Once again Giants fans witnessed a game filled with bad decisions and inane turnovers as individual players seemed determined to give away any chance at winning.
Thankfully it was the Giants’ opponents making the mistakes this time.
The Redskins put up six turnovers as they were steamrolled by the Giants 31-7. The defense overwhelmed Donovan McNabb and co., while the offense was consistent and solid despite the number of injuries. And just in time for playoff watch, special teams is finally showing some life.
- As is important for any game, the Giants showed their enthusiasm immediately and kept it up throughout. Believe it or not, it was special team that got them going with a big 37-yard return by Danny Ware that set the offense up with great field position for their opening drive. On the flip side, special teams did not give up any big runs and had some quality tackles against kick returners. Matt Dodge also had one of his better games, including a 53-yard bomb to start the second quarter, and they partially blocked a punt, leading to a field goal. All in all, this was a positive game for special teams and, hopefully, means there are good things to come down the stretch.
- Both opening drives set the tone for the entire game, and it was the Giants who established control early. Despite the Redskins’ efforts to control the running game and force Eli to throw to his new receivers, the offensive line had a game plan of their own, and it included opening up huge holes for the running backs. Brandon Jacobs ripped off a 39 yard run on the second play from scrimmage, and had his first of two touchdown runs five plays later.
- The defense followed this impressive performance (the first touchdown scored by the Giants on their opening drive) with a big stance of their own. A face mask penalty and a sack forced a quick three-and-out , and the defense made sure the Redskins never got much of anything going throughout the game.
- Injuries continue to be a virtual non-issue. When the offensive line wasn’t creating holes for Jacobs and Bradshaw, they were keeping Eli’s jersey clean. The team has not given up a sack in five consecutive games now, and they show no signs of weakening at this point. With Mario Manningham well covered throughout the game, Eli showed his confidence in his arm and his receivers by spreading the ball around between Kevin Boss, Derek Hagan and Bear Pascoe, all three of whom stepped up in place of their injured teammates.
- But what I think is most impressive about this team is how the rest of the players have responded to these injuries. Guys like Pascoe and Hagan cannot be expected to have the same kind of production as Nicks and Smith, so the rest of the team has to know that they need to step up and support the offense. The defense has certainly done its part all season in winning games for the team. If special teams continues to improve, this team will be unstoppable, especially once the starters return.
- And of course, the big story of the game: turnovers. Usually it’s the Giants who refuse to protect the ball, but with one interception and no fumbles in two games, they are showing much more care and confidence in this area. The interception Eli threw in the endzone into triple coverage was pretty upsetting, but he made good decisions the rest of the game. All ball carriers protected the ball well, while the defense executed strong tackles that jarred the ball loose four times. Special shout out to Terrell Thomas who once again made big, game changing plays, including an interception in the end zone and a recovered fumble, and rookie Jason Pierre-Paul, who has two consecutive two-sack games and a recovered fumble.
All in all, this was a positive game for the Giants. It always feels good to beat a division rival at home. There are a lot of positives from which to grow. Next week they face a beatable, yet unpredictable and desperate Vikings team. Here’s hoping for continued improvement and confidence from our Giants!