Giants Avoid Goose Egg, 17-3 Baltimore Leads At Halftime

It’s been mostly Ravens thus far — but Corey Webster provided a much needed glimmer of hope for the Giants to end the half. After an interception from Eli Manning in the 2 minute drill, Webster turned right around and capitalized on an interception of his own that brought the Giants to within reach of the endzone with 30 seconds on the clock…. 3 plays and 3 points later the Giants head to the locker room to a 17-3 deficit at halftime, on the road in Baltimore.

Lots of incomplete passes from Manning so far, an inconsistent run game, poor blocking all around from the offensive line, and predicatable play calling have spelled disaster for the Giants this far. Here is a great example of what I mean where the Giants show promise but cannot capitalize on their opportunities:

"1-10-BAL 24(3:47) E.Manning pass short right to H.Nicks pushed ob at BAL 15 for 9 yards (C.Carr).2-1-BAL 15(3:18) A.Bradshaw right guard to BAL 15 for no gain (K.Gregg).3-1-BAL 15(2:39) A.Bradshaw right guard to BAL 15 for no gain (J.Johnson, T.Gooden).4-1-BAL 15(1:57) A.Bradshaw right guard to BAL 15 for no gain (R.Lewis, K.Gregg)."

That’s just unacceptable on so many levels at this point in the preseason, at this point in one’s career in offensive coordination, at this point on a team where power running is supposed to be the identity of the franchise… pathetic. Turned over on downs after a nice drive into the redzone failing to pick up short yardage, once again. No deception, no disguise, no execution…. no points.

It was downhill from there, and the game has been as depressing to watch as it looks from a quick glance at the scoreboard. Thank goodness it’s exhibition, because the Giants have a ways to go to get on track for the 2010 regular season.

Full report after the game, check back here later. Hopefully it will be better news with tales of redemption, excitement, and so forth.