Aug 24, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back David Wilson (22) runs for an 84 yard touchdown beating New York Jets safety Antonio Allen (39) and New York Jets linebacker Garrett McIntyre (50) during the first quarter of a preseason game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The loss of Stevie Brown is absolutely devastating for a team that has a weak secondary to begin with. We now have to pray that Ryan Mundy can step in quick and make an impact. Sash has shown flashes, but I do not think he can be trusted. Will Hill is gone for 4 games, so Mundy will have to do until then, and maybe longer.
To be honest, I’m getting worried about the Giants offense, and it’s inability to score points. Defense actually didn’t look too bad (besides the 4 straight penalties) but that is also against the Jets, and a rookie QB who was really having a tough time catching up to the speed of the first teamers.
Here is what I noticed:
Quarterback:
Eli Manning needs to get his chemistry going with Nicks. The deep throw down the field with Nicks turning the wrong way in the endzone was killer. There was another play where Eli thought Nicks would make his break on a slant deeper down the field, he went short and Eli sailed the throw. With Cruz missing game chemistry while hurt, Eli had a chance to bring some back with Nicks, so far nothing.
Running back:
We all knew David Wilson was capable of that 84 yard run. Loved the formation that was used on multiple drives. A two fullback set with Myers and Pascoe behind Eli, with Myers running in motion to the left. Seemed to work perfectly on the long run with great blocks by Beatty and Nicks on the outside.
Really looks like Brown will get the 3rd down role. Saw him come in later in the game for 1st and 2nd downs as well, but seems like his pass blocking ability will have him in that 3rd down spot.
Ryan Torain runs very hard. Looks like he’s trying to run someone over every play. Good bruiser to have.
Da’Rel Scott needs to be cut, fumbled first play of OT, just shows no promise.
Cox (to be mentioned later)
Wide Receivers:
Like I said earlier, Nicks and Eli need to get on the same page. Yes, Nicks had a great one handed grab down the sideline plus the P.I. call. Add that to the other two P.I. calls and it looked like an okay night. However, he missed a sure touch down opportunity while turning the wrong way on the deep ball.
Randle has had all the hype in the world this preseason and has had a hard time backing it up. He had a nice leaping catch on a high throw and another solid grab. I want to see more.
Jernigan was targeted 15 times and brought in 5 for 66. 15 TIMES. During the game, I started to think that maybe there is a reason behind it. Is there something more to this Cruz injury? Why do the Giants have so much faith in Jernigan that they throw him the ball 15 times in a game? Practice to have a expanded role? I hope not. Had a nice leaping grab for 20 though, I saw that.
Offensive Line:
Makeshift line with Beatty, Boothe, Cordle, Snee, Pugh
Jim Cordle cannot be the starting center for this team. Zero strength and explosiveness off the ball, got owned by swim moves, was on the ground time and time again.
I didn’t see Pugh getting much push off the line either, but kept Eli upright. He needs to be able to run block though, had a tough time moving anyone backwards.
Snee said that the line has a lot to work on chemistry wise, and with Diehl out for the next 6 weeks, he will be mentoring Pugh.
Defensive Line:
Tuck looks good. He’s looked good every game he’s played in and I am excited for the season. The way he can drop into coverage from a 3-point stance to force turnovers is a nice little wrinkle for this defense.
Defensive tackles made their presence felt. Linval got a nice batted pass first play of the game. Big Daddy Rogers was a force to be reckoned with, always in the backfield, chasing plays down. Patterson was coming in hot as well. Marvin Austin showed some nice effort at the end and may need to keep it going next week to stay on the team.
Linebackers were crashing the line a lot better this week. Only problem I noticed was the coverage. In zone, they would drop too far back leaving the dump offs wide open. They need to understand they have teammates behind them to make plays. Curry got replaced by Bosworth on the 2nd team who showed that he can play later in the game. Unfortunate really, I thought Curry would definitely make an impact on a thin linebacker corps.
Corners did okay. Prince had the interception after getting beat on the slant, luckily the ball was thrown behind the receiver. He then got beat on an inside fade, however did well on the next fade he saw. Terrell Thomas is definitely not 100% but he is trying. Saw him jumping to try to bat balls down, cleaning up tackles. Ross got the start opposite Prince with Webster out, nothing glaring there, besides a whiff on a tackle. Hosley has a sprained ankle but Coughlin didn’t seem too worried.
Safeties. Loss of Brown is tremendous. Mundy can definitely lay the wood. Sash and Hill are fighting for the 3rd safety spot now.
39 rushing yards allowed? I will take that any day of the week. Twice on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday.
Special Teams
Josh Brown can kick. I would like to see him kick it through the end zone on every kickoff, but I understand he needs to save his leg. With the struggles of the Giants offense, we may need 4/5 nights from Brown every week.
I want to see Charles James on punt returns. Save Randle/Hosley/Ross’ health.
Michael Cox will be this years kick returner. He is starting to remind me of those early kick returns by Wilson last year. So many times Wilson would barely get tripped up, and I’ve seen that a bunch with Cox.
Conclusion
Team had at least 5 drives starting in Jets territory and could barely do anything with it. Can’t win games without scoring touchdowns if you do not have a picture perfect defense. Didn’t even mention tight ends because Brandon Myers continues to be non existent. 1 target, 1 catch, 5 yards.
Next week is difficult, you want to practice on scoring points, but at the same time you are worried about health. Let’s pray that the injured players get better, and for a speedy recovery for Stevie.