The New York Giants fresh off one of the worst performances in recent history faced the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. Could the Giants recover from the errors the previous week? Did they learn anything? As it turns out, the sins of last week continue to haunt the Big Blue in the land of 1,000 lakes. While the Vikings played good, sound football, the Giants mutilated their own progress once again with penalties, turnovers and questionable play-calling.
Muffed Punt Return
Less than six minutes into game, the Giants forced Minnesota to punt out of their own end zone. Excellent field position was assured – or should have been. Instead, Harris muffed the punt and the Vikings recovered.
The fumble was the first indication that the Giants had not learned the lessons of the previous week. After that, we were assured that it would be a long, painful game.
Penalties
As happened against the Redskins, the Giants racked up the penalties, early and often. By halftime, it was reported on ESPN that they had already accrued five penalties for 58 yards; putting them on a track similar to the week before.
To call the performance frustrating would be an understatement. Giants’ fans expect their team to play smart. Above all, we demand that they do not cause penalties. Penalties only hurt yourself; leave that to the other guys. That ain’t Giants football.
Which Eli?
We’ve seen Good Eli – the king of forth quarter comebacks. We’ve seen Bad Eli – throwing multiple interceptions while trying to force a play. Never before have we seen Jumpy Eli – Throwing the Ball at the feet of receivers at any perceived (real or not) footsteps. But, that was what we got, Jumpy Eli.
Last week, when Eli was asked if the Vikings had his number, we got to see Funny Eli. No one has his phone number he quipped according to Fox Sports. Since we don’t see that version of Eli often, did the question strike too close to home for him? Judging by his jumpy play, ya gotta wonder.
At least four times in the first half, Eli threw the ball at a receivers feet, seemingly just to get rid of the ball quickly. Or perhaps he did not like how the play was developing and chose to get rid of it and save himself from being hit.
Okay, we get the noise in the U.S. Bank Stadium precluded getting plays called in from the sidelines. No worries though, the Giants have been preparing for this since the preseason. A thumping soundtrack boomed across the practice fields according to the N.Y. Times. Apparently they need to turn the volume up. That led to a miscue between Manning and Beckham for an interception.
Regardless, Manning was not smooth, poised or confident. That spells disaster when that Eli is on the field.
Bright Side
Despite concerns over ball security in the preseason – 5th round draft pick, rookie Paul Perkins offered a glimmer of hope. Just when the game seemed bleakest at the start of the forth quarter, Perkins ripped of a 67-yard play setting up the sole Giants’ touchdown of the night.
On a night of downers, frustrations and head-scratching, Perkins breathed life into an otherwise beaten team. Hope dared to creep onto the Giants’ sideline. Unfortunately, the Giants; high-light reel will be short – just this one play.