- 15 rushes of 10+ yards up the middle (tied for 4th in league, 3rd in NFC)
- 4 fumbles rushing (tied 3rd in league, 2nd in NFC)
The success up the gut is thanks to Pro Bowl snub Weston Richburg paving the way. The Giants second-year center was exceptional at taking care of the defensive lineman in his vicinity then working to the next level to engage the linebacker.
Coach Coughlin was able to get Tiki Barber’s fumble-itis under control, so it’s no surprise his backs hold on to the ball.
- 27 sacks allowed (tied for 3rd in league, t-2nd in NFC)
- 74 QB hits allowed (7th least in league, 3rd in NFC)
Ben McAdoo’s offense is predicated on getting the ball out quickly, so any time Eli had to check off of his top two looks, it typically meant a sack or Eli (gasp) scrambling. Eli hates to run, so he’s prone to just throwing the ball at the nearest receiver’s feet. There were games when Eli had deep drops and that’s when he went down. With Odell, Eli doesn’t have to wait long to throw long. With an improved running game and some quality acquisitions on the O-line, the numbers will only get better.
- 102 penalties on offense (7th least in the league)
- 779 penalty yards on offense (2nd least in league)
Tom Coughlin is a disciplinarian and though many believe he “lost control” of his team (specifically Beckham in that Panthers game), his mantra didn’t lose its influence over the rest of the offense. Less holding calls, less personal fouls, less offensive pass interference. The delay of game infractions were the most annoying, but they only cost 5.
- +7 turnover ratio (only 7 fumbles lost, tied for 5th in league, t-3rd in NFC)