Quick Returns – Week One
By Jack Harrold
New York Giants’ fans may need some medication to lower their blood pressure after Sunday’s game. Thankfully, Big Blue narrowly defeated the Dallas Cowboys 20-19. Here’s a quick recap of several items of note from the contest.
Bend-not-Break Defense is a real thing
One of the largest concerns this season was the defense. Last season, Micheal Eisen of Giants.com reported that the Giants lost six games of the 2015 season when they were either leading or tied at the two minute warning. It seemed that a repeat of those losses might have been in the works, but the Giants Defense held strong.
That was the story of the night. Dallas dominated the clock for an astounding 36:43 to New York’s 23:17 according to ESPN.com. Though the Cowboys managed to get into the Red-zone multiple times, they were only able to score one touchdown, having to settle for four field goals their other trips down field.
Significantly, Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnoulo was able to focus the retooled defense to key areas. They were able to hold the Cowboys to an average 3.4 yards rushing. Dez Bryant was held to a single reception worth only 8 yards. In short, the Giants’ defense took away the most potent weapons in the cowboys arsenal.
Someone ordered salsa
700 days we have waited for an answer.. Since his injury on October 12, 2014 there has been incredible speculation as to whether or not Victor Cruz would be able to return and how well he could perform. We got our answer in the form of our missed salsa dance.
For his part, Cruz looked amazing. He hauled in a few significant catches while in pretty good coverage. The best of these came on the touchdown where Cruz weaved through three defenders to get open before catching the pigskin in the back of the end zone.
I think I speak for the entire GMen fan-base when I say, “Welcome back Victor!”
The Rookies are for real
The NFL Draft is really a gamble. You never know until they get on the field if your picks will make an impact; and if that impact is good or bad. If this first game is any indication, the Giants’ rookies that stepped on the field were play makers.
Free Safety Darian Thompson was all over the field making significant stops. Sterling Shepard hauled in an amazing touchdown catch. Eli Apple’s coverage forced the Cowboys to look to other targets.
In short, each of the first three round picks found ways to make a positive impact on the field. They look to be the future of the franchise – and if this game is any indication, we’re in for a bright future!
Offense rushes everything
Please excuse the pun, I had to. The running-back-by-committee approach is gone. Rashad Jennings and Shane Vereen combined for 113 yards rushing, averaging 4.7 yards per rush.
Common thinking in football would have you believe that by establishing a running game, the passing game will open up, and vice-versa. This was certainly the case throughout the game. While Jennings and Vereen picked up yardage on the ground, receivers found ways to get open leading to some fast drives down field.
Though the time of possession was skewed to the Cowboys’ favor, the Giants were able to make the most of their possessions when it counted. Each trip to the red-zone ended with a touchdown.
More props go to Jennings who saved a possible turnover by pouncing on “The Duke” off of a poor pass from Eli as he was nearly sacked – keeping the game winning drive alive.
McAdoo has the locker room
The Giants won against Dallas on opening day for the first time in history. Though the entire team participated in the win, McAdoo clearly dictated the pace and strategy of the game. Our Giants’ players worked hard for him, never giving up. In fact, Eli Manning awarded the game ball to Coach McAdoo to the cheering of the entire locker room.
Catch more highlights on Giants.com.