Winless Giants: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time since opening night in Dallas, the Giants had a chance to drive the field on their final possession and escape with a victory. Eli Manning moved the Giants down to the Chicago 35-yard line before reality struck – Brandon Myers could not control a pass up the seam, it deflected off his hands, and was intercepted by Tim Jennings. Subsequently, a 3rd and 7 conversion to the “Black Unicorn” (1:35) set the Bears up in victory formation. The 1976 Giants finally have company in the basement. ZERO for SIX.
The Good:
The two tackles,
Justin Pugh
and
William Beatty
, put in solid work run blocking. Pugh in particular looked more engaged, decisive and mobile. One game doesn’t eliminate a season’s worth of struggles, but it’s a start.
Justin Pugh #72
GIF Credit: NFL Game Rewind
28-year old
Jon Beason
also displayed lively legs in his first start at MLB in a Giants uniform. He recorded 11 solo tackles (1 missed tackle) and seven stops. Still, he was a hair late breaking on a quick-out to Martellus Bennett.
#52 Beason chasing down Forte
GIF Credit: NFL Game Rewind
The Bad:
- The Giants generated 14 quarterback hurries (3 hits by Kiwanuka) without getting Cutler down for a sack. Cutler was sacked three times in each of the prior two weeks and is widely acclaimed for seeing shadows in the pocket. Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
- Where on Earth was Johnathan Hankins? He played on just 8 defensive snaps after a strong debut versus Philadelphia. WHY?
- Antrel Rolle was isolated with Martellus Bennett on the outside with the game on the line. Rolle gave up the inside to the 6’6 265 pound tight-end resulting in a simple toss and catch. Game over. Rolle was targeted 8 times in coverage; six were completed with 21 yards after reception.
The Ugly:
Hakeem Nicks
letting a chunk gain opportunity slip through is hands – shocker. It genuinely looks like he’s battling vision problems. Either that or his focus is completely MIA.
Feet for hands
GIF Credit: NFL Game Rewind
David Diehl
struggled all night in pass blocking. He allowed 5 QB hurries and was owned by talented defensive tackle Corey Wootton. What’s with this “oley bull****”?
