The New York Giants need their offense to find its way, and fast.
With the Washington Redskins coming to East Rutherford this Sunday, and only Odell Beckham versus Josh Norman II has dominated headlines. This singular focus is for obvious reasons. Their feud dates back to an ugly, foul-filled game in 2015 and intensified over the summer after Norman signed with the ‘Skins.
Next: Odell Beckham's moment of truth
What’s interesting about the rivalry is the lack of regard each has for the other. In a time where fierce competitors are genuinely friendly before the game and don’t mind displaying it, these two don’t get along.
“He’s a good player. He’s a really good player. No hate whatsoever, man. The guy can play ball. I think the competitor in me likes that. Just a challenge to get up for that. He’s a good player.”
-Josh Norman
For his part, Norman prefers to leave the past behind him. In a post on NFL.com, he claims to have “moved on.”
Likewise, in a Sep. 21, 2016 USA Today post, OBJ calls winning his “biggest concern” when Norman’s name is broached.
You can bet there’s a level of gamesmanship in play. Neither will give up any advantage heading into Sunday. And that’s fine. Big Blue has much more to worry about.
Defense Stands Tall
Eli Manning and Victor Cruz still make plays when they matter most. Cruz’s fourth-quarter TD against the Dallas Cowboys, and 34-yard catch against the New Orleans Saints, sealed victories for the 2-0 Giants. If not for the defense, they wouldn’t have been in position to win either game.
Last Sunday, the offense failed to score a touchdown and committed three turnovers. Against Drew Brees, that’s usually a recipe for a blowout loss. Not for this Giants’ defense.
Johnathan Hankins blocked a field goal attempt that Janoris Jenkins returned 65 yards for Big Blue’s only TD. Brees threw for 263 yards, his lowest total since Week 12 of last season, and running back Mark Ingram gained just 30 yards. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s group held New Orleans to 288 total yards and 3 of 13 (23 percent) on third-downs.
Offensive Consistency
The offense, on the other hand, is still trying to establish chemistry with Beckham, dynamic rookie Sterling Shepard and Cruz. The potential is there (417 total yards vs. N.O.), but they’ve struggled sustaining drives in their first two games.
The defense has been able to carry the weight thus far, but the Giants can’t go to the well too often. They’ve scraped by the Saints and Cowboys by a combined four points. That won’t continue to go Big Blue’s way all season.
With the talent on offense, the G-Men must establish an identity and commit to it against the ‘Skins 28th ranked defense. McAdoo and offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan must do a better job putting their weapons in positions to succeed. Josh Norman can’t cover everyone.