Five Takeaways from New York Giants’ Win

Coaching Takeaways

Ben McAdoo is NOT Tom Coughlin, and two moments stood out against the Saints.  The first was the bypassed field goal attempt in the 1st quarter, to have a go at six instead of three points.  They didn’t convert the 4th down attempt, and McAdoo firmly established that Coughlin is going to stay retired.  In the Coughlin era, it was almost unheard of to consider passing up on three points. Even from the two yard line, a filed goal attempt was automatic under Coughlin. Points are scarce in the NFL, and hopefully McAdoo realizes that sooner rather than later.

The other stark departure from Coughlin’s tenure was the almost bizarre final seconds; seconds that saw grown men, playing a professional sport, readily give up an opportunity to pummel the football into the end zone. Yes, the decision is a smart, and ultimately rather timid decision, and it did result in no extra opportunities for Drew Brees. But the decision to look past the other unit on the team, fall to the ground for two consecutive plays, and put the game in the hands of a newly returned kicker, just doesn’t feel like a move Lombardi, Belichick, or even Coughlin would make.  It’s not necessarily an indictment against McAdoo’s coaching strategy, and maybe his strategy will be timid and submissive. However, the decision does show a strain of distrust in your team and your defense in particular.