I'd try to take issue with some of the vitriol off the comments board, but it's hard to disagree... Not even a cynical fan could have foreseen how low this team has sunk in just two games.
Let's recap as best we can:
THE GOOD
Ummm... Eli? Sure, I'll give the QB some positive feedback because he displayed his toughness by basically ignoring what the doctors told him and working his arm to the point where he was ready to play. Funny how no one's crying for Philip Rivers anymore...
I'll give a small plus to Aaron Ross, who got his hands on a couple Brett Favre passes and didn't look lost at the nickel. Too bad he cramped up, because the rest of the secondary was not good.
That's really about all... Maybe Derrick Ward, who averaged 6 yards a carry; but he had trouble finding room when it mattered most.
THE BAD
Corey Webster: Can't really see him starting anymore if Ross is healthy. Watching Webster track the flight of Favre's pass to James Jones made me think of that classic TC word from '04 regarding his DBs: Mesmerized.
Tackling: Maybe the Giants need to bring in Ronnie Lott or some former great to explain how to do this... Kawika Mitchell, Antonio Pierce, James Butler, Webster -- don't really see too many other teams fail to wrap guys up or whiff the way the Giants do in the open field.
Pass rush: Maybe the switch will go on this week, and I agree with Michael Strahan when he says it's happened before like this. Week 3 a year ago, to be exact. But Fred Robbins and Justin Tuck are the only guys getting free in passing situations; really the most astounding thing to me was just how good they were against the run until DeShawn Wynn's 38-yard TD score late. Only 47 rushing yards allowed until then, on 25 attempts. That's vintage. Which makes the inability to stop the pass all the more baffling.
Special teams: Ahmad Bradshaw's fumble and elbow injury were the worst, but there were plenty of low moments aside from Ross' downing a Feagles punt at the GB 5. Lawrence Tynes pulling a 34-yarder wide left; Feagles coming within a hair of having his first punt blocked and atrocious kick coverage.
Stupidity: Jeremy Shockey can point the finger all he wants at others -- and, frankly, how Wes Welker wasn't flagged for a much more obvious spike in the Pats-Chargers game last night is beyond me -- but he's no dummy. He knows not to do what he did, and Shockey made matters worse by dropping a sure TD on the next play.
Amani Toomer's personal foul was stunning, because the guy has been the picture of comportment and class all throughout his career. And Gibril Wilson steam-rolling Packers punter Dave Ryan was equally inexcusable, though he did grab an INT on the next play. Lucky for him.
Maybe it's time for TC to put some teeth behind that famously mean rep of his. I'd venture a guess that even without the elbow injury, Bradshaw wouldn't have been returning kicks this Sunday. TC reinforces the rules for his rookies and young players, but not so much with the veterans. He doesn't have much margin for error with Shockey or Toomer, and fines don't work. I don't really know what the options are, but there's got to be something besides laps.
Strahan: Only noticed him twice -- once when he dropped a sure pick, the other when he made a nice stop for a 3-yard loss. Otherwise, he was manhandled again and didn't look like he had much fire. Tuck and Osi got better push through the line and were more active.
Wouldn't that be a kick if 92 came back and ended up being a role player? He won't have to face his old pal Jon Jansen on Sunday in D.C., so here's his chance to show something.
Comments (12)
A stunningly horrid display of defensive football. As bad as I thought they might be, this is beyond the pale. Carl Banks said it best, they're beaten before the snap of the ball based completely on the pre-snap reads by the opposing QB. And the Giants did nothing to try to disrupt that team. Nothing. They just lined up in the same DEF that was getting beaten over, and over, and over again.
Strahan is here to get paid and put a warm body in the 92 uniform. That's it. He doesnt care at all. Any chance we can get Willie Jo back to wear it again? He'd probably do better.
It's still early, but wow. 80 points in two games? I've been a Giants fan a long time, but I don't remember EVER seeing a worse defense. Oh, and I'm still waiting for Mortenson's apology re: his wonderful reporting on Eli's injury. Mort? Oh Mort??
One question. What makes us think that the Defense is going to get better? Do we have any signs of hope? Is the new Coordinator in over his head? I'm must disgusted with Strahan and his training camp act and now to show up and play with zero heart, please Giants, give him his salry for the year and send him packing. Our linebackers are just terriable - Mitchell couldn't cover Nate Newton in his present form (very fat)if he went out for pass. it's going to be a long year because I see no reason for potential improvement.
ARTHUR!!!!!, Please Read!!
Aaron Ross was a positive because although he played 2 quarters he played well in the slot and he showed his athleticism tipping balls and thats the PLAYMAKING skills we lack.
You need to ask Tom if hes considering giving some of these young guys a shot. i mean the veterans arent cutting it so what do we have to lose?? hes our 1st round pick and Revis and Hall (got torched by the browns ouch!) are starting.
Also Michael Johnson has to get a shot! lets not say oh hes a rookie SO WHAT Butler was undrafted hes not a vet hes playing worst than DEMPS!!
i mean what respect has he earned as a football player to not give Michael Johnson who Reese is VERY high on a shot?? he played well in preseason and he looks like he can lay some wood on you. Can you please ask Tom i mean Butler STINKS!!
Madison Wilson Johnson Ross
that should be our starting secondary next week!! that is a faster secondary with more upside!
They are making a mockery of the Giant tradition. No talent, no class, no pride, #92 is the example. Bums to the core, what a mess!
plus im surprised you didnt put RW AGAIN in the bad section. i mean when Ross left and RW came in GB put Driver in the slot. and they did it because RW IS TERRIBLE!! he gave up another TD whats new thats RW giving up TDs!
i told you he wasnt going to play nickel he was the #4 this week until Ross cramped up.
the Giants need to give Underwood or Mcphearson a shot at the nickel because they are FAST with upside and we need fast corners to play this scheme. Dockery stinks and hes too small RW is history and Webster has no confidence right now.
You mentioned him under the "BAD" by way of exempting him from your criticism, but I thought Fred Robbins had a good day.
The linebackers were just horrificly bad in all aspects of the game, I'd say, though.
Losing is bad, but the stunning lack of pride in game 2 is worse. Even the TV crew pointed out how lifeless and rejected the Giants sideline was in the 3rd. They really do look like, after 6 qrtrs, they're ready to mail in the 07 season.
I could line up at QB with 5 garbage cans for an o-line and 3 midgets playing wide receiver and still complete every 3rd down pass on this giants D... Worst.Secondary.Ever.
Ek, I'd like to see you try.
ok, maybe not every 3rd down attempt, but still better than the league average. and it wouldnt be nearly as depressing to watch as the second half of the first two games. And I honestly think TC should send a message and sit Shockey and Strahan for at least the first half of a game. Strahan looks pathetic and Shockey cost us at least 5 big plays with poor hands and that dumb penalty.