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

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

GAME FIVE

San Francisco 49ers

vs.

New York Giants

FROM

The Snoopy Bowl

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

Part I of IV

COWBOYS 27; Giants 26

Falcons 24; GIANTS 20

GIANTS 32; D.C. Hogs 21

Giants 24; BILLS 10

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

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

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

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

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

Part II of IV

49ERS

@ Eagles

COWBOYS

@ Saints

GAME FIVE: Niners @ Giants

ICYMI: Running of the Bills; Applied SPAGnology

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

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

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

GIANTS DEFENSE

20.5 points allowed per game

386 yards allowed per game

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

GIANTS OFFENSE

25.5 points scored per game

335 yards gained per game

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

Crossed Connections:

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

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

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

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

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

In No Particular Rush:

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

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

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

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

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

N.Y. Mets: Jacob deGrominated Dodgers with an all-time Amazin' effort

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

K K K K K K K K K K K K K

Jacob deGrom tied Tom Seaver (1973)

for most strikeouts in a post-season start.

NEW YORK METS: Jacob deGrom's Game One performance goes down as one of the Amazin's all-time best playoff efforts ever.

Jacob deGrom's winning effort in Game One of the NLDS over the Dodgers goes down as one of the organization's finest play-off performances ever.  He faced 27 batters over 7 innings pitched, allowed the Dodgers no runs on just 5 hits, walked one, and struck out 13 batters for the victory.

Jacob tied Tom Seaver for most strikeouts in a post-season game by a Met.  In the opening game of the 1973 NLCS against the Reds, Seaver struck out 13 batters over 8.1 innings, yet took the loss.

Jacob deGrom also became only the third Mets pitcher to achieve double-digit strikeouts in a post-season game.  Seaver struck out another 12 batters against the Oakland A's in the '73 World Series, but this time earned a no-decision.  Dwight Gooden struck out 10 Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 innings to open the 1988 NLCS, and likewise walked off to a no-decision.

In the 1969 NLCS vs. the Atlanta Braves, Nolan Ryan pitched 7 innings, allowed 2 runs on 3 hits, and fanned 7 batters for the victory in relief of starter Gary Genrty.

In the World Series vs, the Baltimore Orioles, Tom Seaver pitched 10 innings and struck out 6 batters for the victory in Game Four.  Jerry Koosman pitched a complete game and fanned 5 batters in the Game Five clincher.

In 1973 NLCS, Jon Matlack followed Tom Seaver's 13 strikeout opening loss against Cincinnati with a gem.   Matlack fanned 9 batters en route to a complete game 2-hit shutout over the Big Red Machine in Game Two.  Jerry Koosman followed with another 9 strikeout, complete game effort in Game Three.

In Game Three of the 1973 World Series against the Oakland A's, Tom Seaver fanned 12 batters over 8 innings pitched.

The greatest pitching effort of the 1986 NLCS was perhaps authored by Roger McDowell during the Game Six clincher.  Starter Bob Ojeda pitched a complete game victory in Game Two, but only lasted 5 innings in Game Six, which evolved into 16 innings of play.  Before Jesse Orosco labored through the final three innings, Roger McDowell's 5 innings of 1-hit ball kept the Mets alive from the 9th through the 13th inning.

Bob Ojeda got the Mets turned around after going down 0-2 in the 1986 World Series against the Boston Red Sox with an immensely clutch effort in Game Three.  Ron Darling allowed just one unearned run and 6 hits, and struck out 12 over 2 starts and 14 innings pitched.

Dwight Gooden experienced tough luck during the 1988 post-season against the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He struck out 10 batters over 7 innings in Game One, but took a no-decision.  Gooden was again cruising along in Game Four with 9 strikeouts through 8.1 innings until Mike Scioscia connected on a gut-wrenching home run in the 9th inning.

Al Leiter's 1999 play-in game in the 163rd game of the regular season deserves mention.  He tossed a complete game 2-hit shutout over the Cincinnati Reds, with 7 strikeouts.

A year later, Mike Hampton turned in a brilliant performance in the 2000 NLCS clincher, tossing a complete game 3-hit shutout, with 8 strikeouts over the St. Louis Cardinals.

In fairness to Tom Glavine, he pitched very well in Game Two of the 2006 NLDS against the Dodgers, and again in Game One of the NLCS against the Cardinals, when he opened the series with 7 scoreless innings of 4-hit ball for the victory.

Forgive me for the efforts omitted in this compilation, but none of them would have matched what Jacob deGrom accomplished Friday night in Los Angeles.

PIGSKIN 2015: Week Five

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Five

RESULTS

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Scoreboard:
Week Four Record:  7-4-1
Overall Record:  34-19-1
Schmear of the Week:  3-1
Bagels in the Basket:  +20

1st and Ten:

• Green Bay, Atlanta, Denver, Cincinnati, and New England, all put their undefeated records on the line.  Carolina, the lone remaining undefeated team has a bye.

• Miami was the first team to fire their coach this season.  My Spidey sense tells me the Houston Texans' Bill O'Brien could be (and perhaps should be) next, if they continue along their present course.

2nd and Short:

• There are only 9 NFL teams playing above the .500 mark.  Par and below need not apply.

• This is Atlanta's big chance to get a step ahead of the Panthers.  This is also the Giants big chance to grab hold of the division lead.

• Here come the Seahawks.

• The Cardinals will not lose 2 in a row.

No Gain:

• The Jets can certainly use the time off, but they can't be happy about having their momentum stopped with a Week Five bye.

• The famed Giants/49ers rivalry has seen better days.  The departure of Jim Harbaugh has left the Niners in disarray.

• Once upon a time the Cowboys were 2-0.  The End.

Punt:

• The Detroit Lions are the lone NFL team without a win.  They won't be getting their first victory this week either.  Meow!

• See my Miami Dolphins inspired seafood menu below.

Week Five:
Friday Line ~ NYDN

GIANTS -7 (49ers)

It's hard to ignore the Giants performance over Buffalo last week.  Meanwhile, the 49ers are a floundering team with a floundering quarterback.  The Niners can't run, but the Giants were going to take that away regardless.  The Giants secondary will be loitering around for errant Kaepernick passes to come their way.  The defense will score and cover this game by themselves.
Loss; 30-27 Giants

BUCS -3 (Jaguars)

The Jaguars are finally back in Florida, but landed in the wrong city.  Two weeks of London fog, and a few days of Jag-lag is worth laying 3-points with the Bucs.  The Jaguars should have just stayed across the Pond.
WIN; 38-31 Bucs

Bills -2 1/2 (TITANS)

Rex is pissed after taking all those penalties, and getting trampled by the Giants last week.  Buffalo will clean that up.  Besides, this is the obligatory up week after a down week.  Otherwise, it's never about the Titans.
Loss; 14-13 Bills

Browns +7 (RAVENS)

These aren't the Ravens of old.  They had their last hurrah, and are going to start falling apart like wet toilet paper.  Cleveland will have opportunities to score and keep this game within range of victory.
WIN; 33-30 Browns  o.t.

FALCONS -7 (D.C. Hogs)

Did anyone see what the Falcons did to the Texans last week?  It's not like Houston lacks a pass rush. This week, the Hogs are gonna take a talon right in the eye.  Atlanta's flight will continue through Week Five.
Loss; 25-19 Falcons

CHIEFS -9 (Bears)

Travelling Bear bring remedy Chief need.  Get healthy.  Bear make Chief strong again.  Chief then make new rug for tee-pee.
Loss; 18-17 Bears

Saints +5 (EAGLES)

The Saints finally won at home last week, but I didn't like the way Brees looked throwing the ball.   However, the Eagles need to show me something, anything, before they get any respect from me.
Loss; 39-17 Eagles

Rams +9 1/2 (PACKERS)

The Rams continue being a hard safe to crack.  They defeated the high flying Cardinals last week, so the race in the NFC West is on.  I want to say they're on the verge of breaking through, but still have my reservations.  I think they'll at least cover in a somewhat high scoring game.
Loss; 24-10 Packers

Seahawks +3 (BENGALS)

This is it, the let down we've all been waiting for.  Remember how I've always said the Bengals do their worst work in big games at home?  Here we go...  Cincy's real problem is timing.  Seattle is emerging from their malaise.  If Marshawn Lynch were playing, I'd feel better.  If they have their heads on straight, the Bengals can actually pull this off.  However, Vegas doesn't seem overwhelmed with confidence either.
PUSH; 27-24 Bengals  o.t.

Cardinals -3 (LIONS)

Fugheddaboudit!  Right now, the Detroit Lions couldn't even stalk a box of Cheerios in COSTCO. Otherwise, last week's Cardinals loss to the Rams means nothing to me.  Keep on truckin' with the NFL's #1 offense.
WIN; 42-17 Cardinals

Patriots -8 1/2 (COWBOYS)

Let's forget about Tom Brady for a moment, and the multitude of touchdowns he's going to throw Sunday in the House that Jerry Built.  If Bill Belichick doesn't induce Dallas' Brandon Weeden into throwing at least 2 picks, I'll be very surprised.  Meanwhile, the Cowboys injuries keep mounting.   Who will it be this week?
WIN; 30-6 Patriots

Broncos -5 (RAIDERS)

The Broncos defense; The Black Hole; only one getting sucked in are the fans in Oakland.
WIN; 16-10 Broncos

Schmear of the Week:

Patriots -8 1/2
WIN

Guten Appetit: 

Walk By > Fresh mozzarella w/schmear of garlic butter and capers wrapped with prosciutto and roasted onto Ritz crackers.  Zucchini chips and fried calamari w/ marinara sauce.  Baked clams.  Stove grilled shrimp teriyaki on stix.

Sit Down > Tuna steaks; fried onion strips; roasted garlic red potatoes w/peppers and carrots; avocado tomato spinach salad in a lemon dressing.

What's on your football menu?

Good luck, and have a Happy Football Sunday everyone!

Post Game:
Week Five Record:  5-6-1
Overall Record:  39-25-2
Schmear of the Week:  4-1
Bagels in the Basket:  +21

N.Y. Mets: Amazins Burglerize Game One

Here' my latsest for 

RisingApple.com

NLDS

GAME ONE FINAL

METS     3

Dodgers  1

Jacob deGrom out-dueled Clayton Kershaw,

Daniel Murphy and David Wright Struck Decisive Blows.

Mets: Like Thieves In The Night, 

Amazins Take Game One In Los Angeles

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Islanders: Opening Night was a Flatbush Flop

From the desk of:  FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

No one ever said life in Brooklyn was gonna to be easy.

OPENING NIGHT

Blackhawks  3

Islanders       2

FINAL ~ OT

New York Islanders: With youz guys being new to the neighborhood and all, neutral zone gaffes are akin to playing in Flatbush Avenue traffic during rush hour - just brutal.  Way to throw your goalie under the bus!

The Chicago Blackhawks are no strangers to Thomas Greiss.  He previously part-timed in the Western Conference with San Jose and Phoenix during the first two of Chicago's recent three Cup championship runs.

After spending last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Garth Snow signed the free agent goalie to back up starter Jaroslav Halak.

The Fates, it seems, had other plans.

Let the record show, on October 9th, 2015, Thomas Greiss started the Islanders first official home game in Brooklyn against the defending Cup champions, and did well.  He will continue to start until Jaroslav Halak recovers from the proverbial upper body (chest) injury.

Greiss faced 32 shots and made 30 saves during Barclays Center's inaugural 60:00 minutes of regulation hockey.

Just beyond the midway point of the opening period, Chicago got whistled for too many men on the ice.  Then towards the latter end of the ensuing power play Brock Nelson committed the dreaded neutral zone turnover which resulted in Artem Anisimov's break-away short-handed goal.

It was only fitting that Captain John Tavares tied the game at 5:22 of the 2nd period on a nifty initial shot and his own rebound.

Fan relief was short lived, however.  At 15:11, Patrick Kane put Chicago back ahead.

The Isles struck back very early in the 3rd when Brock Nelson assisted on Marek Zidlicky's game tying goal at the 1:18 mark.

The Islanders were unable to convert their second power play of the game half way through the session.  The teams then remained scoreless for the balance of the 3rd period, which in effect provided Brooklyn ticket holders bonus hockey on Opening Night, and their first view of the NHL's new overtime rule change - five minutes of 3 on 3 hockey.

Barclays CEO Brett Yormark (who was resoundingly booed by the crowd) might have given traditional Islanders fans their goal horn back, however, he never promised them an ideal outcome.

Thomas Greiss turned away the first two Blackhawks shots in overtime.

Nick Leddy's slash on Marian Hossa at 1:18 perhaps only delayed the inevitable.  First off, the penalty was born of a defensive end turnover.  Then one could argue with an unobstructed Hossa bearing down upon Greiss, Leddy's infraction was justified.

No matter.  With Marian Hossa in the corner and traffic building in front of Greiss, Patrick Kane tipped in a rebound at the 1:49 mark.  Kane's game winning power play goal was his second of the game.

Tough break for Thomas Greiss, but look no further than Brock Nelson's gaffe in the 1st period as to why and when things went wrong.  It effectively cost the Islanders an Opening Night victory in their new home.

Despite the final score, the Islanders new beginning appeared well received.  All that's left is for them to post their first home victory.  Tonight, they'll finish out the back end of this home and home series against the Blackhawks in Chicago.

Then starting Monday, the Islanders will play three straight at home - along Flatbush Avenue that is.

On a side note, going out on a Friday night is somewhat of a lay-up.  With no work the following day, a hockey game is as good a destination as any.

Monday's and Thursday's games against the Jets and Predators, respectively, will prove far more telling about who's really dedicated to the new process, and who is not, I think.

Lets face it, with little to no designating parking (unlike Nassau Coliseum), we're going to find out how conducive the LIRR and MTA will be in so far as getting fans in and out of the immediate area.

The D-train is too simple for me.  It might be manageable for Mr. Smith coming from Franklin Square, but what about Mrs. Crabtree and her son coming from Islip?

We'll see.

Week days usually look like this.....

That's not exactly the Flatbush Freeway you're looking at.

N.Y. Islanders: Five for Flatbush

From the desk of:  BROOKLYN'S FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

Welcome Home

I'll continue amusing myself from time to time, but,

I hereby officially retire

BROOKLYN'S FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

The New York Islanders

portion of the BrooklynTrolleyBlogger now rolls..

From the desk of:

FIVE FOR FLATBUSH

New York Islanders: After a 73-year adjournment, Kings County set to open their historic second ever NHL season!

That's right..

The old New York Americans were established in 1924, two years before Tex's Rangers laced up their first pair of skates.  Although both teams played in the same building, they were leagues apart - pardon the pun.

Ownership moved the Americans to Brooklyn where they completed the 1941-1942 season.  The outbreak of WWII, however, necessitated them to suspend operations the following season.  When ownership applied for reinstatement in 1946, the NHL denied them.  You might say the (junior) Rangers claimed eminent domain.

(Thirty years later, I became a Rangers fan).

In any event, the league's decision in 1946 effectively ended to the New York Americans 19-year run, and completely short circuited Brooklyn's claim to an NHL franchise.

More recently, Brooklyn was home to a pair of low level minor league teams whom played in the renovated Hangar Five at Floyd Bennett Field.  The Brooklyn Aces skated between in 2008 and 2009, and from 2011 through 2012 the Brooklyn Aviators brought raucous Federal League Hockey to town.

On Friday, October 9, 2015, a National Hockey League team will once again officially plant its flag in Brooklyn when the New York Islanders host the Chicago Blackhawks at Barclays Center.

Back Together Again:

The Islanders were still an emerging hockey club during the years Dr. J led the New York Nets to a pair of ABA championships.  Of course, the Islanders later went on to form a Long Island dynasty.  

Both teams made Uniondale quite the hang-out back then, that is until the Nets packed up and moved to New Jersey to eventually share an arena with the New Jersey Devils.

While still together, both Long Island teams left behind indelible marks on their respective league's histories.  Julius Irvin perhaps single-handed forced the NBA into merging with the upstart ABA, while the Islanders became the last team to capture four straight Stanley Cup trophies.

If I had my way, they'd both still be playing in Long Island.  But, in a sense, they are - if you consider Long Island proper.  Flatbush, then, would certainly serve as its capital.  That said, it's good to see the Islanders and Nets back together under the same roof again.

The Drive For Five:

...was once the battle cry of the 1985 Islanders, whom were in search of their 5th straight Cup until finally getting undone by Wayne Gretzky and the Edmonton Oilers.  

They are still in search of that elusive 5th Cup, which of course would be Brooklyn's first.  So much for not getting ahead of the cart.

The Islanders are also a sufficiently tough team.  And so Five for Flatbush seemed like a perfectly appropriate name.

The Islanders arrive on Flatbush Avenue as Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference contenders, replete with a legitimate MVP candidate.

They suffer from a few ongoing problems, particularly on defense and the penalty kill. However, they have not lacked for scoring.

Last season, they posted their first 100-point campaign since their last trip to the finals. 

In local speak, these guys are no chumps.

The puck finally drops on Flatbush Avenue tonight.

A new era starts now.

N.Y. Mets: NLDS Preview Podcast

Here's Thursday night's podcast on 

RisingApple.com

What do you get when you join one Baby Boomer, one Gen-X, 

one Generation-Y, and two millennial Met fans on the eve of 

Game One of the National League Division Series?

ToPiCs:

The Matt Harvey diva report, and who invited Jon Niese?

Game by game starting pitching match-ups; 

middle relief comparisons, who has the better Closer?

Justin Turner anxiety; what's red and starts with the letter C?

Captain America; doing the Monster Matz; deGROMination;

Where's Lucas Duda?  Is L.A.'s bench stronger? 

Please don't make Terry Collins manage!  Is Don Mattingly worse?

Head to head stats.

Is Clayton Kershaw a playoff bust?  Thor takes his hammer on the road.

This, that, the other, and much much more!

Check it out..

Episode #120 The Rising Apple Report: 

'Twas the Night Before Game One; NLDS Preview Show

I hosted, and was joined by site editor Danny, Rich, Jack and Devin.

Emma from crzblue.mlblogs.com was our featured Dodgers guest.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Rangers: The Coach Who Cried Wolf

From the desk of:  RAISE GRESCH WITH THE GREATS

2015-2016

The 89th Season of 

New York Rangers Hockey 

Starts Now

OPENING NIGHT

New York Rangers

vs.

Chicago Blackhawks

FROM

Home of the Cup

ChiTown

NEW YORK RANGERS: It all starts with the man wearing the suit.

I'll be forthright about this.  I'm still pissed off.

My disgust hasn't waned.  May 29th seems like yesterday.

Neither Torts' loss to the Devils, or the Rangers loss to the Kings inspired this much anger. The last time I got consumed by such madness came during the Mario Lemieux/Adam Graves fiasco of 1992.

That said, of the four major sports teams I root for, I'm by far most forgiving of the Blueshirts.

Sometimes, however, I just can't move on unless I vent.

I don't care which players' feet you chose putting to the fire.  Blame Rick Nash's lack of scoring, Kreider's lack of discipline, etc., or blame Hillary Clinton, my old high school coach, Ricky Ricardo, Godzilla, Han Solo, or the Dali Lama for all I care.   It makes no difference to me.  All this year's returning Rangers bear their share of responsibility; some more than others.

However, outside of personal skill, individual effort, and competency, players are generally told what to do.  Therefore, I still maintain the Rangers lost last season's Eastern Conference final to the Tampa Bay Bolts due to a philosophical (physical) miscalculation on the part of Alain Vigneault.

As far as I'm concerned, there are reasons why he was fired in Montreal, and Vancouver, etc.  As it also relates to the Rangers, we've learned there are limits as to how far his system can and will go in the absence of a friggin' backbone.

There!  I said it.

President trophies are just big boy participation awards.

His Canucks couldn't outlast a tougher Bruins team in the 2011 Stanley Cup finals, nor could his Rangers defeat a tougher, more resilient Kings team in 2014.

Vigneault's insistence on proving his system right against the Tampa Bay Lightning arguably cost the Rangers a trip to the finals, I think.

The Rangers physical play was the decisive factor in games Four and Six.  Coach then ponderously turned his back on physicality in Game Seven, opting instead for what previously failed particularly in games Two and Five.

They played soft, plain and simple.  Alain Vigneault calls it playing the right way. That's just pillow talk to me.

I certainly wasn't napping when a few select teams stocked up on physical type players this past off-season headlined by Milan Lucic's relocation to Los Angeles.  In fact, the Pacific Division is shaping up to be a rumble royal, with Anaheim, San Jose, and the aforementioned Kings all loaded up with beef.

Columbus, St. Louis, and maybe even Winnipeg will be some of the more tougher teams this season.

The trend has been swaying away from the traditional northeast cities for some time now, towards the Western Conference.

If you remember, the reason why Vancouver fired Vigneault and hired John Tortorella in the first place was to get tougher.

The Rangers?

N.Y. Post

Completely laughable is the only way I can explain Alain Vigneault's audacity with regards to his call for more physicality.

Dylan McIlrath will finally start the season off-Broadway, on paper at least.  He earned a roster spot as the 7th defenseman, but despite turning in a fine physical performance during their last tune-up against the Bruins, he will be a healthy scratch for Wednesday night's opener against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Even before the Rangers drop the puck on their 89th season, McIlrath is already their most punishing blue liner.  However, he previously remained someone Alain Vigneault found little use for these last two seasons.  In truth, his future under Vigneault remains no less uncertain.

The addition of winger Viktor Stalberg should help.  He's 29-yrs old, owns a Stanley Cup ring and understands the role physicality plays on the ice.  He'll team with Oscar Lindberg and J.T. Miller to form the third line.

Lindberg is a smart playing 23-year old, whom impressed enough in camp to win a spot on the third line over veteran Dominic Moore.  At first glance it would appear J.T. Miller got screwed out of a spot on the 2nd line.  Line combinations, however, are very transient situations this early in the season.

Look, Alain Vigneault is a good coach - a damn good one.  He may still pull off a Cup victory before this is through.

But if it takes pissing in his morning Cheerios to alter his thinking, then allow me to be the first in line.

And so concludes my unapologetic opening rant.

The 2015-2016 regular season starts, now!

N.Y. Giants: Running of the Bills

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

MISSION-II

Gain Higher Ground

Week Four

Giants  24

Bills      10

FINAL

NEW YORK GIANTS: Two botched 4th quarter drives in each of the first two games of the season are all that prevented the Giants from a 4-0 start.

The Giants still kinda/almost folded like a cheap poker table in Sunday's 4th quarter again, but composed themselves in time to close the deal and get their record back to par.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, lost Sunday night in New Orleans, and Washington defeated the Eagles creating a 3-way tie for the division lead.  Such as life in the NFC East.

The Giants now have a clean slate with which to restart their season on the right foot.

Their upcoming schedule couldn't have been more accommodating.  They host the disintegrating 49ers next week.  After which, they'll head to Philadelphia in Week Six.  Week Seven will then feature a Week One rematch against the Cowboys at Met Life Stadium.

If the Giants take care of business, the division would effectively become theirs to lose.

Forgive Me Duke, For I Have Strayed

I admit it.  I fretted this game in Buffalo and picked against the Giants.

To my chagrin, Sunday's overall performance and victory over the Bills certainly puts things in a different perspective, doesn't it...

But, after considering...

* Victor Cruz' imminent return,
* Dallas will be without Dez Bryant and Tony Romo for a lengthy portion of the season,
* Washington's QB situation is as unsettled as Greenland,
* the Eagles are now 1-3,

...and, in the aftermath of beating Buffalo despite being a 6 1/2 point underdog, I'm still conflicted between feeling relieved and rejoicing Big Blue's return to zero, or, revisiting why this team should be 4-0 this season.

Test Results:

I ended last week by saying Buffalo would provide a true measure of the Giants offense, and the results are in.

Eli Manning was 20 of 35, for 212 yards, and connected on 3 touchdown passes to Rueben Randle, Dwayne Harris, and to Rashad Jennings out of the backfield on a well called audible that went for 51 yards.

Manning, however, threw his first INT of the season.  After leading the league for a third time in 2013 with 27 picks, he reduced that number to 14 during his first year under O.C. Ben McAdoo, and as stated, has just one so far this season.  That said, the play selection has not been as risk/reward as when Gilbride called plays.

The Giants rushed 25 times for 94 yards. Andre Williams ran with particular physicality, gaining 35 tough yards on 11 carries.

Overall, the Giants gained 303 yards from scrimmage.

The Giants 25.5 points per game ranks 9th in the NFL, and 5th in the NFC.  They are #24 in NFL rushing, #17 in passing yardage, and #22 in yards per game.

Like Night and Day

The Giants won a Super Bowl with Perry Fewell only after he relented from an extraordinarily complex (stupid) system which inspired hesitation and oft times mass confusion in the secondary.

That defense turned on a dime in time for the playoffs only after Fewell simplified, and allowed Corey Webster/Aaron Ross to play man coverage.   That team also had a pass rush, just saying....

Perry Fewell/Giants Defense vs. Run: (2010-2014)

• 2014 - #30
• 2013 - #14
• 2012 - #25
• 2011 - #19
• 2010 - #8

Look Who's #1: Applied Spagnology

Steve Spagnuolo is already getting far more out of far less than Perry Fewell previously could from his various (more talented) cast members.

What Coach Spags has lacked in personnel (and a pass rush), he's made up for through creativity and aggression.

His improvised blend of swarm/bend-don't-break ranks top five in giveaway/takeaway. Meanwhile, the Giants have allowed the 7th most yards in the NFL and the NFC's 2nd most, yet rank 13th in the NFL and 7th in the NFC in total points allowed.

The Giants are #1 against the run, as Buffalo found out.  They are still the only team to yield less than 300 yards (279) rushing this season.  They've only allowed 69.8 rushing yards per game.

The Giants allowed Buffalo 313 total yards, but only 10 points.  Somehow, Rex Ryan authorized a one-back attack.  In any event, the Giants provided no quarter for the NFL's #6 rated run game.  Karlos Williams rushed 18 times and was limited to a mere 40 yards.

Quarterback Tyrod Taylor provided Buffalo with their only other ground gains, scrambling 6 times for 15 yards.

Here's to a better next quarter of the season.

N.Y. Mets: Podcast #119 - Calm Before the Storm

Here's our latest podcast at 

RisingApple.com

The four most senior writers at Rising Apple put a ribbon on the season that was, 

and turned (our) attention towards the post-season ahead.

Episode #119 The Rising Apple Report: 

Calm Before The Storm; Next Stop, Los Angeles

We left no topic unspoken..

Our full NLDS Preview Show will most likely take place Thursday evening.

Mike

senior staff writer/Rising Apple

N.Y. Jets: All is well again on the Ivory Coast

From the desk of:  WALT MICHAEL'S REVENGE

Bringing the Pain

New York Jets: Gang Green put forth an effort even Winston Churchill would have been proud of.

Chris Ivory was a beast among Englishmen Sunday against the Dolphins, giving Londoners a classroom lesson in American style Smash Mouth football.

Back from a Week Three setback, Chris Ivory was patient, waited for the line to create daylight, then hit the holes and ran with power beyond the box.  He initiated contact and brought the pain, rushing 29 times for 166 punishing yards.

The Jets work between the tackles was particularly effective.  Just an overall impressive effort to behold.

Bilal Powell didn't even rush once due to a barking groin.  In fact, Bilal factored in one play all day, a reception for 12 yards way back during the Jets second possession of the game.

The Jets dominated the clock with Chris Ivory back in the fold, in turn allowing Ryan Fitzpatrick to slide back into his game manager role.  Fitzpatrick was hardly impressive, but good enough.  He matched Ivory's effort with 29 attempts, completing 16 passes for 218 yards, and even smartly scrambled 9 times for 34 yards.

Meanwhile, the Jets held the ball for 37:23 and generated 425 yards of total offense. Ndamukong Suh was a non-factor with just three tackles all game.

Fitzpatrick connected on a touchdown to Eric Decker, while Brandon Marshall demoralized Miami's secondary with 7 catches for 128 yards with a long of 58 yards on the Jets first play from scrimmage.

He did, however, throw another interception, bringing his total to 6 in only 4 games played.  Ryan also extended his streak of throwing at least a pick a game. He only threw 8 INTs in 12 games last season with the Houston Texans.

On this day, however, Chris Ivory and the defense more than covered their QB's shortcomings.

The Jets sacked Ryan Tannehill 3 times, and caused him to fumble once.  Muhammad Wilkerson got two sacks, and David Harris got the other.  The Jets roughed him up another 9 times and 12 times overall. Derrelle Revis and Marcus Williams each picked off Tannehill.

The defense limited the Dolphins to just 226 yards of total offense, and completely took away the run.  Miami rushed a mere 10 times for 55 yards.

Todd Bowles now has his team at 3-1, and get the next week off to heal some lingering wounds.

On a day the Bills laid dung against the Giants, it's the Jets who've touched down at the Patriots doorstep.

N.Y. Islanders: Welcome to the Neighborhood Fellas

From the desk of:  BROOKLYN'S FOSTER HOCKEY CLUB

A Sign of Things to Come

NEW YORK ISLANDERS: Hello Boys!  Keep your dog off my grass, move your car on street cleaning day, and we'll be okay.   And don't park in front of my driveway either!  I won't tell you twice.  Oh, and any of your tomatoes that grow on my side of the fence are mine.  Otherwise, welcome to the neighborhood jackass.  Don't forget what I said!

The time has come for me to reluctantly welcome Flatbush Avenue's latest professional sports franchise.

Don't get me wrong.  I think this is great for Brooklyn.  In that respect, I'm okay with them playing in my back yard.  You know me, I'm Brooklyn first, and Brooklyn always.

As a fan, however, the irony of it all is still very conflicting for me.

I am a Rangers fan.  Some of my best times came at the New York Islanders expense.  The Rangers portion of this TROLLEY BLOG is named Raise Gresch With The Greats largely because of Ron Greschner's goal against the Islanders in the 1979 Eastern Conference finals.

After more than a decade of dysfunction since Greschner's goal, sweeping the Isles in the opening round of the 1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs was sweet as honey.

Back as a teen in the 1980's, I could not have disliked a franchise, or their players, more.  I only ever developed a sports hatred for two local teams - the Yankees and Isles, and I hated the Islanders more.

That makes them my #1 nemesis, doesn't it?

Denis Potvin will still suck!  I know why Rangers fans say it.  I'm just not so sure less experienced Rangers fans know why they're chanting it.

I will indeed don my Rangers jersey, get on the train headed to Barclays, and cheer the Rangers against the Islanders.  Count on it.

All that said, my regular Trolley Riderz know this blog threats them very fairly.  I call it as I see it - right down the middle.  In fact, I believe I've treated them even better than that, well in fact.  The proof is a mere click away.

I'm older now, and more subdued.  Trust me.

Nets and Islanders Back Together Again:

Unlike the Isles, I embraced the Nets with open arms.

The Knicks were the second team I ever learned to root for.   I latched on during Clyde Frazier's final years with the club.  I am a Knicks fan.

But, as with my situation with the Rangers, I can't stand ownership.  Dolan has been maddeningly involved in Knicks matters since gaining control.  He is completely hands off, however, when it involves the Rangers, and so most fan vitriol was deflected towards Glen Sather.

The Isiah Thomas era really drove me over the top, and so I mentally disconnected for a while, but not before Bruce Ratner revealed his plan to purchase the Nets and relocate them to Brooklyn.

The treatment of Donnie Walsh, and subsequent acquisition of Carmelo Anthony further continued driving a wedge between the Knicks and me.  I made no secret of my dislike for Melo, and Melo Ball, and Melo's World.  He and Dolan just became too much, leaving the door wide open for a Nets invasion.

I am a Nets fan, now.  It's weird to say.  Thing is, I never hated the Nets like I did the Islanders, and so, since the day news broke and for 10 long years until groundbreaking, I savored every moment of the process - protests included.  But I proclaim my fandom, because I feel it.  Ten years of anticipation conditioned me.

Timing is everything I guess.

I'm still a Knicks fan, just a bitter and spiteful one.  So, yes, I have an unresolved conflict on my hands.

As an aside, I feel the Islanders and Nets should still be together in Long Island, the way it was back in the 1970's.  It's nevertheless good to see the Nets and Islanders reunited under the same roof again.

If moving the Isles to Brooklyn keeps them in the area, then so be it.  I'd rather that, than see them move to Seattle, Kansas City, or Canada.

Long Island hockey is too steeped in history to have it leave the metro area.  At least this way, Long Islanders can retain their connection with the team, albeit via the LIRR.  It's a necessary compromise.

So let it be done.

Come back for the TROLLEY renaming ceremony, when I'll retire Brooklyn's Foster Hockey Club, and give the Islanders an new TROLLEY identity.

N.Y. Giants: Rueben Randle's Rexual Encounter in Buffalo

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Once is an event; Twice is a coincidence; Three times is a trend.

Buffalo's defense will provide a true measure of Big Blue's offense.

WEEK FOUR

New York Giants

vs. 

Buffalo Bills

FROM

The Empire State

NEW YORK GIANTS: Tom Coughlin's double-barreled, or even triple barreled offense will have to wait just a little while longer to fire.

ICYMI > DEFENSE: No Pass Rush Offers Pockets of Opportunity 

Unfortunately, Victor Cruz' troublesome left calf injury did not respond to a platelet-rich plasma injection well enough, or quickly enough for Sunday's game.

He has been listed as OUT for Week Four, officially scrubbing the first quarter of his season.

This will be Cruz' 14th straight regular season game missed due to injury.  He is fast approaching a full year off the NFL gridiron.  He last played a regular season game on October 13, 2014 during Week Six in Philadelphia.  Moreover, October 5th was the last time Giants fans saw him play at Met-Life Stadium.

Through the first two weeks of this season, the opposition found little reason not to double team Odell Beckham Jr. in Cruz' absence, largely because Preston Parker and Rueben Randle contributed little or nothing towards alleviating the situation.

That quickly developed into an untenable situation.  After barely making the roster out of camp, Preston Parker was subsequently cut by Jerry Reese after a woeful display of receiving skills in Week Two.

That in turn left Rueben Randle square in the cross hairs of Jerry Reese, the media, and fans alike.

Jerry Reese gambled and lost by taking a flyer on Preston Parker last season and again during the pres-season.  Rueben Randle, however, was no stab in the dark.  Jerry Reese utilized a 2nd round pick in the 2012 draft to secure him.

Rueben started just 4 games through his first 2 seasons, then made 13 starts last season and made 71 receptions for 938 yards with 3 touchdowns.

If Preston Parker's problem was failing to catch the ball, Randle's, then, was failing to provide Eli Manning with a viable target.  Eli only targeted him 7 times through the first two games against the Cowboys and Falcons, in which Rueben made 4 receptions for a total of 28 rather inconsequential yards.

But with the spotlight squarely on him in Week Three, Rueben Randle delivered a performance closer to what Jerry Reese had in mind when he selected Randle 63rd overall.

Both of Eli Manning's TD passes during last weeks' 32-21 victory over Washington came in the 4th quarter.  He first connected with OBJ, then with Randle to seal the game.  Eli targeted Rueben 7 times throughout the game, whom made all 7 receptions for 116 yards, while OBJ made 7 receptions for 79 seemingly supportive yards (but we know better...).

That said, without Victor Cruz the only way to take pressure off OBJ, then, is with performance.

That brings us to Sunday in Buffalo and Rex Ryan, whom knows a thing or two about orchestrating a defense.  Once Rex takes Odell Beckham Jr. away from Eli Manning (because that's what he'll aim to do), will the Giants be able to turn to their seemingly matured 4th year receiver for a second straight week and beyond?

We'll see...

In the meantime, it hasn't mattered if Kevin Gilbride or Ben McAdoo have been offensive coordinators in this small respect - Tom Coughlin wants balance.  Make no mistake, he's a chucker, but he usually asks for balance.

Last week the Giants ran 31 times and threw 32 times.  Weeks One and Two went similarly.  But they only rushed for 84 yards on a day the offense generated 30 points.  End of discussion, right?

C'mon, you know me better.  At some point this weekend, I heard the words - short controlled passing game - and they disturb me to my core.

On the bright side, the Giants were thought to have broken down a fairly solid Washington defense.   On the dimmer side, if Washington was able to restrict the Giants to just 84 rushing yards, what will Rex Ryan be able to do?

Remember how Ben McAdoo called on Rashad Jennings in what should have been the closing drive of Game One in Dallas?  Coach called Rashad's name 6 times, and asked him to run up the gut 5 times.  Rashad responded with a net 49 yards.

There's been no commitment to the run since, merely an effort to present balance.  That won't work against Rex.  In fact, everywhere I look I feel Ryan has an answer that perfectly defies what Coughlin tries to do.  Therefore, it's Coach who needs to find his own way of giving Buffalo's defense some pause.  That's a philosophical adjustment.

Faced with his own aggressive style, I'm sure Rex Ryan would say release the tight end, execute screens and draws, etc.  Sounds like good advice to me.  It's just not the Giants way under Coughlin.

In any event, Buffalo's defense will provide a true measure of Big Blue's offense.

Did I mention the tight end?

His name is Larry Donnell.  Use him.

PIGSKIN 2015: Week Four

PIGSKIN

FOOTBALL SUNDAY

Week Four

Results

Week One 

Week Two

Week Three

Scoreboard:

Week Three Record:  10-4

Overall Record:  27-15

Schmear of the Week:  2-1

Bagels in the Basket:  +15

1st and 10:

• Old Guys Gone Wild: After the Dallas Cowboys win a stunner over the Saints, look for Jerry Jones to flash his boobs in joyous celebration down Bourbon Street.

2nd and Long:

• From his days with the Jets to the present, Rex Ryan continues to write the greatest 2nd place narrative in all of football history.  If he gets the Bills to 3-1 Sunday, Buffalo just might appoint him deputy mayor.  Regardless of the Bills/Giants outcome, the idle and undefeated New England Patriots will remain in 1st place of the AFC East.  Remember, Buffalo lost 40-32 on Sept. 13th to the Patriots. That was a bitter pill for Rex to swallow.  Bill Belichick consumes him. They'll meet again for Thanksgiving.  Till then, 2nd place seemingly never felt more glorious.  Just ask the (9-7) Jets of 2009.

No Gain:

• The Saints have lost 6 straight in the Dome dating back to October 26th of last season.

• The NFC boast three teams without a win (N.O., DET, CHI); all AFC teams have won at least a game.

• Down goes Roethlisberger!

• No one will lose against the Patriots this week.

PUNT!

• The NFL should black-out the Raiders/Bears game in Chicago, for humanity sake.

• An NFL team in London?  Perhaps the Jaguars?  They can't even get a team in Los Angeles yet.  What free agent would want to sign overseas?  Utterly brutal travel aside, would players fall prey to England's infamous Tax Man?  And who would be responsible for providing players and their families with 2-ply toilet paper?

WEEK FOUR:

FRIDAY LINE ~ NYDN

BILLS -6 (Giants)

Defensively, I'm still feeling uneasy about the Giants victory over Washington.  Buffalo losing LeSean McCoy this week is a wash, as Tyrod Taylor and the Bills will not have Robert Ayers to contend with (as if the Giants had a pass rush to begin with).  Last week, the Hogs beat themselves due to turnovers.  Don't count on Buffalo doing the same.  Conversely, Rex will dare Eli Manning to beat him with Rueben Randle because he's going to eliminate Odell Beckham Jr. - bank on it.  Of course, I'd prefer to get this one wrong.
Loss; 24-10 Giants

Jets -1 1/2 (DOLPHINS) @ London ~ The Toilet Paper Bowl

How's the drinking water in England?  Wanna know why this spread is so close?  Fact: Flights of 4-hours or more dehydrate the body.  The team that hydrates best, wins.  London might be famous for its fish and chips, but not for these Fish.  In fact, Ndamukong Suh is playing exactly like a (former) Lion would near water - ineffectively.  Unlike last week's game against the Eagles, Ryan Fitzpatrick won't be forced into playing catch-up football this time. He'll manage a better game.  The Jets will also do a better job than last week of integrating Bilal Powell into the game.
WIN; 27-14 Jets

Jaguars +9 (COLTS)

Jags already posted one big upset this season, and they're about to score another.  Indy's offense has yet to click, and now Andrew Luck has a sore shoulder.  That, and Indy's porous defense, will keep the Jags in this game.
WIN; 16-13 Colts

FALCONS -6 1/2 (Texans)

This is admittedly my most questionable pick of the week.  The Falcons are on a magic carpet ride.   They're competent, and home.  But, all three of their victories came via 4th quarter comebacks.  You can only temp Fate so long before she gets annoyed.  I think this is going to be a very close game.   The Texans have no idea where they contracted their acute bout of stink from.  Just a 1/2 point more, and I would have leaned towards Houston.
WIN; 48-21 Falcons

Panthers -3 (BUCS)

Why does Vegas continue disrespecting the Panthers?  Injuries?  Who isn't hurt?  After Carolina blows out the Bucs, perhaps they'll finally change their thinking.  Panthers -9 (!).
WIN; 37-23 Panthers

Raiders -3 (BEARS)

Three points?  Someone thinks this has Trap Game written all over it.  Of course, that depends on your opinion of the Black and Silver.  I get they aren't that good, but they're not that bad.  Oakland is feisty, which is a kind word for inconsistent.  For the moment, though, they're feeling fine after winning in Cleveland last week.  I get playing the Teddy Bears will make them look better than they actually are, but can someone at least throw them a bone? Chicago couldn't even score in a woman's prison waving a carton of cigarettes.  Locals would be better off skipping the game and getting some deep dish at Uno's instead.
Loss; 22-20 Bears

D.C. HOGS +3 (Eagles)

Apparently, I drew more from Kirk Cousins' WK 3 performance than others.  Then again, the Giants made Sam Bradford look like a star as well.  However, DeSean Jackson is out this week.  For the Eagles, DeMarco Murray's hamstring is barking at him.  Even Steven?  Take the points.
PUSH; 23-20 Hogs

BENGALS -4 (Chiefs)

Kansas City's offensive line couldn't push a refrigerator right now, and they have big troubles on defense to boot.  The Bengals are sky high right now.  Run with it.
WIN; 36-21 Bengals

Browns +7 1/2 (CHARGERS)

Stay away.  It's the Browns!  Besides, I'm still pissed off over last week's Chargers loss in Minnesota. I thought they'd be better.  San Diego's defense warrants taking a flyer on Cleveland this week.
WIN; 30-27 Chargers

Packers -9 (49ERS)

Smell that?  Neither do people in San Francisco....  Aaron Rogers is seeing everything in slow motion right now.  The Pack will zip by the Niners with ease.
WIN; 17-3 Packers

BRONCOS -6 1/2 (Vikings)

Adrian Peterson may not be enough.  The Broncos defense is healthy and intact.  The Vikes' defense, on the other hand is banged up.  Gotta love those 1/2 points!  Broncos will improve to 4-0.  Suck wind, Minnesota.
Loss; 23-20 Broncos

CARDINALS -6 1/2 (Rams)

Fool me once...  By now, we understand what the Rams defense is capable of, but their offense is an enigma.  Just close your eyes, keep toking on Carson Palmer and the Cardinals, and pass it along.
Loss; 24-20 Rams

Cowboys PK (SAINTS)

This line changed (Saints -3) since Friday.  The Saints defense will give Dallas' depleted offense every chance to win this game.  I'd love to get 3-points on this, but PK will do.
Loss; 26-20 Saints - o.t.


Schmear of the Week:
Panthers -3
WIN


Guten Appetit:

Blimey Breakfast (9:30am NYJ in London): I prefer El Pico coffee, cinnamon buns, and/or short stack of blueberry pancakes with quarter sized slices of chorizo, cantaloupe, glass of apple juice.

Good old fashioned fried chicken and baby back ribs, loaded baked potatoes, corn on the BBQ, garden salad, deviled eggs (haven't done those in a while).  Gonna wash that down with some Coney Island Brew...

What's on your football menu?


Good luck, and have a great Football Sunday everyone!


Post Game:
Week Four Record:  7-4-1
Overall Record:  34-19-1
Schmear of the Week:  3-1
Bagels in the Basket:  +20

N.Y. Giants: No Pass Rush Offers Pockets of Opportunity

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Finally!

Week Three

D.C. Hogs   21

GIANTS     32

FINAL

NEW YORK GIANTS: Blitzes, Bend-Don't-Break, Beason, and Buffalo.

Forgive me if I'm not feeling giddy after beating the D.C. Hogs.  In truth, I was sickened by what I saw.  The longer I ponder Week Three, the more I'm inclined to think the Giants didn't win, so much as the Hogs lost.

• First off, a safety is no way to start a game; shame on Washington....
• Second, Washington had everything going their way until 3 turnovers respectively ruined the day.

They say time stands still for no one - unless you're playing the Giants.

For a third straight week, the defense provided the opposing QB an easy day at the office.  Despite repeated blitz attempts, they just can't generate a pass rush.  Kirk Cousins was sacked once, and was only mildly disrupted on 6 other occasions.  He otherwise had ample time to complete 30/49 passes for 316 yards.

Did I mention this is Kirk Cousins we're talking about, and that he accounted for all but 77 yards of Washington's total offensive output.

What really made my pigskin break out in a rash, though, were Washington's sustained drives.

Kirk Cousins threw the first of two picks during Washington's second possession of the game, but not before he marched 42 yards on 7 plays.

Their next possession resulted in their only punt of the day.

Then came Washington's final two drives of the 1st half:

• 10 plays, 54 yards - field goal.
• 13 plays, 61 yards - field goal

Kirk Cousins opened the 2nd half by marching the Hogs 42 yards on 7 plays before throwing his second pick of the game.

On their next possession, the Hogs drove 76 yards on 13 plays before fumbling the ball at the Giants 2-yard line.  The play ultimately went for a touch back, but was nevertheless a huge break for the Giants.

On their third possession of the half, they drove 74 yards on 12 plays for a touchdown.

In fact, the Giants were outscored 15-14 in the 4th quarter.

All told, the Hogs got off more plays, made more 1st downs, put together more drives, rushed for more yardage, and gained more total yardage than the Giants.

There's been a lot of bend don't break in the Giants performances.  Their 410 yards allowed per game rank #31, yet, they're ranked middle of the pack (#18) in points allowed.

Linebacker Jon Beason returned to the field, and afterwards said his knee was fine but sore.  He should benefit from the very same schedule he riled against leading into last Thursday's game, as he'll have had 10 days to rest and prepare for this Sunday's game against Buffalo.

Uani' Unga led the team in tackles last week, and made one of the two interceptions thrown by Kirk Cousins. Yielding time to Jon Beason might be a hard pill for him to swallow at this point.

Lastly, there is no doubt Buffalo's defense will attempt to eliminate Odell Beckham Jr. But what is the Giants defense gonna do Sunday that I can look forward to today?