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Big Blue Ups & Downs: Giants Pre-Season Game Two Loss to Indianapolis

By James Pennisi

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Game two of the pre-season is in the books, as the listless Giants were defeated 20-12, at home, by the Indianapolis Colts. Not much went right for the Giants, especially in the first half when the starters were in.

It will be tough to single out only three “Downs” in a game which featured many by the GMEN.

Three Down

Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Greg Toler (28) is called for interference on New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Injuries, injuries, and more injuries – JT hit the nail on the head in his “Health is the Key for Giants” post.  There is nothing more important to NFL teams in the preseason than keeping their players healthy.  Unfortunately, the Giants suffered some injuries to key players last night (Cruz/foot, Tuck/hamstring, and Baas/knee).  Connor Orr, of The Star-Ledger, reported that Jerry Reese is, “not sweating it” when it comes to these injuries, so as of now they don’t seem serious.  I just hope that none of them end up being nagging injuries throughout the season.

  • David Diehl – If you follow me on twitter (@bigbluebloggers) then you already know that I believe Diehl is wayyyyy past his prime, and has been for a couple of seasons now.  There is not much more to say here other than Diehl looked completely over matched, again, last night.  There is no denying that he is one of the worst right tackles in the NFL.
  • Red Zone Offense – Three times the first team offense for the Giants stalled inside of the Colts ten yard line and had to settle for field goals.  The Giants red zone offense has had this exact issue for years under offensive coordinator, Kevin Gilbride, and it still does not look like he has been able to solve them. Gilbride and his staff better figure out some way to fix the redzone touchdown efficiency, or the Giants will be missing the playoffs for the second straight year.

    • Three Up

  • Justin Tuck – I thought Tuck looked like his old self when he was in the game.  He was getting constant pressure in the back-field and looked quicker than he has the last few years.  I just hope the hamstring strain does not set him back.

    • Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) picks up yardage during the first half against Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Kavell Conner (53) and defensive back Delano Howell (26) at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

    Rushing offense – The offensive line was opening up some nice holes in the running game, especially earlier in the game.  I thought David Wilson and Andre Brown both had very good games.  If they can stay healthy, I have a feeling they can both be in for solid years.

  • Josh Brown – Brown was 4-for-4 on field goals after missing one last week.  In the GMENHQ staff predictions, I actually predicted Brown to miss at least one field goal, so I guess I have to eat my words and put him on this list.

    • Overall, I thought this was a forgettable game from the Giants.  They seemed to come out flat, an issue which has been a problem with this team over the years, especially at home.  Giants coach, Tom Coughlin, will need to find a way to get his team to perform on a more consistent level week-to-week.  If the Giants are unable to limit these types of subpar games, they will be hard pressed to make the playoffs this year. For a more in-depth recap of the game make sure to head over to T Kaz’s pre-season week 2 recap post.

    If you want more updates and analysis from me then don’t forget to follow @bigbluebloggers on Twitter!

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