Well that was easy, wasn’t it? A nice 41-13 blowout of the Rams has the G-Men 2-0 and sitting atop the NFC East (since someone has to lose the Dallas/Philly game, unless they tie) and looking at the Cincinnati Bengals before the bye week.
For a period of time in the game it was a one possession football game. But, I don’t think any Giants fan was really ever worried about surrendering the lead or following behind given how easy the Giants were going down the field and how easily they were making stops on defense.
Eli Manning was simply outstanding, throwing for three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 20/29, 260 yard performance. Plaxico Burress had the most receiving yards and a TD for the G-Men, but it was Amani Toomer who Eli looked to constantly throughout the game after being somewhat non-existent in Week 1.
But the real story of the game for the Giants offense was Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw was left out of the loop in Week 1 against the Redskins and did not have one carry, but yesterday he appeared, and simply stole the show from Brandon Jacobs (15/93 yards) and Derrick Ward (8/58). Once Bradshaw came into the game he immediately had an impact as his two touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing) were what put the game officially out of reach for the Rams.
The defense simply dominated the Rams offensive line once again as six sacks, including two from Justin Tuck and Fred Robbins, kept Marc Bulger from making big plays as he seemed to be on the ground for the majority of the game. The Tuck interception, while a lucky play, was the first interception for the Giants this season and also a play (along with the Bradshaw TDs) that helped to put the game away late.
The G-Men return home this week to take on the Bengals at Giants Stadium as they look to go 3-0 before their bye in Week 4. It probably won’t be as lopsided of a victory as the game against the Rams, but it is hard for me to see the Giants being anything other than 3-0 a week from today.