Giants did just that.  Wayne Gallman and rookie Jonathan Hilliman rush 28 times for 99 yards and a touchdown.  All told the Giants rush for 164 yards on 37 attempts, including 5/33 from Daniel Jones (16-yard gain eluding a sack).  Take away dandy Jones numbers and the Giants still rush 32 times for 131 yards, with seven rushing first downs.  Gallman also makes six receptions for 55 yards and a score, giving him 118 combined yards from scrimmage with two touchdowns.

That's how you seize the moment!

But I'd be remiss if I didn't rain praise upon the Hog Mollies.  I put Sunday's game squarely upon their shoulders.  They respond with a commendable effort.  The Giants are now 2-2 at the one-quarter mile turn as a result.  In addition to creating clock-controlling daylight, the offensive line yields no sacks and just four QB hits all day.  In turn Daniel Jones goes 23/31 for 225 yards (7.3 yards per pass), with a touchdown, and the first two INT's of his career.  It's good, in a way, that they happen and quickly get put behind him.  After all if you're not throwing INTs, you're not trying.  Otherwise Jones throws/runs for 13 first downs and completes 74% of his pass attempts.

Cycling back to the defense, make that six straight stellar quarters of football.  After limiting Tampa to three second half points, the Giants limit Washington to three points all game.  Washington QB's Dwayne Haskins and Case Keenum join forces on 121 yards passing, and four INTs.  The Giants defense generates three sacks and eight other QB hits.  The Giants hold Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson to just 32 yards on 15 rushes.  Haskins winds up leading D.C. with 23 yards on the ground.

First round pick Dexter Lawrence quietly makes one tackle.  Third round selection Oshane Ximines has joined on a sack in each of the last three games.  Last year's third round selection B.J. Hill has yet to register a sack.  Janoris Jenkins and the rest of the secondary play well.  Julius Peppers in particular has a big day with six tackles and a pick-six.

N.Y. Giants: The Wayne Gallman Era Begins

From the desk of: DO IT FOR THE DUKE

IF OFFENSIVE LINE DOMINATES LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

WE'LL HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY 

ABOUT DANIEL JONES AND WAYNE GALLMAN

WEEK FOUR

D.C. Football

vs.

New York Giants

So much for protecting and preserving Saquon Barkley.  You can't prevent injury.  It doesn't work.  I just hope Barkley learns the value of occasionally slipping out of bounds.  There's always the next play to consider.

Otherwise the Giants were slowly building up his work load.  They start him in week one with 11 rushes/4 receptions, then 18 rushes/3 receptions in week two.  Saquon was up to 8 rushes/4 receptions when he went down in the second quarter against Tampa.  Week three understandably was the first game in which the Giants failed to gain 100-yards rushing.  However, rookie Daniel Jones saved the day with two touchdowns on the ground and two more via the air.

Reports say Saquon will not require surgery but will nevertheless miss anywhere from four to eight weeks.  Yet the news doesn't seem to dissuade opinions and expectations from changing on a dime.  That's what you get for winning the first game of the post Eli Manning era.  So what now for Daniel Jones, Pat Shurmur, and the suddenly optimistic (1-2) New York Giants?

Quite obviously they need a viable running game.  Poised to make his third ever NFL start, Wayne Gallman stands ready to seize the moment.

Right?

He has averaged 4.0 yards per carry through 31 career games.  Meanwhile the Giants offensive line is generating a league best 6.3 yards per rush, according to ESPN.

Perchance to dream ...

Between Gallman and perhaps rookie Jonathan Hilliman it would please me to see them join for 25 to 30 rushing attempts.  Not so much in an effort to beat Washington, but for sake of establishing offensive credibility in the weeks to come.  How else does coach Shurmur expect to keep the opposition honest?  After Sunday, the Giants host Minnesota then travel to New England.  Do you really think Belichick game plans with a sense of mercy in light of Big Blue's rookie quarterback and broken backfield?

Exactly ...

I can't speak for Big Blue's defense.  But I do know the best way of limiting their time on the field is for the offensive line to dominate the line of scrimmage; win time of possession for a change.  Get behind the Hog Mollies and at least try running with power.  If they create daylight Wayne Gallman will find it.  Then Daniel Jones can go about the business of being a good quarterback.  But the Hog Mollies must protect Jones as well.  The offensive line allowed just two sacks and ten QB hits through weeks one and two.  Tampa recorded five sacks and 15 other QB hits!  Shaquil Barrett had four sacks alone.  Meanwhile overly expensive left tackle Nate Solder performed with all the grace and athleticism of a mailbox.  That must change.

It's already week four, a quarter of the way through the season, and the Giants are still searching for identity.  I do not believe in trickery nor reliance on broken plays and QB scrambles.  You can move the pocket only so many times until the situation demands a QB stay put and make a pass.  But when all else fails, the ability to run effectively is a fundamental pigskin necessity.  Washington presents a perfect opponent for putting Dave Gettleman's Hog Mollies to the test.  Let's see how they perform in a run intensive environment.

Please ...

After all, the Giants are in rebuild, right?