Giants Week 15: The Good, the Bad and the “Pathetic”
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
If a hypothetical person emerged from beneath a rock after ten years – and decided to immediately surf #NYG on twitter at 2:15 PM EST – this individual would probably arrive at the conclusion that the Giants are the ‘rank and file’ franchise of the NFL. Admittedly 2013-2014 has been nothing short of a painstaking campaign, but let’s keep things in perspective. Following their 23-0 loss at the hands of superior (in every facet) Seattle, the Giants are guaranteed their first losing season since 2004. Bottom line: Jerry Reese must take on the unenviable task of cleaning up this dysfunctional roster and enhancing the overall talent level.
Good
The Giants defense put forth a winnable effort. They held the Seahawks 27 yards below their season average (327), this despite rarely being afforded more than three plays to catch their breath. The Jints sacked Fran Tarkenton Jr. Russell Wilson four times, hurried him on 12 other occasions, and the defense recorded 31 stops (plays resulting in offensive failure). Marshawn Lynch was limited to 47 yards on 16 carries, his lowest per carry average since October 28th. According to Pro Football Focus, Antrel Rolle earned a 1.3 run defense grade (5 stops) and rookie DT Johnathan Hankins graded out at 2.3 in 14 snaps against the run.
Wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan caught seven passes for 67 yards in the final 18:51 of game action. He showed some competency getting open in the slot, albeit, Seattle was in ultra-prevent mode. Jernigan showed courage going over the middle and withstood a massive hit on this reception:
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Bad
Victor Cruz suffered a concussion during the third quarter after coming down hard on the side of his helmet. Early reports indicate that he’s likely to miss the season’s final two weeks. Cruz caught two of seven targets prior to exiting.
The Giants longest offensive play from scrimmage was 20 yards (Brandon Myers, first quarter).
While Marshawn Lynch was a non-factor on the ground, he torched the Giants as a receiver out of the backfield with six catches (6 targets) for 73 yards (gains of 30 and 22).
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Pathetic
The Giants were shut out on their home field for the first time since September 4, 1995. Additionally, until yesterday they hadn’t been shut out twice in a season since 1996. Double whammy.
181 total yards (3.4 per play), 25 rushing yards (1.8 per rush), and 1/10 third-down conversions. Check out a brutally honest Tom Coughlin in his post-game presser —
Hakeem Nicks can’t disappear quickly enough. He caught one pass for five yards (5 targets), and he was Manning’s target on FOUR interceptions — getting outfought as usual on three 50/50 balls. Shrinking away from the challenge of aggressive corners is nothing new. His route running is beyond lackadaisical, he achieves zero separation and his overall effort can be best described as “half-assed”.
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Eli Manning threw four of his franchise tying worst five interceptions when under no pressure. When the protection broke down (frequently), Manning posted a 17.6 QB Rating. He was hurried 12 times, sacked four times and fumbled twice (David Diehl recovered both). RB Andre Brown was responsible for two sacks (-1.3 pass block grade).
Offensive line grades: LG James Brewer -1.7, C Kevin Boothe -3.6, RG David Diehl -3.5 and RT Justin Pugh -1.8.
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